What is referred to as an “accidental discharge” in firearms?

An "accidental discharge" refers specifically to a situation in which a firearm discharges unexpectedly due to mishandling. This can occur for various reasons, such as improper handling of the firearm, an unintentional pull of the trigger, or a lack of adherence to safety protocols. This type of event emphasizes the importance of firearm safety practices, such as keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, and ensuring that the firearm is properly secured when not in use.

Understanding this definition helps reinforce the critical nature of safe handling practices to prevent such incidents. In contrast, a misfire relates to a failure of the ammunition to fire when the trigger is pulled, a jam refers to a mechanical failure preventing operation, and an unintentional loading of a round is a separate issue concerning safety and preparedness, not an unexpected discharge.