A man working for the National Rifle Association accidentally shot himself during a training session.

The incident took place at the pro-gun group’s headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia.

The unidentified 46-year-old, who worked at the NRA’s museum, was holstering his pistol when it discharged, police said.

The man suffered a minor wound to his leg and was taken to hospital for treatment, NBC Washington reported.

Police do not expect to bring charges.

The NRA claims gun safety is “paramount” and boasts its training is the “gold standard” for learning about the safe operation of firearms.

But the latest incident has drawn criticism from gun control advocates, who used it to mock the NRA’s uncompromising pro-gun stance.

MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza Show all 4 1 /4 MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza NRA-AP.jpg Medea Benjamin, of Code Pink, is led away by security as she protests during a National Rifle Association press conference AP MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza NRA-Getty.jpg National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre during the December 21 press conference GETTY MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza 24.getty.jpg A demonstrator from the anti-war group CodePink holds up a banner as LaPierre speaks to the press Getty Images MORE guns in schools: NRA’s plan to thwart the next Lanza NRA.jpg Getty Images

The group has lobbied hard against efforts to regulate gun ownership in the US, even after mass shootings have taken place.