Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Complications arise in the analysis of gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial region, when neither the projectile nor the gun is found at the crime scene. We simulated 5- and 15-cm firing distances at a human mandible to investigate the external morphology of entrance wounds based on fire range. The ammunition models, .40-caliber S&W, .380-caliber, and 9x19-mm Luger, were constructed with free-form NURBS surfaces. In a dynamic simulation, projectiles were fired against mandibular body 3D model at 5 and 15cm. All entrance wounds presented oval aspect. Maximum diameter and von Mises stress values were 16.5mm and 50.8MPa, both for .40-caliber S&W fired at 5cm. The maximum energy loss was 138.4J for .40 S&W fired at 15cm. In conclusion, the mandible was most affected by .40-caliber S&W and morphological differences were observable in holes caused by different incoming projectile calibers fired at different distances.622361368National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) of BrazilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)