The review deals with scientific methods for determining shooting distance. The different procedures are explained, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The methods are divided into chemographical processes and spectroscopic techniques. Special emphasis is given to the methods proven to be especially useful in daily work, but methods used in basic research are briefly described as well. Furthermore, attention is paid to newly developed ammunitions. In addition, a survey is given on the chemical elements found in gunshot residences (GSR).