Gregory Kielma • August 6, 2024
Billionaires Laura and John Arnold – through Arnold Ventures, a Houston-based for-profit corporation are Anti Gun and funding Flawed Research
Laura and John Arnold
Billionaire Backing Biased Anti-Gun Research
“In this world, you get what you pay for,” said Kurt Vonnegut in Cat’s Cradle, his fourth novel. And when billionaire philanthropists are involved, Mr. Vonnegut is more than right. Nowadays, billionaires get exactly what they pay for.
An investigation by the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project reveals how a former Enron trader and his wife are quietly paying millions of dollars every year to colleges, universities, think tanks and other groups for biased anti-gun research, which is then cited as gospel by the corporate media and used as propaganda by anyone who wants to infringe upon law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
Billionaires Laura and John Arnold – through Arnold Ventures, a Houston-based for-profit corporation the couple founded to “proactively achieve social change” and their nonprofit, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation – are quietly bankrolling research that promotes and supports their radical anti-gun views. Their Foundation has more than $3.5 billion in assets.
Despite their predilection to work in secret, the couple’s actions have not gone unnoticed.
“Arnold Ventures is the gun control backer most Americans have never heard of. They quietly work behind the scenes, unlike Michael Bloomberg. However, their influence on trying to shape gun control policy rivals that of the biggest backers of antigun efforts. They regularly donate money to think tanks and academia to propel biased research into the policy arena. Arnold Venture’s philanthropic outreach sounds well-intentioned, but they’re serving up snake oil when they peddle firearms as a disease,” Mark Oliva, public affairs director for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said last week.
The Arnolds’ massive financial clout creates an unholy alliance between grantor and grantee. Their paid researchers publish findings that support the couple’s views, or they risk the cash spigot being turned off and the loss of millions of dollars to their organization.
When it comes to their donations, it is clear who determines where the money goes.
“Laura and John established the Laura and John Arnold Foundation in 2010. They believe philanthropy should be transformational and should seek through innovation to solve persistent problems in society. As co-founders, Laura and John actively engage in the organization’s overall direction and daily execution,” the group’s website states.
John Arnold started as a trader for Enron, according to Influence Watch. He quit before the company imploded and was never accused of wrongdoing. In addition to gun control, the couple supports health care reform, criminal justice reform, prison reform and several nonprofit media groups.
The RAND Corporation is a major recipient of the Arnolds’ funding. RAND now maintains a gun-policy page. Much of their research is sponsored by the Arnolds.
According to the Laura and John Arnold Foundation’s 2022 IRS form 990, the couple paid RAND at total of $2.8 million, of which $1.7 million was for anti-gun research, including:
• $1,261,269 “to conduct research on how to reduce gun violence.”
• $99,000 “to support the first national conference on gun violence prevention research.”
• $89,000 “to support a convening relating to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Bruen case.”
• $283,546 “to provide objective information about firearm violence and how state laws reduce or exacerbate this violence.”
That same year, the couple paid more than $1.8 million for anti-gun research from other groups, including:
• $28,040 to the National Opinion Research Center “to support the NORC expert panel on reducing gun violence and improving data infrastructure.”
• $219,122 to the University of California at Berkeley “to evaluate the advance peace gun violence reduction program.”
• $1,065,933 to Princeton University “to develop a research infrastructure that helps cities better understand and respond to waves of gun violence.”
• $475,093 to the University of Maryland “to support the center for study and practice of violence reduction.”
In total, the Foundation donated more than $185 million, according to their 2022 IRS Form 990.
Arnold Ventures public relations director, Angela Landers, declined to be interviewed for this story, arrange an interview with the Arnolds or discuss the gun-control research they funded. Instead, Landers chose to send a written statement, which is unedited and reprinted in its entirety:
“Philanthropy can play a unique role in supporting research regarding the impact of many public policies, including those related to gun violence. In this instance, Arnold Ventures partnered with RAND Corp., a nonpartisan and widely respected research institution, to conduct scientific research that offers the public and policymakers a factual basis for developing fair and effective gun policies in the interest of public safety. Sound research is an important part of building evidence-based solutions,” Landers said in her statement.
RAND’s Response
While there were infrequent gun-related projects over the years, the RAND Corporation as a whole did not research “gun violence” until 2016, when there was a mass-shooting near their California office, according to Andrew R. Morral, PhD, a senior behavioral scientist at RAND and the Greenwald Family Chair in Gun Policy.
“A lot of our staff were rattled by it, as were RAND trustees and friends of RAND,” Morral told the Second Amendment Foundation last week. “They contacted our president and asked what we were going to do about it.”
RAND set aside some internal funds because the work was not yet sponsored and investigated, Morral explained. In 2018, they released their first tranche of research.
“Arnold Ventures picked it up and has funded us since then,” he said.
Today, Arnold Ventures is RAND’s largest sponsor of gun-control research. Together with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the two groups pay RAND more than $1.5 million annually, Morral said. Federal grants from the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Justice provide additional “gun-violence” research funding.
None of RAND’s estimated 1,900 employees are researching gun-control full time, Morral said. Although he estimated between six to eight staffers are studying gun-control topics “as part of their research portfolios.”
Morral denied that Arnold Ventures or any other donor interfered with their research.
“We are very careful to not allow that to happen,” he said. “We haven’t experienced any pressure and we have not been asked to share our findings with Arnold Ventures or any other sponsor. We aren’t held accountable for producing results in a certain direction. Our donors, generally, are interested in us being neutral and objective, which is part of the reason they came to RAND.”
Still, Morral acknowledged that their sponsors can use their research however they see fit.
“We realize it’s used for advocacy, of course. We’re producing scientific results. We can’t control how they’re used. People will use that in a variety of ways. Our results are used by both advocates for more restrictive gun laws as well as advocates for less restrictive gun laws.”
Morral said RAND takes no position on the right to keep and bear arms. “We don’t have policy positions on that or on gun laws or anything else,” he said. “We don’t advocate. We don’t do any advocacy.”
However, it is RAND’s opinion and Morral’s that “gun-violence” constitutes a public health crisis.
“I certainly think there’s a crisis in terms of the number of people dying and being injured each year,” he said. “The numbers are high enough to call that a crisis.”
RAND, Morral said, stands by the validity of their gun-violence research, “subject to the limitations reported in our reports. All research has limitations, and we try to be upfront about that,” he said.
RAND’s position on two frequent gun-control targets is clear, concise and published on its website.
• Concealed-carry laws increase homicides rates: “Evidence shows that concealed carry laws – when states implement more permissive concealed carry laws, there’s a small increase in homicide rates. Our own research has found evidence of that – some suggestive evidence,” Morral said.
• Stand-your-ground laws increase homicide rates: “The current evidence is that when states implement stand-your-ground laws, firearm homicide rates increase,” he said.
RAND researchers published a report last Wednesday, which was funded by Arnold Ventures and a National Institute of Health grant, titled “State Policies Regulating Firearms and Changes in Firearm Mortality.”
Morral was one of the scientists involved in the project.
The objective was to estimate the effects state firearm policies have on gun-related deaths. The researchers examined six policies: “background checks, minimum age, waiting periods, child access, concealed carry, and stand-your-ground laws.”
The findings were mixed. Child-access prevention laws can reduce gun deaths by 6%, and stand-your-ground laws can increase firearm deaths by 6%, the authors claimed.
“Our finding that most of these individual state-level firearm policies have relatively modest and uncertain effect sizes reflects that each firearm policy is a small component of a complex system shaping firearm violence. However, we found that combinations of the studied policies were reliably associated with substantial shifts in firearm mortality,” the authors noted.
All of the authors – Terry L. Schell, PhD; Rosanna Smart, PhD; Matthew Cefalu, PhD; Beth Ann Griffin, PhD and Morral – work for RAND at either its Santa Monica, California, or Arlington, Virginia, offices.
All of the authors except Morral disclosed conflicts of interest: “Dr Schell reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism during the conduct of the study. Dr Smart reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures and the National Institutes of Health during the conduct of the study. Dr Cefalu reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures during the conduct of the study. Dr Griffin reported receiving grants from Arnold Ventures during the conduct of the study. No other disclosures were reported.”
The authors claimed that neither Arnold Ventures not the NIH exercised any control of their work.
“The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication,” the report states.
RAND’s NIH Grant of $790,100 was awarded Sept. 25, 2020, and is ongoing.
“Don’t Get Mad About Guns …”
Three months ago, the Trace – the propaganda arm of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun empire – announced they were creating a Gun Violence Data Hub, which would “help journalists access data on one of America’s most critical – and opaque – public health crises.”
“The Data Hub is a multiyear project to increase the accessibility and use of accurate data on gun violence in journalism. Its team of editors, reporters and researchers will proactively collect and clean datasets for public distribution, write and share tip sheets, and serve as a resource desk to other newsrooms, assisting journalists in their pursuit of data-informed reporting,” the Trace reported.
Arnold Ventures was one of the Data Hub’s top sponsors.
To be clear, Arnold Ventures has radical anti-gun views. The group believes “firearm violence” constitutes a public health crisis. “Gun violence,” it claims, has become the leading cause of death of “young people,” not children, the group states on its website. By referring to young people rather than children, they can include 18- to 20-year-olds in their data set to make the numbers work.
Arnold Ventures wants to bridge the gap in anti-gun research, which they say was created by the 1996 Dickey Amendment, which prohibits the federal government from conducting anti-gun research.
Don’t Get Mad About Guns — Get Funding for Research, the group offers on its website.
“It isn’t enough to get mad about gun violence,” Asheley Van Ness, Arnold Ventures former director of criminal justice, wrote in The Houston Chronicle.“Change starts with adequate funding for research, or else policymakers may end up spending time and money on programs that simply don’t work.”
In 2018, to streamline its funding efforts, Arnold Ventures launched the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research (NCGVR). Its mission is to “fund and disseminate nonpartisan, scientific research that offers the public and policymakers a factual basis for developing fair and effective gun policies.”
“At Arnold Ventures, we use our resources to confront some of the most pressing problems facing our nation,” Arnold Ventures President and CEO Kelli Rhee stated on the group’s website. “Five years ago, we, like many others, recognized that our understanding of gun violence was suffering from a severe lack of investment in research, and we joined together with our partners to try and fill some of the gap. While more investment from both public and private entities is undoubtedly needed, the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research has made significant progress in building the gun policy evidence base.”
Since 2022, the NCGVR has issued more than 50 grants, including “13 dissertation research projects and seven post-doctoral research fellowships, as well as awards for large new studies on domestic gun violence, officer-involved shootings, harms to firearm owners associated with gun laws, gun suicides, gun policy analysis and urban gun violence.”
Arnold Ventures chose RAND to administer the NCGVR, and RAND put Morral in charge. Today, Morral co-leads the NCGVR, which he says brings RAND “a couple hundred-thousand dollars per year.”
“It was an opportunity to improve research in the field,” Morral told the Second Amendment Foundation. “It was something that seemed like an interesting project to work to elevate. There wasn’t much research going on, and it was an area we were trying to make some headway in with our own funding. We recognized there was a gap in knowledge about gun policy that wasn’t being studied.”
Takeaways
There is certainly nothing unlawful about a well-heeled couple sponsoring gun-control research or research of any kind. The Arnolds are free to spend their millions as they see fit. However, since their largesse can negatively impact the civil rights of millions of law-abiding Americans, the Arnolds should be prepared to answer for their philanthropy.
The couple has created a pipeline of sorts, cash goes in one end and anti-gun propaganda comes out the other.
The risks they’ve created are dire.
“When a cable TV news actor cites some farcical statistic about guns or gun owners, it’s important to understand how that number made it onto the teleprompter,” said Second Amendment Foundation founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “It starts with donor dollars sent to researchers at left-leaning colleges, universities or other groups, who publish reports that mirror their donors’ views, which are then regurgitated by the corporate media. It’s a factory-like process. We don’t have anything like that. We don’t need it. We simply rely upon the truth.”
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Keeping Your Home Safe: Practical Steps That Make a Real Difference Gregg Kielma 12/30/2025 Gregg Kielma of Tactical K Training and Firearms advises and teaches during his CCW classes, a safe home doesn’t happen by accident. We need to think about smart habits, layered security, and a little preparation. Whether you live in a quiet neighborhood or a busy community, taking proactive steps can dramatically reduce risks and increase peace of mind. Kielma Suggests: Strengthening Your Entry Points • Doors & Locks: Use quality deadbolts, reinforced strike plates, and solid-core doors. • Windows: Install locks, security film, or sensors, especially on ground-level windows. • Garage & Sliding Doors: These are common weak spots. Reinforce them and keep them locked at all times. Kielma Suggests: Use Lighting to Your Adv antage • Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights deter intruders and improve visibility. • Interior Lighting: Timers or smart bulbs make your home look occupied even when you’re away. Kielma Suggests: Add Smart Technology • Cameras: Modern systems offer real-time alerts and cloud storage. • Alarms & Sensors: Door, window, and glass-break sensors add another layer of protection. • Smart Locks: Control access remotely and track who enters your home. Kielma Suggests: Practice Everyday Awareness • Keep doors locked—even when you’re home. • Don’t advertise vacations on social media. • Get to know your neighbors; community awareness is a powerful tool. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Responsible Firearm Ownership For those who choose to keep firearms for home defense, secure storage and proper training are essential. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we emphasize safety, readiness, and responsible ownership so you can protect your home with confidence.
Gregg Kielma Kielma’s Thoughts on “What Makes a Good Firearm” Gregg Kielma 12/30/2025 A Tactical K Training and Firearms Perspective on Quality, Safety, and Performance Let's Take a LOOK. Your opinion? Am I right? Let's talk! At Tactical K Training and Firearms, I and we, my staff believe responsible firearm ownership begins with knowledge. Whether you’re a new shooter or an experienced enthusiast, understanding what makes a good firearm is essential for safety, confidence, and long-term performance. A quality firearm isn’t defined by brand names or trends—it’s defined by engineering, reliability, and how well it supports the shooter’s purpose. Kielma Suggests: Reliability The Foundation of Every Good Firearm A dependable firearm must function consistently under normal conditions. Reliability means: • Smooth cycling and consistent operation • Minimal malfunctions with quality ammunition • Performance that holds up over time and regular use In training and real-world application, reliability is non-negotiable. Kielma Suggests: Accuracy and Predictability A good firearm delivers repeatable results. Key factors include: • A well fitted, properly machined barrel • Quality sights or optic ready design • A clean, consistent trigger break Accuracy builds confidence—and confidence builds skill. Kielma Suggests: Ergonomics and Shooter Fit Every shooter is different. A firearm should complement the individual, not fight them. Good ergonomics include: • A grip that matches hand size and shooting style • Controls that are intuitive and easy to reach • Balanced weight and manageable recoil When a firearm fits properly, shooters learn faster and perform better. Kielma Suggests: Safety Focused Design At Tactical K Training, safety is always the priority. A quality firearm supports safe handling through: • Intuitive safety mechanisms • Clear visual/tactile indicators • Predictable, user-friendly controls Safety features should reinforce proper training—not replace it. Kielma Suggests: Build Quality and Materials Durability matters, especially for firearms used in training environments. Look for: • Corrosion resistant metals • Reinforced polymers • Precision machining and tight tolerances A well-built firearm withstands the elements, the range, and the test of time. Kielma Really Suggests This: Ease of Maintenance A firearm that’s simple to maintain is a firearm that stays reliable. Good platforms offer: • Straightforward field stripping • Readily available parts • No need for specialized tools for basic cleaning Maintenance is part of responsible ownership, and a good firearm makes that process accessible. Kielma Suggests: Manufacturer Reputation and Support A trustworthy manufacturer stands behind its products. Indicators include: • Consistent quality control • Strong customer service • Clear warranties • A proven track record Support matters—especially for new shooters building their foundation. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Purpose Driven Selection The “best” firearm is the one that fits the shooter’s needs and skill level. At Tactical K Training, we help students choose firearms that align with: • Their intended use (self-defense, sport, training, etc.) • Their experience level • Their physical comfort and confidence Training elevates every firearm’s potential, but the right platform makes the journey smoother. Gregg Kielma
A Look at Donald Trump, Firearm Rights, and the Second Amendment Gregg Kielma 12/30/2025 Millions of Americans believe the Second Amendment protects more than a right — it protects personal freedom. Supporters credit Donald Trump with standing firm for law abiding gun owners and defending responsible firearm ownership. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we’re proud to promote safety, education, and the values that keep this tradition strong. The Second Amendment has long been a defining part of American identity, representing the principles of personal freedom, self-reliance, and responsible defense. Many supporters of the Second Amendment believe that Donald Trump has been a strong advocate for these values, often highlighting his administration’s stance on protecting the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Let’s Take a LOOK Championing Constitutional Rights Supporters frequently point to Trump’s public statements and policy positions as evidence of his commitment to preserving the Second Amendment. They argue that his administration emphasized the importance of lawful firearm ownership and resisted efforts that they believed would weaken constitutional protections. A Focus on Law Abiding Citizens Many gun rights advocates appreciated Trump’s repeated distinction between responsible gun owners and those who misuse firearms. Supporters say this approach helped reinforce the idea that millions of Americans safely and responsibly exercise their rights every day — hunters, sports shooters, collectors, and individuals who choose firearms for personal protection. Encouraging a Culture of Responsibility Throughout his presidency, Trump often spoke about the importance of training, safety, and education. Supporters believe this helped promote a culture where firearm ownership is paired with accountability and preparedness — values that align closely with the mission of professional training organizations across the country. Standing Firm on the Second Amendment For many Americans, the Second Amendment is more than a legal right — it’s a symbol of personal liberty. Supporters credit Trump with defending that principle on the national stage, voicing strong opposition to policies they viewed as restrictive or unconstitutional. Kielma’s Parting Shot The debate over firearm rights is ongoing, but one thing remains clear: millions of Americans see the Second Amendment as essential to their safety, independence, and heritage. Supporters of Donald Trump believe he played a significant role in keeping that conversation alive and ensuring that the voices of lawful gun owners were heard. Gregg Kielma
Gregg Kielma A Pro 2A Counter Analysis of the GIFFORDS Gun Law Scorecard Gregg Kielma 12/30/2025 Gabby Gifford’s “gun law score card” a real time look at points and counterpoints that make sense. Have a comment, please let me know. Let’s Take a LOOK The GIFFORDS Gun Law Scorecard is often presented as an authoritative measure of firearm safety. But when you strip away the branding and look at the mechanics, it becomes clear that the scorecard is less a scientific evaluation and more a political grading sheet. From a Second Amendment perspective, the scorecard’s flaws are not subtle — they are foundational. 1. The Scorecard Starts With Its Conclusion and Works Backward The GIFFORDS scorecard doesn’t discover that restrictive states get higher grades — it defines it that way. If a state passes the policies GIFFORDS prefers, it gets an A. If it expands gun rights, it gets an F. The outcome is predetermined. This is not analysis. This is advocacy dressed up as data. A true safety assessment would measure outcomes first and policies second. Kielma Reflects: The scorecard does the opposite. 2. It Treats Correlation Like Proof — and Ignores Everything Else The scorecard leans heavily on the idea that “stronger gun laws equal lower gun death rates.” But this ignores the obvious: States differ dramatically in demographics, crime patterns, policing, economics, and culture. Violence is a complex social issue. The scorecard reduces it to a single variable: Did you pass the laws we like? Kielma Reflects: That’s not science. That’s confirmation bias. 3. It Completely Erases Defensive Gun Use One of the most glaring omissions is the total absence of lawful defensive gun use — a major component of the national firearms landscape. Millions of Americans use firearms each year to stop assaults, home invasions, robberies, and violent crimes. These incidents save lives. They prevent tragedies. They matter. The scorecard pretends they don’t exist. Kielma Reflects: A tool that claims to measure “gun safety” but ignores the safety benefits of lawful ownership is not a neutral tool. 4. It Punishes States for Expanding Constitutional Rights Under the GIFFORDS system, a state can reduce crime, improve training access, and strengthen enforcement — and still get downgraded simply for recognizing constitutional carry or streamlining permitting. In other words: If you respect the Second Amendment, you lose points. Kielma Reflects: That alone tells you what the scorecard is really measuring. 5. It Measures Laws on Paper, Not Safety in Practice A state can have dozens of restrictive laws but weak enforcement. Another state can have fewer laws but aggressively prosecute violent offenders. The scorecard doesn’t care. It rewards the existence of laws, not their effectiveness. Kielma Reflects: This is like grading a fire department based on how many hoses they own, not how well they put out fires. 6. High Grades Don’t Guarantee Low Crime — and Low Grades Don’t Guarantee High Crime If the scorecard’s theory were airtight, the map would be simple: A grade states would be the safest, and F grade states would be the most dangerous. Reality doesn’t follow that pattern. Kielma Reflects: Crime is driven by criminals, not by the legal status of a tool. The scorecard’s simplistic model cannot account for that. 7. It Ignores the Most Important Factor: Training and Culture Firearms instructors, safety professionals, and responsible gun owners know that safety is built through: • Education • Training • Community culture • Responsible handling • Enforcement of existing laws Kielma Reflects: The scorecard measures none of this. It treats legislation as the only variable that matters — a view that anyone with real world firearms experience knows is incomplete at best. Kielma’s Parting Shot: The GIFFORDS Gun Law Scorecard is not a neutral assessment of public safety. It is a political tool that: • Rewards states for aligning with a specific policy agenda • Ignores defensive gun use • Penalizes constitutional rights • Overlooks enforcement and real world behavior • Relies on correlation instead of causation • Excludes training, education, and culture A pro 2A perspective doesn’t reject safety — it demands real safety, grounded in evidence, experience, and respect for constitutional freedoms. Gregg Kielma
S enator Cory Booker A Critical Look at Senator Booker’s Federal Firearm Licensing Proposal Gregg Kielma 12/30/3035 Kielma says these are my thoughts: The federal government's proposed law for firearm licensing should be opposed. My thought process and why I think this way. Have a comment? Please let me know. LET’S TAKE A LOOK Senator Cory Booker’s push for a federal firearm licensing system has drawn intense criticism from gun rights advocates, constitutional scholars, and everyday Americans who view the proposal as an unnecessary and intrusive expansion of federal power. While the plan is framed as a public safety measure, many argue that it represents a sweeping federal overreach that would burden law abiding citizens while doing little to deter criminal activity. A Federal License: A Solution in Search of a Problem Critics argue that Senator Booker’s proposal treats responsible gun owners as if they are the source of America’s crime problem. The plan would require every firearm owner in the country to obtain a federal license — a process involving fingerprinting, mandatory interviews, background checks, and recurring renewals. Opponents contend that this approach flips the presumption of innocence on its head. Instead of targeting criminals, it places the heaviest burden on citizens who already follow the law, train regularly, and store their firearms responsibly. A Bureaucratic System That Punishes the Law Abiding One of the strongest criticisms is the sheer scale of bureaucracy the proposal would create. A federal licensing system would require a massive new administrative structure, likely resulting in delays, inconsistent enforcement, and significant taxpayer expense. Gun rights advocates warn that such a system could become a de facto barrier to exercising a constitutional right. If the government can delay, deny, or revoke a license based on subjective criteria, critics argue that the right to keep and bear arms becomes a privilege granted by the state — not a right protected from it. Criminals Don’t Apply for Licenses Opponents also point out a fundamental flaw: criminals, by definition, do not follow licensing laws. They do not submit fingerprints, sit for interviews, or register their firearms. Critics argue that the proposal focuses on the wrong population. Instead of addressing the root causes of violence — such as gang activity, illegal trafficking, and repeat offenders — the plan targets the people least likely to commit crimes: responsible gun owners who already comply with existing regulations. A Threat to Privacy and Personal Freedom Another major concern is the creation of a centralized federal database of gun owners. Critics warn that such a system could expose citizens to privacy risks, data breaches, or political misuse. Many Americans are uncomfortable with the idea of the federal government maintaining detailed records of who owns firearms, what they own, and where they live. Opponents argue that this level of surveillance is incompatible with a free society. A Step Toward National Registration and Beyond For many, the licensing proposal is seen as a gateway to more restrictive federal measures. Critics fear that once a national licensing system is established, future lawmakers could expand it into mandatory registration, limits on ownership, or even confiscation. While supporters of the proposal dismiss these concerns as exaggerated, opponents argue that history — both in the U.S. and abroad — shows that licensing often precedes more aggressive restrictions. Kielma’s Parting Shot: A Policy That Misses the Mark Senator Booker’s federal licensing proposal is presented as a bold step toward reducing gun violence. But critics argue that it misses the mark entirely. Instead of focusing on criminals and illegal activity, it places new burdens on responsible citizens, expands federal bureaucracy, and risks eroding constitutional protections. For those who believe in responsible firearm ownership, training, and education — values at the core of Tactical K Training — the proposal represents a misguided approach that punishes the wrong people while failing to address the real drivers of violence. Gregg Kielma
Ric Selitto : A Craftsman, Range Instructor, and Leader in Safety and Skill Gregg Kielma Owner: Tactical K Training and Firearms Contributing: Mark Jones Ric Selitto stands out as a rare blend of master builder, seasoned firearms RSO, and dedicated safety professional. With a career defined by precision, discipline, and a commitment to excellence, Ric has earned respect across two demanding fields: custom home construction and firearms range education. A Licensed Home Building Contractor with a Designer’s Eye As an active, state licensed Florida home building contractor, Ric brings craftsmanship and vision to every project he touches. He is an accomplished custom home builder and designer, known for blending structural integrity with aesthetic detail. His work reflects a deep understanding of materials, layout, and long-term durability — the kind of expertise that only comes from years of hands-on experience and a passion for doing things right the first time. Clients value Ric not only for his technical skill, but for his professionalism, communication, and ability to turn ideas into beautifully executed homes. A Dedicated Shooting Enthusiast and Firearms Expert Beyond the world of construction, Ric is equally accomplished in the firearms community. His knowledge spans a wide range of platforms and disciplines, making him a trusted resource for shooters of all experience levels. Ric’s Expertise Includes: • Expert AR 15 Instructor with advanced technical and practical knowledge. • USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer with more than 1,000 hours of RSO experience. • Expert in black powder pistols, understanding both historical and technical aspects. • Highly knowledgeable in semi-automatic pistols and wheel guns, offering instruction rooted in safety, mechanics, and real-world application. Ric’s depth of knowledge allows him to teach with clarity, confidence, and a strong emphasis on responsible firearm handling. A Commitment to Safety and Professional Standards Safety is at the core of Ric’s approach. His extensive RSO experience — over a thousand hours on the range — demonstrates his dedication to maintaining a secure, structured, and educational environment for every shooter. Ric’s Professional Affiliations: A Reinforcement of His Commitment To Firearms Safety: • NRA Member – 5 Years • USCCA Member – 3 Years • Real Estate Agent • Tactical K Training and Firearms RSO These memberships reflect his ongoing pursuit of training, education, and community involvement. K ielma’s Parting Shot: Ric Selitto, My friend is a Professional Who Leads by Example, Safety and Doing Things Right The First Time. Proud To Call Ric My Friend. Kielma continues, whether he’s designing a custom home or guiding a student through the fundamentals of firearm safety, Ric Selitto brings the same qualities to the table: integrity, precision, and a genuine desire to help others succeed everything Tactical K Training and Firearms stives for. His dual expertise makes him a standout professional — someone who builds both strong structures and strong shooters. Gregg Kielma/Mark Jones
The Positive Side of Shooting Sports Gregg Kielma Building Skill, Confidence, and Community — Never Harm At Tactical K Training and Firearms, we believe shooting sports represent one of the most disciplined, rewarding, and safety driven activities a person can pursue. While some misunderstand the purpose of the sport, those who participate know the truth: shooting sports are about precision, responsibility, and personal growth — not hurting people. A Discipline Focused Sport Shooting sports demand mental clarity, patience, and consistency. Every shot requires: • Controlled breathing • Steady movement • Focus under pressure • A commitment to continuous improvement These skills translate into everyday life, helping shooters become calmer, more confident, and more capable individuals. Safety Is the Core of Everything We Do Firearm safety isn’t just a rule — it’s a cul ture. Shooting sports have some of the strictest safety standards of any recreational activity. At Tactical K Training, we reinforce: • Muzzle awareness • Trigger discipline • Proper handling and storage • Respect for every firearm Because of this emphasis, shooting sports consistently rank among the safest organized sports in the country. A Community That Welcomes Everyone From youth competitors to seasoned adults, shooting sports bring people together. The environment is supportive, respectful, and built on mentorship. New shooters quickly discover a community that celebrates progress and encourages responsible participation. Precision, Not Violence The targets in shooting sports are paper, steel, or clay — never people. The goal is accuracy, consistency, and personal achievement. Shooting sports teach respect for firearms and reinforce the importance of using them responsibly. Skills That Last a Lifetime Participants develop: • Confidence • Hand eye coordination • Emotional control • Technical understanding • A deep respect for safety These skills benefit recreational shooters, competitors, and responsible firearm owners alike. Kielma finishes his Thoughts…My Sport, a Sport Worth Supporting Shooting sports deserve recognition for what they truly represent: discipline, responsibility, and community. At Tactical K Training, we’re proud to help people learn safely, grow confidently, and enjoy a sport built on respect — not harm. Gregg Kielma
USCCA Range Safety Officer Ric S. and Student Why You Should Consider Owning a Firearm Gregg Kielma Kielma writes, Let's take a LOOK at responsible firearm ownership and why owning a firearm make sense. My thoughts. As a Responsible, Empowering Choice for Personal Safety and Skill Development , firearm ownership is a personal decision — one that carries both responsibility and tremendous potential benefits. When approached with proper training and a commitment to safety, owning a firearm can strengthen your confidence, enhance your preparedness, and connect you with a community of responsible, like-minded individuals. Personal Protection and Peace of Mind, a firearm can serve as an effective tool for personal and home defense. While no one wants to face a dangerous situation, being prepared provides reassurance. Responsible firearm ownership gives many people the confidence that they can protect themselves and their families if the need ever arises. Training Builds Confidence, owning a firearm encourages discipline, education, and skill development. With professional instruction — the kind we provide at Tactical K Training — new and experienced shooters alike learn safe handling, situational awareness, and sound decision making. These skills build confidence that extends far beyond the range. A Skill Driven Rewarding Hobby, shooting sports are one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. Whether you enjoy target shooting, competition, or simply improving your accuracy, firearms offer a hobby that is both challenging and deeply satisfying. Many shooters find the focus and discipline of training to be relaxing and rewarding. Promoting Responsibility and Preparedness, firearm ownership reinforces the importance of responsibility. Safe storage, regular maintenance, and ongoing training cultivate habits that benefit every aspect of life. Preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about being capable, informed, and ready for the unexpected. E xercising a Constitutional Right, for many Americans, firearm ownership is also about embracing a fundamental liberty. Exercising this right responsibly helps preserve it for future generations and supports the values of independence and self-reliance. Strengthening Community Through Education, responsible firearm owners often become advocates for safety and education. By promoting secure storage, encouraging proper training, and sharing knowledge, they help create safer communities and reduce preventable accidents. Education is the foundation of responsible ownership. Gregg Kielma’s Final Thoughts Owning a firearm is a meaningful choice one that can enhance your safety, build your confidence, and connect you with a community committed to responsibility and skill. With the right training and mindset, firearm ownership becomes not just a tool, but a path to empowerment Gregg Kielma
