PSWA Panel on Weapons for Writers

Unfortunately, I didn't get a photograph of this panel. The participants were:

John Schembra, Rich Wickliffe, Dave Freeland, Mark Bouton and Ron Corbin. Mike Black moderated.


Mike began the panel by pointing out that Americans have a fascination for guns.

When one of the retired officers was in the LAPD, everyone carried a .38 special.
Detectives changed to Glocks.

These are the weapons that were described:  Smith and Wesson Semi-Automatic with 10 to 18 rounds.

Smith and Weston 357 Magnum

Shot Gun

45 Caliber pistols

FBI carried Glocks

Glocks are light and often carried by female officers

Officer learn to count the round.

Problems with movie and TV depictions:

A 2 oz. bullet doesn't fly through the walls.

Chambering rounds when there should have already been one in the chamber.

Poor weapon handling.

It only takes 2 seconds to empty an AR 15.

On the show 24, cellphones always has bars and a charged battery.

Guns still kick. There's a heavy drag on the first round.

Tailor the weapon to the character you are writing about.

When writing about a character in a different era be sure he/she carries the right weaon.

Not every police officer knows about every type of gun.

Police officers guns are inspected on a regular basis.

There is no safety on a revolver.

Mafia hits use 22s, the bullet bounces around inside someone.

This was an excellent panel--full of great information for writers.





Comments

Nancy LiPetri said…
Have to admit, this does fascinate me. Have enjoyed a shooting range as well as shooting a 22 at cans. Won't keep one in my house though. Always enjoy John Sanford's knowledge of guns in his books...but may do some fact checking on his, having read your post :)
This was a great panel. These guys are so knowledgeable. Thanks for commenting, Nancy.

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