Gregg Kielma Your Firearms Instructor "Let's Get The Training Started"!

Gregory Kielma • December 21, 2023

Guns for Beginners or Advanced Firearm Owners: How to Find Quality Self-Defense Firearm Training

Guns for Beginners or Advanced Firearm Owners: How to Find Quality Self-Defense Firearm Training

By
 John Boch
 December 20, 2023


Carrying a gun lawfully for self-defense can make the difference between life and death in a critical situation. Yet at the same time it comes along with risks to the carrier thanks to laws and land sharks. Training can help reduce those risks dramatically.

In a perfect world (and most states), you wouldn’t need a license to carry or training in the effective use of a firearm for self-defense. Unfortunately, the world isn’t perfect and neither are we.

In the real world, mistakes happen. All it takes is a single moment of oversight, sloppy gun handling or lousy gear and you can find yourself jammed up and wearing handcuffs. Heaven help you if you have a negligent discharge or make a mistake in judgement about when to pull your gun. Make those kinds of mistakes and you risk everything, including prison.

With good training, the risks attendant with carrying and using a firearm for self-defense are greatly diminished. You’ll become an expert at gun safety and can share those skills with your family and others to make them experts at safety as well. You’ll also learn better situational awareness.

The right training will teach you body language and behaviors that will make you less likely to be “selected” for victimization by bad guys. Best of all, your odds of prevailing in a deadly force encounter will be significantly enhanced. But remember . 

All Training Isn’t Equal

With the growing numbers of new gun owners across America, many people are looking for classes, especially those who also want to apply for a carry license. These concealed carry classes tend to be plentiful where required, and are often conducted by National Rifle Association-certified instructors. Classes run the gamut from borderline incompetent to barely adequate to well-presented, comprehensive learning programs.

As an example, in Illinois a year before right-to-carry was passed, there were approximately 42 NRA instructors who had taught ten or more people the previous year. Today, we have over 3000 Illinois State Police-approved instructors.
Beyond learning the basics from an introduction to concealed carry class, there are other programs out there for people looking for basic gun safety skills or to make themselves better shooters…everything from competition and marksmanship to hunting and self-defense.

When it comes to self-defense firearms training, easily the most common are those designed to teach self-defense fundamentals. The best of these “save your bacon” courses will incorporate all three of the following:

Mindset

Mindset is the knowledge and attitudes needed to avoid and, if necessary, survive a confrontation. This includes the mental preparation for dealing with all aspects of a violent encounter at home or in public…and to never give up in a fight for your life.

This particular aspect of training emphasizes conflict avoidance, layering your defenses, and knowing the legal standard by which you will be judged for using lethal force against another. A well-taught class will help you avoid trouble through situational awareness and conflict de-escalation, and also keep you out of jail for inappropriately introducing a weapon – firearm or otherwise – into a situation.
Functional ability/training

Functional ability training consists of knowing how to make your gun work, the ability to use it safely and effectively, and the associated aspects of your gun’s proper care and feeding.

Any reputable course will inculcate you with basic firearm safety. Exercising proper muzzle discipline and keeping your finger off the trigger until you have decided to shoot should be as natural as breathing. Sadly, for those without formal training, poor muzzle control and trigger finger discipline are the norm.

Gun selection plays an important role as well. Some folks may have compatibility issues with a gun they like, making it a bad choice for them. If you can’t manipulate your preferred gun, then you should find another one. Arthritis, hand strength, or other physical limitations are common causes for these issues, but so are a lack of familiarity with a firearm’s controls.

Good schools will steer you away from poor gun choices without making fun of what you may already have. Just because you thought the Beretta 92 looked really cool in Lethal Weapon doesn’t mean it’s a good carry choice for you.

Tactical training

Tactical is not “tacticool” where people dress up in tactical bro gear and pretend they’re something they aren’t. Instead, it’s the practical, hands-on study of the tactics needed to avoid conflict or, failing that, to fight with your personal defense tools.

This includes learning the effective use of cover and concealment, proper presentation of the gun, situational awareness, proper force “application” strategies, malfunction clearing procedures, reloading techniques and so much more.

Reading a book or watching a video helps and can serve to introduce these concepts, but there’s no substitute for doing it yourself under the tutelage of a skilled instructor who will ensure you’re using good technique and minimizing wasted movement. This allows you to act quickly and decisively, without “thinking” about the mechanics of what you’re going to do once you’ve decided to act.

