In 1965 my dad gave me a new Remington Nylon 66 22lr rifle for my birthday. He taught me how to shoot it. He taught me the same safety principles listed above by several folks.
If I every pointed the muzzle at him, I got yelled at. If he was close, I got (lovingly) slapped in the back of the head. If I ever did not know the status of my weapon (round chambered or safety not being "on" when not prepared to fire downrange, I got the same medicine. I learned gun safety and basics principles like caring and maintenance for my gun. A bit strict on the methodology some might say. Looking back I don't think so. I learned dear lessons the easy way and not the hard way from a disastrous mistake.
Today, I still have by beloved Nylon 66 ....and I still 'feel' the great education my dad gave me in firearm care and safety.
