Which of the following is NOT identified as a cause of negligent discharges?

• A. Startle effect
• B. Loss of balance
• C. Sympathetic grip
• D. Poor lighting

Answer: (D)

Negligent discharges come from how a firearm is handled, especially under stress or loss of control. A sudden startle can yank the trigger or throw the muzzle off target, leading to an unintended discharge. Losing balance disrupts stance and grip, making it easier to move the trigger or muzzle in unsafe ways. A sympathetic grip—where one hand reflexively tightens or shifts in response to the other—can alter finger placement or trigger pressure, causing an unintended discharge. Poor lighting affects visibility and awareness but isn’t a direct cause in this safety framework; it doesn’t by itself create the trigger or muzzle movement that defines a negligent discharge.