The old saw that ‘you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of training’ is pretty much true. Indecisiveness, wasted motion and/or poor skills seldom win competitions or gun battles.

Finding a good course

Better, more enjoyable courses will share many common attributes. Here’s how to find for them and some attributes to seek out.

Research the instructor/school. Start with their website. Pictures will often tell the tale of how many people they’re training and how they do it. Is poor muzzle control or other questionable safety issues shown in the pictures? I’ve seen images of everything from people shooting inside a pole barn without proper ventilation to people walking in front of other shooters on an open range. If it’s the same three “students” in all of the photos, that’s a clue. If there are no photos, that should be a clue as well. No website? Why not?
Unless they are very small or very new, there will often be reviews of their training courses online at various gun forums or other locations. If there aren’t any reviews, that should tell you something.
Call and talk with them. Speak with the instructor ahead of giving them your money. Ask them any questions you might still have…anything from describing their previous experience, to inquiring about accommodations for those less-mobile or otherwise disabled. Ask them about how many instructors will be present and the expected ratio of staff to students. Ask them why they became a firearms instructor. Good teachers should have good answers for your questions.

Look for experienced instructors. While everyone has to start somewhere, previous instructional experience measured in years — not months — will usually lead to a better end result for you, the consumer/student. If prospective instructors try to dazzle you with their experience in the Boy Scouts, ROTC, or “personal interest,” look out.

Look for instructors who have continued their education especially if they’ve been to some of the nationally-known schools. They will most likely bring lessons and techniques they’ve learned from the nationally-respected masters to your local class.

Instructors who carry Do the instructors themselves carry every day, or are they just teaching theoretical concepts to their students?

“Team teaching” is a good thing, as instructors can teach to their strengths and students enjoy hearing a more diverse set of perspectives. The end result is usually a better educational experience for the students.

A team of instructors also offers greater opportunities for the student to get more one-on-one help as needed, particularly on the firing line during live fire or in other practical aspects of the class.


If there aren’t enough instructors, there’s little or no opportunity for one-on-one help to help learn, develop, and understand new skills, especially for those new to the gun world.


Previous law enforcement or military instructional experience is a bonus. Again, it’s about bringing applicable aspects of the latest tactics to the class. I’ve been teaching for two decades and seen first-hand that “military” and “police” listed in someone’s credentials, while a net positive, doesn’t necessarily mean a lot when it comes to teaching new skills to new shooters.

Your class isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a boot camp or police academy. What matters is instructors’ ability to communicate with everyday people, teaching and empowering them with the skill sets they need to avoid becoming a statistic in the real world.

High instructor-to-student ratios. I can’t stress this one enough, especially for range exercises. If you have one or two instructors trying to run a range with ten or twelve entry-level students on the firing line at once, you’re getting badly short-changed as a student and it’s not as safe as it could be.

Ability to communicate with everyday people outside of the gun culture. Do schools try not to use jargon and are they willing to spend that extra time (and do they have the staff to do so) to work with new shooters, including women and children? Are they there for those who are a little slow at absorbing the subject material?

This one’s harder to assess outside of personal referrals or recommendations, but it’s especially important if you’re a novice, the lone woman in the class or you’re bringing your kids.

Courses that offer more than the minimum. Good instructors won’t cut corners, but in fact will supplement the minimum required material with valuable and useful (not to mention life-saving) information they’ve learned from other schools or instructors.

Loaner gun availability. Do they have loaner guns for folks who come with inappropriate or malfunctioning firearms, especially for basic firearm/home defense/CCW-type courses?

Sometimes they might even have an armorer on staff, but usually just having a loaner gun and gear (holster, ammo pouches, etc.) will be very helpful. You might have to pay a nominal fee, but loaner availability is a big plus.

Referrals, testimonials, and word of mouth are all things to look for in reputable, experienced instructors. Ask your friends who have been to a class what they thought of it. Visit your local gun club or gun rights organization and ask those present for recommendations on instructors and/or classes.

Red flags

With booming gun sales and more demand for firearm training, there are a lot of instructors — especially newly-minted ones — who vary significantly in skill, ability, and ethics. There are some red flags you can look for in entry-level training to help you avoid a disappointing experience.

Unsafe gun handling: Do instructors demonstrate safe gun handling or do they routinely put their cotton pickin’ finger on the bang switch inappropriately? Are they careless about muzzle control or are there not enough of them to police muzzle discipline of untrained/careless students?

Even worse, do they stand downrange while students are shooting or handling their guns? If you see any of this, the first step is to bring those concerns to the staff. If these problems go unaddressed, it might be a good time to pack your bag and walk. Training-related accidents are very rare, but if those running classes are lackadaisical about safety, it’s time to make yourself scarce. Internet classes: Do instructors attempt to “teach” the classroom segments of the class via the internet? In general, that’s sub-optimal. Given social distancing and limits on the number of people in indoor spaces, that may be done more frequently these days.

Cost: Expect to pay a little more for experienced instructors with solid reputations or classes in big cities where range space is at a premium. But any course that’s advertised for dramatically less than the normal market rate for similar training from similarly-credentialed instructors is a big red flag.

Example: If a hypothetical CCW class goes for $200-250 at most locations and someone’s advertising theirs for $50, beware. Find out why it falls so far outside the norm.

Charging for free items like license application packets: One firearms training group in Illinois charged students $20 each for Florida and Arizona license application packets, even when those respective states send them out to anyone for free.

Cutting corners to do less than the minimum requirements: If it’s supposed to be an eight-hour class and the instructor finishes in six hours, that’s not good. In fact, it may constitute fraud in state-mandated CCW classes depending on local laws.
“Instructors” who haven’t had training: If the only formal training your prospective instructor has had was their “instructor certification” class, that’s cause for concern. Good firearm handling skills and knowledge of self-defense, personal protection, and the judicious use of deadly force don’t come from on high. They are learned.

Instructors teaching flawed, out-of-date or just plain unsafe information: That could get students killed or injured, either from tactical or a safety perspective. Example: “You should carry your gun with an empty chamber and rack the slide on your pants.”

Courses that are unrealistic: Do they teach you to hang upside down out of a pickup truck, firing one-handed under the door? Do they teach you barrel rolls while you hold your gun? Pack your gear and run. Worry about a refund later.

Things you can do to make your training experience better

1. Come bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Get a good night’s rest. Leave the drinking and nightlife alone the night before.
2. Come with an open mind. Leave preconceived notions behind along with your man-card if you’re a guy. If they teach you something new, try it. You can always discard it later.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants with a belt, and bring along a baseball cap or similar. Ladies, leave the low-cut shirts at home. Also bring rain gear or extra clothing for unseasonably cool weather.
4. Bring your own eye and ear protection. Bring sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.
5. Hydration should be provided by the class sponsors. Hydration is a safety issue, but bring some of your own just in case. Avoid caffeine as it contributes to dehydration.
6. Bring lunch, as necessary along with any medications or other personal needs.
7. Bring your gun, gear and the required amount of ammunition, minimum. Check your gun and gear before the class. If a family of dust bunnies has taken residence in the barrel, clean it. If it’s filthy, clean it. If your ammo dates from the Spanish-American War era, looks corroded, or the lead has turned white, buy new ammo.
8. Bring a backup gun in case your front-line gear goes down, especially for intermediate and advanced classes where you expect to shoot a lot. Ditto for any gear you know you’ll need.
9. For rifle classes (or if you have a fancy optic on your pistol), come to class sighted in. Bring spare batteries for your holographic sights and   a sling for your long gun
10. Bring a notepad and pens.
11. Read the recommended gear list and follow those instructions.
12. Turn your phone off or on completely silent mode before class starts.
13. Everyone’s a range safety officer. If you see someone doing something unsafe, ask them to stop. Report any safety concerns to the instructor(s) right away.
14. Address any concerns or questions you might have privately before class or during breaks where possible. Don’t tie up class time.

Do your own research

There’s no need to settle to waste your hard-earned money on a course that will disappoint you. Use the information contained here to help guide your course selection. It’s not that difficult to find training that meets or exceeds your needs instead of settling for a marginal offering that falls short.

Life is precious, training is cheap  

Remember, training is inexpensive compared to your life and the lives of your loved ones, so it’s not a place to cut corners. Good training that allows you to avoid becoming a victim and come out on top is truly priceless in the long run.

By Gregory Kielma February 12, 2025
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By Gregory Kielma February 9, 2025
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By Gregory Kielma February 8, 2025
Dominican National Charged with False Statement To Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer Monday, February 3, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Eugenio Gonzalez-Paredes (53, Dominican Republic) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, Gonzalez-Paredes faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Gonzalez-Paredes made a false statement on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473 stating that he had not previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison. At the time Gonzalez-Paredes made the statement, he had previously been convicted twice in the United States District Court in the District of Puerto Rico for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated February 3, 2025
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By Gregory Kielma February 8, 2025
How to Spot and Prevent a Carbon Monoxide Leak Kielma February 2025 Home Defense Safety Talk Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Protect your home from dangerous CO. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that's produced when fossil fuels are burned. It's colorless, odorless and silent, making it virtually impossible to detect on its own until it's too late. CO poisoning is totally preventable with the proper use of carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide blocks your blood's ability to carry oxygen. Specifically, it replaces the spot that oxygen normally takes on the hemoglobin in red blood cells by bonding more tightly to it. When your blood can no longer continue its job of carrying the oxygen your body needs to keep your organs operating, especially your brain, your organs will shut down. You may be wondering what causes carbon monoxide in and around a house, and there are several common culprits. Anything that burns fossil fuels is a potential danger. This list includes (but is not limited to) cars, trucks, furnaces, stoves, gas ranges, small engines, generators, grills, lanterns and fireplaces. Improper use or maintenance of these devices can cause CO to build up to deadly levels in your home. • Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips For The Winter Months What are the signs of a CO leak? Carbon monoxide smells like nothing; it's odorless. Without a CO detector, it's unlikely you'll notice a CO leak until it's too late. That's why it's important to have CO detectors in your home that can identify low levels of carbon monoxide before it becomes dangerous. How dangerous is CO? Carbon monoxide is deadly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often described as flu-like, including headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, weakness and confusion. A person who's sleeping is unlikely to register these symptoms and can easily die in their sleep. Plus, the CO itself can put you to sleep and then kill you. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, but infants and the elderly are particularly susceptible, as are people with heart problems, anemia and breathing issues. According to the CDC, over 400 people in the US die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room and over 14,000 are hospitalized every year. How do CO detectors work? CO detectors measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, triggering an alarm if it's high enough. What should I do if my CO detector goes off? If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out of the house and into fresh air immediately and then call emergency services. It takes time for carbon monoxide to dissipate, so don't assume it's safe to go back into your home when the alarm stops. Make sure your CO detector has fresh batteries; changing them twice a year at the same time we change our clocks for Daylight Saving Time is a good way to help you remember. Are there any other ways to detect CO? You can't detect carbon monoxide without a CO detector, but you may be able to identify potential CO hazards around your home. Poorly maintained and poorly ventilated gas-fueled household appliances are the most common culprits, so be sure to keep an eye on them. These potential hazards include brownish or yellowing stains around appliances, pilot lights that go out frequently, yellow (instead of clear blue) burner flames, no upward draft in your chimney flue, stale-smelling air, and soot or smoke in your home. What are the best ways to prevent a CO leak? Be sure to have your chimney, heating system, water heater and any other appliances that burn gas, oil or coal serviced yearly by a qualified technician. If you see, smell or sense anything is "off," get it checked out immediately. • Only buy gas equipment if it carries the seal of a national testing agency such as Underwriters' Laboratories. Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly; horizontal vent pipes should angle up slightly as they go outdoors. • Never try to patch a vent pipe with tape or gum or anything else. Don't use a gas oven to heat your home. Don't burn charcoal inside your home. • Don't use a portable gas camp stove or portable flameless chemical heaters indoors. If you use a generator, don't use it inside your home or garage -- or even within 20 feet of any window or vent. All of these things can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. For backup power, consider options like a solar generator or portable power station, which don't burn fossil fuels or run the risk of carbon monoxide. You should avoid running a car inside a closed garage. Did you know that you also shouldn't run your car in an attached garage even with the garage door open? People have been doing this on cold winter days to warm up my car, but I certainly will never do so again even in Florida. It's also a good idea to have your car's exhaust system checked over by a mechanic every year. If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, be sure to open the vents or window whenever the tailgate is open.
By Gregory Kielma February 4, 2025
Home Hero Fire Blanket How Does it Work? Is it Right for Your Home? Presented by Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member) Says FFL, Firearm's instructor Gregg Kielma, "fire arm and fire safety at the home is paramount to your protection. Is the bad guy armed or is there a fire inside your home? If you have a break-in from a perpetrator or fire, can you combat it until LEO or firefighters arrive? