IT can happen to anyone....

[cobb]

My revolver fired at a precise time because I pulled the trigger, even though I did not intend it to fire at that exact instant. It is an unintended discharge, a negligent discharge, an accidental discharge, or what ever you want to call it.

Surprise break?

Yes, and since it is a game of time, wasted time and no more spares to miss with.

[BRIT_in_the_weeds]

My revolver fired at a precise time because I pulled the trigger, even though I did not intend it to fire at that exact instant. It is an unintended discharge, a negligent discharge, an accidental discharge, or what ever you want to call it.

Surprise break?

Ooops!............ My bad?

[plblark]

I've always considered a ND to be firing the firearm when unintended where someone could have been injured. Hence the Negligent title. The problem with ND's is that they just happen. You don't plan them, so the only way to mitigate their effect is rigorous and continual practice of the 4 rules. Any additional safety steps you can take are just icing on the cake. Think of it as blocking BOTH tires and using redundant Jack stands when jacking and working under a car. Sure, the jack itself and a single wheel blocked SHOULD cover it but why chance it?

Saying "I'll NEVER have a ND" is a bit presumptuous. It's impossible to prove but we all hope you're right.
Saying "There are two types of shooters; Those who have had a ND and those who haven't YET" is probably more realistic. It's a way of acknowledging Murphy, inattention, complacency, and etc. It's not excusing ANY of those things. Actually, I think it's an ongoing reminder that it can happen to ANYONE, so _I_ better follow all the rules all the time.

The other side of the YET statement is the profound effect a ND has on the shooter and those around him, even when no one is injured. I imagine it's a memorable moment and one that doesn't leave you.

All in all, I think the biggest contributing factor to ND's is complacency. Just plain not thinking, rote behavior like you've done hundreds of times before and then something goes wrong. The best medicine for that is good base practices, periodic reminders why they're important, and people good enough to tell you when you screw up. The REALLY important step in that scenario is the willingness to listen.

Confession time: I haven't had a ND yet. I've had a surprise break under controlled conditions, but nothing where one of the rules wasn't broken. What I HAVE done is break two rules at once. TRUST ME it was an eye opening experience. Cleaning guns. Multiple guns. With a buddy. They're all empty, right.... Well, except for the loaded revolver I started to sweep him with. You know, because it's unloaded. Not intentionally, mind you, just complacently moving one of the guns out of the way.... Time has never moved slower than the moment I realized what I was doing. It was like I couldn't stop that hand fast enough. Rules one and two were out the window but because I remembered rule 3, nothing bad happened. I even remember thinking about rule 4 before moving that particular gun. I was apologetic and the friend was gracious about it. But I still remember how it FELT to KNOW I had screwed up. I imagine that's the difference between those who have and those who haven't YET had a ND.

[Andrew Rothman]

Saying "I'll NEVER have a ND" is a bit presumptuous. It's impossible to prove but we all hope you're right.
Saying "There are two types of shooters; Those who have had a ND and those who haven't YET" is probably more realistic. It's a way of acknowledging Murphy, inattention, complacency, and etc.

Couldn't disagree more. As long as it is possible to accurately say, "I will NOT have an ND today," you can make it never. I'm will not acknowledge the supposed inevitability of Murphy, inattention and complacency; I'm actively combating them on a daily basis.

[plblark]

ever forgotten to signal a turn? zoned out while driving? looked away and ... oh crap where did THAT car come from?

maybe not yet, maybe never. One is provable, the other is conjecture.

aside: please bring power brick to work tomorrow.

[Pat]

Saying "I'll NEVER have a ND" is a bit presumptuous. It's impossible to prove but we all hope you're right.
Saying "There are two types of shooters; Those who have had a ND and those who haven't YET" is probably more realistic. It's a way of acknowledging Murphy, inattention, complacency, and etc. It's not excusing ANY of those things. Actually, I think it's an ongoing reminder that it can happen to ANYONE, so _I_ better follow all the rules all the time.

Or perhaps a fella could say that the one of the types would never admit to ever having an ND?

[plblark]

giving credit where it's due I'd say Andrew neither suffers from a lack of self confidence nor lies. If he'd had a ND, he'd own up to it. He's a pretty stand up guy.

[Pat]

But maybe he didn't consider it to be an actual ND...

giving credit where it's due I'd say Andrew neither suffers from a lack of self confidence nor lies. If he'd had a ND, he'd own up to it. He's a pretty stand up guy.

[deleted]

Safety First!
No live ammo in the classroom!

I have been in LE training classrooms where everyone had to prove that they did not have live ammo. All bags were opened and pockets checked. After being frisked a long piece of blue tape was placed on the front of our shirts for all to see.

I am curious if Chief Lam-Duck was trying to clear a stovepipe by raking his handgun downward against is holster. This would explain why he had the muzzle pointing at his foot. I have seen it done, but I do not endorse it.

[hammAR]

I am curious if Chief Lam-Duck was trying to clear a stovepipe by raking his handgun downward against is holster. This would explain why he had the muzzle pointing at his foot. I have seen it done, but I do not endorse it.

Maybe if he was one-armed, but usually a table or chair works better................