Fatal gunshot wounds from black powder weapons, examined at the Kraków Forensic Medicine Institute

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Black powder weapons include firearms manufactured before 1885 and their modern replicas. They use black powder instead of smokeless one and in Poland they are completely legal to possess and carry, even without a permit. The study aimed to examine cases of fatalities caused by black powder weapons recorded at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków and compare them to deaths resulting from conventional firearms. A review of autopsy reports and photographic documentation from January 2012 to December 2025 was conducted. Moreover, data regarding gunshot wounds and the circumstances surrounding these fatalities were collected. Out of 16,315 autopsies performed, 144 involved firearm-related fatalities, including 13 cases attributed to black powder weapons (9.0%). Homicides accounted for 38.5% (n = 5) of cases involving black powder firearms, compared to 19.1% (n = 25) for other firearms. Notably, no female firearm suicides were recorded. The findings indicate that black powder firearms are used in both homicides and suicides, making up a considerable proportion of firearm-related fatalities, particularly in Cracow. Compared to conventional firearms, black powder weapons show a higher homicide-to-suicide ratio. These findings highlight the need to reassess their legal status in Poland, as easy access may facilitate their use in homicides.