Help an ignorant person - how can I pistol discharge with a finger on the trigger? MP40 in particular.

[shootstraight78]

Let me admit that I don't carry, and after an NGD in my office a few years ago, I'm sort of paranoid. But I've never asked the question that has always been nagging me. How can you drop a pistol and have it discharge? Let me provide some context - I have an AR15 with a safety. It's never going to go bang if I drop it. I have a Mossberg - it won't go bang either. But my MP40... hmm. There is no "safety" like a switch per se'. I have a palm activated safety #1 and a trigger finger safety #2.

I admit I've been negligent in researching this, but what keeps me from racking the MP40 and tossing it in the air to test the weapon? I'd never do this of course, but how do those very subtle safeties prevent a discharge?

 

[Gixxer]

For context and clarity.... you are referring to an S&W M&P chambered in .40 correct?

Because this is an MP40

 

[jonsmith6391]

What's an NGD? Google was no help. Is it Negligent Gun Discharge?

 

[shootstraight78]

ngd - yes, negligent discharge.

Gixxer, you are correct, it's an S&W M&P chambered in .40

 

[wolfmanrogers]

You are worried about safety, but you don’t carry?

 

[Gingerbeard Man]

"If you do it consistently, it becomes less negligent." - Lao Tzu (probably)

 

[basstracker89]

I'm not well versed with the M&P, but I think it's close to the Glock. And I've carried and used one extensively, it has never been a problem. Just stay away from that Sig, they're having issues.....

 

[jonsmith6391]

How can you drop a pistol and have it discharge?

I believe the firing pin hits the primer and this is more so a design flaw or mechanical error than anything else.

what keeps me from racking the MP40 and tossing it in the air to test the weapon?

Common sense.

 

[shootstraight78]

I believe the firing pin hits the primer and this is more so a design flaw or mechanical error than anything else.

Common sense.

The M&P 40 was standard issue for the FBI, so I was told. Any firearm that has to be racked in a time critical situation, is useless. It's my understanding that most (all?) LEOs rack a round then replace it in the clip and then holster the weapon. But, again, I'm showing my ignorance.

Consider the context - the P320 is firing because it (a) has a round in the chamber and (b) clearly has an issue. That said, I have an M&P 40 with "built in safeties." One in the palm and one on the trigger. I'm just curious about the mechanics involved. And no, I'd never toss it into the air, but sometimes things get dropped. The airman in question slapped his 320 on the table...

 

[wolfmanrogers]

OMG