What is an “accidental discharge”?

An "accidental discharge" refers to a situation where a firearm is unintentionally fired without the trigger being deliberately pulled by the user or without the user intending for the firearm to discharge. This situation can occur due to various reasons, such as a lapse in safety protocols, a mechanical failure, or mishandling of the firearm.

Understanding this definition is crucial for firearm safety, as it underscores the importance of handling firearms with caution and ensuring that safety features are engaged when not in use. The concept highlights the need for training in safe handling practices to minimize the risk of such events happening.

In contrast, other scenarios such as intentionally firing a firearm, mistakenly loading it, or experiencing a jam do not fall under the definition of an “accidental discharge.” Each of those scenarios involves different circumstances and intentional actions (or mechanical failures) that do not align with the concept of an accidental or unintentional event.