Aims-To describe characteristics of a series of people accidentally an
d deliberately killed by air powered weapons. Methods-Five cases of fa
tal airgun injury were identified by forensic pathologists and histopa
thologists. The circumstances surrounding the case, radiological exami
nation, and pathological findings are described. The weapon characteri
stics are also reported. Results-Three of the victims were adult men,
one was a 16 year old boy, and one an eight year old child. Four of th
e airguns were.22 air rifles, the other a.177 air rifle. Two committed
suicide, one person shooting himself in the head, the other in the ch
est. In both cases the guns were fired at contact range. Three of the
cases were classified as accidents: in two the pellet penetrated into
the head and in one the chest. Conclusions-One person each year dies f
rom an air powered weapon injury in the United Kingdom. In addition th
ere is considerable morbidity from airgun injuries. Fatalities and inj
uries are most commonly accidents, but deliberately inflicted injuries
occur. Airguns are dangerous weapons when inappropriately handled and
should not be considered as toys. Children should not play with airgu
ns unsupervised.