<P> An accidental discharge (AD) may occur when the trigger of the firearm is deliberately pulled for a purpose other than shooting--dry - fire practice, demonstration, or function testing--but ammunition is unintentionally left in the chamber . Unintentionally leaving a firearm loaded is more likely to occur when the individual handling the gun is poorly trained, and perhaps also with removable - magazine - fed firearms (as the magazine may be removed, giving an unloaded appearance even when a round remains chambered--see discussion of magazine - safeties below). </P> <P> A second common cause of negligent discharges is when the gun - handler places their finger on the trigger before they have decided to shoot . With the finger so positioned, many activities may cause the finger to compress the trigger unintentionally . For example, if one attempts to holster the firearm with finger on trigger, the holster edge will drive the finger onto the trigger, and discharge is likely . If one stumbles or struggles (with an adversary) with finger on trigger, the grasping motion of both hands will likely cause the trigger finger to compress the trigger . </P> <P> Gun safety rules recognize the above possibilities, and aim to prevent them . The primary firearm safety rule usually listed by any source is a version of "Always keep the gun pointed in safe direction ." Following this rule ensures that, should an accidental discharge occur, no harm will be done . Second, one's finger should remain outside the trigger guard until the decision has been made to fire the weapon; even if (some would say especially if) one is facing a hostile adversary and has to be prepared to fire at a moment's notice, keeping the finger out of the trigger - guard until one has decided to shoot will prevent an accidental shooting . </P> <P> When a firearm is not in use, storing it unloaded and in a separate container from ammunition may also help prevent accidental discharges, especially if the stored firearm is "accessed" by an unauthorized user . </P>

Can a gun go off on its own