The Fundamental Rules for Safe Gun Handling

Courtesy of my friends at the NRA (that's National Rifle Association for those of you in Rio Lindo, California and I've added some of my own comments in parenthesis :-)

btw, I forgot to mention the other day that Ted Nugent is also a member of the NRA.

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
(When I was learning to shoot this rule was expressed as "Never point your gun at anything that you do not intend to destroy.")

2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
[During all the flap about Elian Gonzalez being seized by federal agents, a liberal showed me this photograph as evidence as Elian's mistreatment by the government. I was quite happy to point out that when you look at the picture you will notice the federal agent practicing this very important gun safety rule. And kudos to the agent for not shooting the moron that just popped a flash in his face. (but the moron did win a Pulitzer for the photo)]

3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

There is the "Big Three". Also very important are:

Know your target and what is beyond.
Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second. (If outside, just assume that your bullet will travel twice the distance that you think it could travel)
Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates.(This rule is still important for us "gun vets" anytime we're moving to a new class of weapon, or if it's been a long time since you've been on that type of weapon. I have several years experience with firearms but the first time I shot a semi-automatic pistol the range instructor said "Don't hold your gun like that - blood will corrode your gun." So now I hold that pistol correctly.)
Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. (Any good range will have a gunsmith on staff.)
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. (I know some folks will only use factory ammo to be extra safe but that's a personal choice. I checked out the cost and hassle of reloading myself and decided that it is safer and more cost effective for me to buy "target ammo" from a professional reloader.)
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. (I was taught this rule is "ALWAYS")
Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting. (Pet Peeve #1 - Morons who think that its a good idea to drink beer anywhere near a firearm. If this is you, do us all a favor, just go fishing instead so you'll only be a danger to yourself)
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. (Pet Peeve #2 - People who assume that I store all my guns loaded. That would be silly. I mean, come on, I only have two hands :-)
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
Cleaning Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely.
A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting.

Happy shooting!