However the instructor did pound a few things into us that will keep you from getting killed or injured. Unload the weapon before you hand it to somebody. When somebody hands you a gun, make it safe by unloading it. NEVER point the gun at anyone, even if you think it isn't loaded.
Kind of basic.
I like this set of rules, because they tell you what to do, not what NOT to do.
1.) ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2.) ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3.) ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Injuries from accidental discharges can happen, but if one follows these rules, it is exceedingly rare, almost impossible, even with defective equipment. A common thread when looking at firearm accidents (that I have looked at) is that at least one of these is always violated, sometimes all three.
I don’t want to paint this kid in a bad way because we don’t know the info, but if the shooting wasn’t an intentional act, one or more of these was ignored.
A gun ain’t unloaded unloaded until you have removed the magazine and visually inspected the chamber(s).