NBC News recently published a detailed report highlighting the potential safety benefits of magazine disconnects in firearms. According to the report, “at least 277 people have been killed in gun accidents” since 2000 due to shooters mistakenly believing their weapons were unloaded after removing the magazine. This data was gathered from federal records, media reports, lawsuits, and public documents.
The report emphasizes cases where individuals were harmed by handguns believed to be unloaded. It cites incidents such as a college football player losing his leg in Kansas and a pregnant woman being shot accidentally in Michigan. NBC News attempted to contact several firearm manufacturers about incorporating magazine disconnects into modern handguns but received no responses except from Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Keane argued that not being able to operate a firearm if the magazine is dislodged could pose significant risks in self-defense situations.
NBC’s investigation relied heavily on data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), an organization known for its comprehensive collection of shooting data. GVA Executive Director Mark Bryant explained that their data comes from various sources including law enforcement and media reports. However, the accuracy of GVA’s data has been questioned due to its broad definition of mass shootings.
Bryant defended GVA’s methodology, stating that it provides an accurate picture of incidents where more than four people are shot. He also clarified that GVA is not anti-gun and emphasized their commitment to honest data collection.
The debate over magazine disconnects continues as some manufacturers like Fabrique Nationale opt out of including them in new models, such as their 21st Century High Powers. Kelly Young from NRA described this design choice as moving away from “antediluvian” safety features.
Lee Williams, chief editor at the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project, republished this analysis with permission.
