While Bob Brister never worked in the gun trade, I expect he may have fired more shots at moving pattern targets than pretty much anyone.

Most writers don't have "their own product" to promote. And rumors to the contrary, are not given guns as gifts by manufacturers or importers in return for some positive press. Most of the time, we can buy the gun we're sent for field test and review at a fairly attractive price . . . but it's a long ways from free.