[jurroppi1]

"This is the most basic of all gun safety rules: Always point a gun in a safe direction, especially when it’s cocked or being cocked! Period. End of story"

No, the most basic rule of gun safety is simply... Never point a gun at anything you don't want/intend to shoot!

[GilesB]

“Never point a gun at anything you don’t want/intend to shoot!”

While I agree with the concept behind the statement, it is not a rule that can really be followed. A gun is always pointing at something, and most of the time one is not intending to shoot.

Yes, a technical point, but still true. If I handle my weapon in my home, I don’t intend to shot anything, but I must still point the gun somewhere...I just make sure it is somewhere safe.

Maybe “Never point a gun at anyone you don’t intend to shoot” would be more accurate?