Training a beginner to always treat a gun as loaded and ready to fire is not a bad way to start.
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
yup. Beginners are known to make mistakes though so a thumb safety and a loaded chamber indicator are two good things to look for in a gun a for a beginner. I love Glocks but my wife got a Taurus slim 709 for her first CCW piece because it had those features and because it felt right in her hand.