Most, but not all, semi-auto firearms have a feature that locks back the action of the gun after the last round is fired. This prevents the trigger from operating. Thus, there is no way the gun can click when empty.
If the semi-auto firearm doesn't lock after the final round, the gun will click once when empty.
Manually operated firearms like pump-action shotguns and revolvers can click when they're empty because the shooter is cycling the action themselves.
Nothing says you haven't done your research like an anatomy mistake. Equipping a modern revolver with a magazine release or a Glock with a safety will result in a bad review every time.
Firearms come in a staggering array of configurations. If there are multiple firearms in play, it's easy to confuse which gun is equipped with what. I suggest creating a spreadsheet you can tack up on the side of your monitor, or keep open on your desktop, to help you keep track.
There's nothing that says PAY ATTENTION like racking a shotgun. Really, working the action of any firearm produces a clack-clack sound that's difficult to ignore. However, when you cycle the gun's action you are removing the loaded cartridge (live or spent) with a new one. So, if your character racks the slide to look tough one of two things happens. Either:
The same holds true if they cock the hammer to prove they mean business. Double action guns can fire from the hammer forward position just as quickly as they can with the hammer back.
Single action semi-auto pistols, if they're loaded, should be carried with the hammer back and on safe. So, disengaging the safety is a valid threatening move.
Single action revolvers (cowboy guns) must be cocked before they will fire. So, cocking the hammer is valid for this type of gun.
You see it happen in the movies all the time. A character gets shot and flies halfway across the room. This doesn't happen in reality. Bullets, shot, and slugs are designed to penetrate and cause damage. Thus, they don't transfer 100% of their energy to the target.
Even if they did, based on physics where every action has an equal and opposite reaction, if the gun was powerful enough to throw the target against the wall, the shooter would be thrown backward with the same force.
Describe the damage to the wounded character and leave the gymnastics to Hollywood.
No list of error is complete without the old clips and mags entry. But let me throw you a curveball. Okay we know that clips feed mags, and mags feed guns. And in your narration you should never confuse the two. HOWEVER!
Based on the nature and background of your character, you can use improper terminology in dialogue. Firearm novices and characters with a gang background can substitute the terms all you want. Just be sure to let the reader know that the misuse is deliberate.
"Dude, I'm out. Toss me a clip." His friend threw him a full magazine.
For more tips on writing about firearms, pick up your copy of Trigger Guard on Amazon.
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