imported post
AMEN to the "negligent discharge" definition. I ALWAYS harped about it being IMPOSSIBLE for the Beretta M9 (92 FS) to go off accidently. I taught everyone that ever handed one in my presenceabout ALL the safety features of the pistol. The hammer block keeps the hammer from striking the "2-part firing pin" without a deliberate pull of the trigger. You can whack the hammer with a hammer all day long until the sear broke, but the firing pin would NOT hit the primer unless the trigger were pulled...
UNTIL I heard about an "accidental discharge" (AD)at one of my units. I was charged with conducting the investigation and recommending action to the CO. I found the "offending M9" to be in such poor condiditon that the AD was not only possible, but very likely. it was so dirty that the firing pin block was stuck in the UP position. I recommended severe punishment for the person responsible for weapons maintenance and requested I be a witness at his Article 15, if that was the CO's decision.
There was an accidental discharge (one of very few I had heard about over 22 years), but there was negligence involved, too. Negligent maintenance; or better put: CRIMINAL negligence if you ask me...
Take care of your firearms and they will take care of you...