The character, having been given the choice of a weapon, opts for a sword
rather than a gun, explaining that - at short range - a gun is an awkward
weapon, whereas a sword is a murderous terror.  I believe the author was
Heinlein, but have failed to find it.

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 09 Apr 2005 13:38 PDT

floridwriter,

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From "Glory Road" maybe?

Indeed, it is:
<quote>
A properly balanced sword is the most versatile weapon for close
quarters ever  devised. Pistols and guns are all offense, no defense;
close on him fast and a man with a  gun can't shoot, he has to stop
you before you reach him. Close on a man carrying a blade  and you'll
be spitted like a roast pigeon--unless you have a blade and can use it
better  than he can.      A sword never jams, never has to be
reloaded, is always ready. Its worst shortcoming  is that it takes
great skill and patient, loving practice to gain that skill; it can't
be taught to  raw recruits in weeks, nor even months.
</quote>

"Glory Road" - Robert A. Heinlein.

As a Heinlein fan, I'd have loved a chance to answer this.

My apologies.

I'll pose you another instead:  What was the name of the sword?

Ah, yes, the Lady Vivamus. 

Did you know that someone has brought her to life?

http://albion-swords.com/swords/albion/late/sword-vivamus.htm

Yes!  That was exactly what I was looking for.  Thank you so much!