[Poohbah]

Much of the criticism of the lone gunman theory rests on the "magic bullet" supposedly being in pristine condition.

That is the product of the conspiracy theorists showing you only a side view of the bullet. A base view, especially when done side-by-side with a truly pristine Mannlicher-Carcano bullet, shows just how much damage was done to it--one side (the side opposite the good side that's always shown by the conspiracy types) is completely flattened, and the curvature on the good side is somewhat distorted (which isn't evident in a side-on shot with no perspective).

Additionally, the theorists misplace Connally in the car--they assume that he was sitting at the same level and directly in front of Kennedy. Actually, he was slightly lower and a bit to the left. When put Connally in his true position, the bullet path through both bodies lines up much better.

Also, the "Jack Ruby" aspect of the conspiracy theory falls apart when you look at the timing of his arrival at the jail--if Oswald hadn't asked for a sweater, Ruby would have gotten to the jail five minutes AFTER Oswald was transferred.

One additional point: Ruby was kind to animals, especially to his dog (this was attested by all of his friends). He left his dog in his car before going to the Western Union office, and taking a side trip to the jail. If he'd willfully intended to shoot Oswald at the time, he wouldn't have left that dog in the car.

[cookcounty]

Also, the head shot and neck shot were about 5.5 seconds apart. Unless these were shots #1 and #3, there is no requirement that Oswald get off "three shots in less tham 6 seconds."

[IndyTiger]

Additionally, the theorists misplace Connally in the car--they assume that he was sitting at the same level and directly in front of Kennedy. Actually, he was slightly lower and a bit to the left. When put Connally in his true position, the bullet path through both bodies lines up much better.

Excellent post. Connally was in the jump seat in front of JFK and was probably 6 or 8 inches lower. Also, the entrance wound scar on Connally's back was oblong and about one inch long, which could have only happened if the bullet was tumbling. Reason for the tumbling? It passed through the tissue of JFK's neck first, without striking any bone.