Introduction. For homemade firearm, as well as for blank pistol, tear gas gun
or cap pistol, that are adapted to use as firearm, there is a commonly used
term - zip gun. Presented zip gun is one of the simplest crude homemade
firearms that was found among reviewed articles. Case report. We present a
case where a young man committed suicide by using a very simple, crude zip
gun. The iron tube was used as a barrel. At one end of the iron tube a
hunting cartridge was inserted. That end of the tube was closed by iron
cylinder with a screw breaching through the center. The decedent was holding
the metal tube i.e. the barrel in left hand. He was holding a hammer with his
right hand and trying to hit the head of the screw which was, in this case,
used as a firing pin. Conclusion. Authors would like to emphasize the
importance of thorough investigation and detailed documentation of the crime
scene. Particular attention is needed in cases were unusual metal or other
parts can be found at the scene from witch a crude homemade gun can be made.
We also emphasize that, because of the low power of these kind of firearms
and possibility of surviving the shot, if the vital structures are not
damaged, an urgent and adequate medical intervention could save the injured
persons life.