Quoted:
OK Folks, help me understand accidental discharge. How much of a concern is it?
An accidental discharge is one caused due to a mechanical failure. Very rare.
A Negligent discharge is one caused due to operator error. Fairly common.
Quoted:
I have a CCW permit and I some times carry a
S&W Airweight wheel gun. It is *Hammerless and *Strictly Double
Action. One thing I like about the weapon is the safety aspect. Seems
to me the weapon will not fire without putting a lot of force (and
intension) on the trigger. Since it is hammerless, I can't figure out
how it can accidently discharge. Is it safer or am I kidding myself?
An accidental discharge would be next to impossible with this firearm design.
A negligent discharge would be due to having your booger hooker on the bang switch.
Quoted:
I also have a Makarov and a Sig Sauer single action / double action
automatic. If the weapon slipped out of my hand and fell to the
ground, about 2 or 3 feet, and say it landed on the hammer - I can see
how bad things could happen and the gun could discharge. Am I Right or
way off base?
As to the Makarov I'm unsure. However for the Sig it would be a on issue as the design incorporates a firingpin block that is only released when the trigger is pressed fully to the rear.
Quoted:
Also: I had a gun talk with some law enforcement
old timers awhile back. They told me how they used to carry the M1911
45 cal. automatic on the job. Clip in the magazine, round in the
chamber, Hammer fully cocked, weapon in the holster, holster on their
hip, day in day on the job. Just normal operating procedure. Being a
non gun person that sort of thing seems really dangerous. Like a gun
accident waiting to happen.
People fear what they do not understand.
Originally
Posted By Ltlabner:
Actually you have it backwards. For a true 1911 style, having the
hammer down (on a loaded chamber) is very dangerous. In that case a
round could be discharged if the hammer is struck with force.
Actually while possible the risk of this scenario is very very improbable. The greatest risk is the firearm discharging when your thumb slips off the hammer while lowering it, a known and recognized hazard.