Abstract
Despite technological advances, ballistic literature in the 20th century remains replete with errors, misconceptions, half truths, and false representations. In the majority of the literature, there has not been a deliberate attempt to distort or misrepresent the facts but rather a reliance on myth and misconception. It is this author's goal to impart a sound, scientifically supported overview of gunshot wounds and their mechanism of injury. In doing so, critical care nurses can care better for individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and more effectively assist the criminal justice system.