What gun was used to kill jfk?

The Mysterious Death of JFK: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Gun That Killed Him

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, is one of the most significant and enduring mysteries in American history. Theories and conspiracy theories have been swirling around the event for decades, with many wondering what gun was used to kill the 35th President of the United States. In this article, we will delve into the evidence and explore the possibilities.

What Gun was Used to Kill JFK?

The Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and used a **6.5mm Italian Carcano Model 1903 rifle to fire three shots from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas, Texas. This rifle was later found on the sixth floor, along with a package of Cuban cigars and a pocketful of cash.

Oswald’s Rifle

The Carcano rifle is a bolt-action rifle manufactured in Italy between 1903 and 1945. It is a common misconception that Oswald used an Enfield rifle, which was the standard-issue rifle for the British military during World War II. However, the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald’s rifle was a Carcano after analyzing the rifle’s firing pin and the bullet holes in the president’s limousine.

The Ballistic Evidence

The Warren Commission’s conclusion was largely based on ballistic evidence, including:

• X-rays of the bullet: The commission analyzed X-rays of the bullet that struck President Kennedy’s head and determined that it was fired from a rifle with a shorter barrel than the Enfield.
• Bullet holes: The commission examined the bullet holes in the limousine and determined that they were consistent with a Carcano rifle.
• Firing pin mark: The commission analyzed the firing pin mark on the bullet and determined that it was consistent with a Carcano rifle.

Conspiracy Theories

Despite the Warren Commission’s conclusions, many conspiracy theories have emerged over the years, claiming that Oswald was not acting alone and that other individuals or organizations were involved in the assassination. Some of these theories include:

• Grassy Knoll Shooter: Some believe that there was a second shooter on the "grassy knoll" in Dealey Plaza, who fired a shot that hit Kennedy from the front.
• CIA/FBI/Cuban/Communist Conspiracy: Others believe that the CIA, FBI, Cuban government, or Soviet Union were involved in the assassination.
• Magic Bullet Theory: Some believe that the Warren Commission’s conclusions about the single bullet were flawed and that there must have been multiple shooters.

Recent Developments and Reevaluations

In recent years, some new evidence and reevaluations of the original evidence have shed new light on the assassination. These include:

• New Forensic Analysis: In 2013, a team of forensic experts reanalyzed the evidence and concluded that the bullet that struck Kennedy’s head was fired from a different angle than previously believed.
• New Photographs: In 2017, new photographs emerged that appear to show Oswald holding a Carcano rifle on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building.
• NRA’s Ballistic Tests: In 2013, the National Rifle Association (NRA) conducted ballistic tests that concluded that the Carcano rifle could have fired the shots that killed Kennedy.

Table: Comparison of Ballistic Evidence

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Lee Harvey Oswald used a 6.5mm Italian Carcano Model 1903 rifle to kill President John F. Kennedy. While some conspiracy theories remain, the overwhelming evidence points to Oswald as the lone gunman. The Warren Commission’s conclusion has been supported by recent developments and reevaluations of the evidence. It is essential to separate fact from fiction and rely on credible sources when exploring this complex and controversial topic.