As it has been proved many times, a cartridge dropped into a fire will not explode with sufficient force to cause the bullet to make more than a bad bruise on impact.
A blue NIGHT time sky. Obviously filmed in daylight with a filter to darken the scenes. Just does NOT work. The sky at night is ALWAYS black. The director should have filmed at night with flood lights. That works better.
A Ford LTD station wagon parked in front of hotel lobby is a 1973 model (wraparound turn signal indicators in the front and massive bumper).
Leaphorn's only ammunition is in his service revolver. A police officer would have more than 6 rounds on his person.