The focus is really on the indisputable fact that she pulled the trigger.
As part of the end of shift routine coming off duty, we were required to drop the magazine, eject the chambered round, check to see it was unloaded, and then, while pointing the weapon into a barrel filled with sand, pull the trigger. It was standard practice twice a day for a large number of MP on duty at Ft. Benning in 2002.
Being a nearsighted myopic four eyes, I check the chamber closely. I cannot casually glance at an open slide and see into the dark recesses with off handed assurance. I pay attention because it's not as easy as I would like.
Here's the issue - why are we pulling the trigger? If it's unloaded and on safe, leave the hammer back or striker cocked, right?
Some people think the springs will lose tension in storage if left under pressure.
If the chamber was NOT cleared, then a weapon would be stored with a round in the chamber, and other human beings who would think it should be unloaded would manipulate it and have a negligent discharge. They shouldn't - but it would happen anyway.
Therefore the protocol is to pull the trigger ensuring that any further handling of the firearm will be conducted with one that does not have a live round in it. And that pointing it in a safe direction while releasing the striking mechanism is necessary.
Now we go to, why unload it in the office? She didn't like it loaded. Is that a good time to do it?
How many of us have loaded and unloaded a firearm in the privacy of our own "quarters?" Almost all of us. It is, in fact, exactly the circumstances reported by Ruger that initiated the first recall on the LCP.
Looking at a lot of these situations, we can cry foul for saying it, but as long as humans handle firearms, IT HAPPENS.
We get reports almost weekly on it. It's discussed in threads, oops, somebody shot the toilet. The response should be a bit more enlightened than "Send that idiot to combat toilet training class!" The reality is that handling a firearm is complicated and we need to pay attention.
Motorcycle riders have acknowledged that it's not a matter of if you ever fall off a bike, it's when. Gun owners need to take a proactive view it's not a matter that you haven't had an ND, it's "Will you be doing all the right things when you do?"
Be careful casting stones in a glass house - firearms going off because the operator unintentionally mishandled them happens. All the time. Nearly every day, nationwide.
So, instead of copping an attitude about "It happens," what do you suggest would be even more safe than what we already do?
How do you absolutely ensure the chamber is empty and you can pull the trigger to lower the hammer? Or - should we all own decockers and avoid the hassle? Outlaw all SA guns with a thumb safety? How about we issue new P7's at the age of 21 to every citizen and require them to attend training until they demonstrate that they can't do it wrong, as some suggest?
That's not even going to happen. But ND's still would, regardless.
It happens. People have car wrecks, amorous couples become pregnant, and politicians get involved in scandals. It's a firearm, how much more difficult are you going to make it?
Your answer could very well be the new gun control law nobody wants.
I wonder what would happen if you or I did that. :banghead:
