Remember that their are bipolar silicon transistors which have virtually no handling precautions except maybe storage temperature. Early transistors were germanium, but you don't see these anymore. Then their are FET's which are susceptible to ESD and finally MOSFETS which may be less susceptible to ESD. 2N3055, 2N3904, 2N2906, J174, IRF44 are suggested common numbers.
In some cases handling may require you to not put fingerprints on the leads due to the oils on your finger being corrosive.