The professional activity of professor V.L. Popov is considered with special reference to the major achievements of himself and his disciples in the field of forensic medical ballistics. The essence of provisions formulated by V.L. Popov on the mechanisms of formation and extent of gunshot injuries is discussed with regard to their importance for the determination of the large shooting distance. V.L. Popov is the founder of the scientific and pedagogical school that was justifiably regarded as the largest in this country and remains as such. The main achievements of this school have been obtained in studies of gunshot injuries.