Standards in Journalism

I know that standards in journalism are not what they once where but this is just ridiculous. In an article on guns seized by police in London (in an area where gun crime had gone up 44% despite a complete ban on handguns) "journalist" Ben Ashford reports on a Beretta .9 millimetre. That's right- point nine millimetre. Now, I understand that some people have no idea about guns whatsoever but surely even the most hoplophobic person in the world must have some comprehension of scale. Point nine millimetre.

Ben Ashford, our firearms expert, goes on to tell us about the "deadly" Beretta, standard issue to the US Marines (not just the US Army, you understand, but Marines)-

"the Beretta cal-9 Parabellium is the standard issue weapon of the US Marines. They are rarely found this side of the Atlantic, but cops fear more are entering the country."

How hard would it have been for Ashford to walk into his local Waterstones and go pick up a gun book and find the entry for the Beretta 92? Don't journalists do research anymore? Reminds me of an article I saw in lad's mag Loaded not so long ago where they referred to a "Glock .17". Aren't editors and the like supposed to check for simple factual errors? I think this says a lot about the current state of the press and it makes me wonder, just what other errors are they making?

Hat tip to War on Guns for the link.