What is the main visual indicator of a 'distant' shot wound?

In firearms injuries, the distinction between types of gunshot wounds is often made based on the characteristics of the wound and associated findings. A 'distant' shot wound refers to a gunshot wound from a distance greater than a few feet (typically more than three feet). The primary visual indicator of such a wound is blackening, or the presence of soot and other combustion products, which can be found around the wound.

When a gun is discharged from a distance, the gases and particles produced during the firing of the weapon have dispersed sufficiently by the time they reach the target, resulting in minimal or no blackening around the wound. This is in contrast to close-range wounds, where blackening occurs because the hot gases and residue are deposited directly onto the skin.

Tattooing, which consists of small, punctate abrasions, typically occurs in close-range or intermediate-range wounds where the gun is fired within about three feet to twelve inches from the target. Wiped discoloration can happen when a surface is wiped or cleaned but is not a primary indicator of shot distance. Grooving is a feature sometimes associated with the barrel characteristics or mechanical interactions but does not serve as a primary indicator of shot distance.

Thus, the characteristic of blackening effectively signifies that