Gunman’s Vantage Point and Preparations Opened the Way for Mass Slaughter
The possibility that Mr. Paddock used tripods, which two law enforcement officials said were in the room, indicates that he understood how to overcome some of the difficulties of his plan. Special mounts designed to fit the underside of a rifle and sit atop camera tripods allow the gunman to fire more accurately while standing. Military snipers use tripods in urban spaces, often setting themselves back from a window so neither they nor their weapons can be seen from the streets below.
.. When the gunshots started, videos showed, those in front of the stage dropped to their stomachs — often an adequate first measure when under fire. But on Sunday night, the decision potentially put them at greater risk.
.. at least 16 rifles, ranging from .308 to .223 caliber, and a handgun were retrieved
.. Ammonium nitrate was found in Mr. Paddock’s car in Las Vegas, the sheriff said, but he did not say how much was recovered.
.. Sustained rapid fire is difficult to control and causes many weapons, especially light weapons, to overheat quickly.
.. Nevada, unlike some states, has no laws limiting ammunition magazine capacities.