A Look at My Private Outdoor Range at Nuwer Ranch Gregg Kielma At Tactical K Training and Firearms, our outdoor private shooting range at Nuwer Ranch is built around one core principle: providing a safe, focused, and comfortable environment where every student can grow their skills with confidence. Nestled quietly in the Florida landscape, the range offers a private, controlled setting that supports everything from first time shooters to seasoned firearm owners looking to refine their technique. Currently a handgun range, some rifles are welcome with Gregg Kielma’s approval. Our new 200-yard and 50-yard pistol ranges, at the same current location, are set to open in early 2026, with sporting clays added later this year. To shoot at our range, you must complete either the CCW or safety class—no exceptions. Costs are relatively inexpensive, 15.00 per day and you must sign up on the website. Please do not just show up. Currently we can accommodate 15 shooters per secession and hours are 10 AM-4PM the third Saturday of the month. The schedule is on this the website. As we open the new range days and time will change with more availability. The current layout is intentionally simple and practical, it’s in a cow field, so if cows or manure offends you this isn’t the place currently for you. Our comfortable shooting tables, solid backstops, and a natural outdoor setting create a space where students can concentrate on fundamentals without distractions. Whether we’re working on basic marksmanship, firearm handling, or more advanced drills, the range is designed to support real world, applicable training. Safety is always at the center of operations with all instruction at Tactical K Training and Firearms, safety is the foundation of every session. The open-air environment allows for excellent visibility, natural space, and a calm atmosphere where students can learn at a comfortable pace. Every drill, every demonstration, and every round fired is guided by instructor's and team members with years of structured, disciplined, and responsible firearm practices. We offer a comfortable, personal experience unlike large public ranges, our outdoor space offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where students feel at ease asking questions and taking their time. The smaller setting allows for personalized instruction and a more meaningful learning experience — something many shooters appreciate, especially those new to firearms. Tactical K Training and Firearms core mission is building confidence, one skill at a time as my team's goal is simple: help every student leave with stronger skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of safe firearm handling. The range is more than a place to shoot — it’s a place to learn, grow, and build the kind of competence that lasts. Gregg Kielma
Tactical K Training and Firearms A GunSkins Dealer and Professional Installer The Benefits of Gun Skins: Protection, Personalization, and Practicality Gregg Kielma In recent years, gun skins—vinyl wraps were designed to cover and protect a firearm’s exterior—have become increasingly popular among shooters of all backgrounds. While some view them as purely cosmetic, gun skins offer a range of practical benefits that go far beyond appearance. For many responsible gun owners, they’ve become a smart investment in both function and longevity. Tactical K Training and Firearms is a GunSkins Dealer and professional installer. Call me if you're interested in giving your firearm a new look! Below are my thoughts on GunSkins and the benefit of protecting your firearm and the versatility of changing the look when you desire. Kielma says, Let's Take a LOOK 1. Enhanced Protection for Your Firearm Firearms are tools, and tools see wear. Whether you’re training regularly, carrying daily, or storing a firearm in challenging environments, the finish can take a beating. Gun skins help by: • Shielding the firearm’s exterior from scratches, scuffs, and minor abrasions • Adding a layer of protection against moisture and corrosion • Preserving the original finish, which helps maintain long-term value For shooters who train hard or carry often, this protective layer can make a noticeable difference over time. 2. Customization Without Permanent Modification One of the biggest advantages of gun skins is the ability to personalize a firearm without committing to a permanent change. Unlike Cerakote or engraving, skins can be: • Applied quickly • Removed cleanly • Swapped out for new designs as preferences change This makes them ideal for shooters who want a unique look without altering the firearm’s factory finish. 3. Improved Grip and Handling Many gun skins add a subtle texture that enhances grip without being overly aggressive. This can be especially helpful in: • Wet or humid environments • High-stress training scenarios • Situations where gloves are worn Better grip means better control, and better control means safer, more consistent shooting. 4. Camouflage and Field Utility For hunters and outdoorsmen, gun skins offer practical concealment benefits. A well-chosen pattern can: • Break up the outline of the firearm • Reduce glare • Blend the firearm into specific environments (woodland, desert, marsh, etc.) This is particularly valuable for hunters who want every advantage in the field. 5. Cost-Effective Aesthetic Upgrades Compared to refinishing or custom coatings, gun skins are an affordable way to refresh the look of a firearm. They allow owners to: • Modernize older firearms • Match gear or loadouts • Create themed builds without high costs It’s a simple upgrade that delivers a big visual impact. 6. Easy Maintenance and Reversibility Gun skins are designed to be durable but removable. If a skin becomes worn or damaged, it can be replaced without affecting the firearm underneath. This makes maintenance straightforward and stress-free. Is GunSkins Right for YOU? Kielma's Final Thoughts Gun skins offer a blend of protection, personalization, and practicality that appeals to both new shooters and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re looking to preserve your firearm, enhance its performance, or simply give it a fresh look, gun skins provide a flexible and cost-effective solution.
