The majority of the time that's correct. It all depends on the gun. An AK has that free floating firing pin which has been known to discharge accidently, when dropped, etc. AS I recall some of the older 1911's will whereas Glock is built differently.
I don't mean this to sound callous when asking "what kind of gun?" At 19 years old my gut says if he purchased it that gun wasn't a brand new piece, ya know?