Animal models in gunshot injury studies: A scoping review of model selection and quality assessment in ballistic research

This scoping review aimed to identify the experimental models used to simulate gunshot injuries, assess the quality of the available evidence, and discuss their implications for forensic practice. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and the Virtual Health Library) up to January 2026. Eligibility criteria included studies employing animal models and tissue surrogates to investigate gunshot injuries, with no restrictions on publication date or language. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, data charting methods involved extracting study characteristics, types of animal models or simulants utilized, experimental objectives, and methodological reporting quality, which were subsequently qualitatively synthesized. Of the 29 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 26 studies were included in the final analysis. The predominant models utilized were porcine and bovine tissues, which successfully reproduced key morphological features of gunshot wounds. However, recurrent methodological limitations and high heterogeneity were identified across the literature. Notably, only one of the included studies adhered to standardized reporting frameworks such as the ARRIVE guidelines. While animal models are highly valuable for understanding projectile-tissue interactions and wound morphology, the current methodological variability compromises the interpretation and reconstruction of forensic ballistic events. The development and consistent application of appropriate guidelines are essential to enhance the reliability, reproducibility, and forensic applicability of experimental ballistic studies. Key points.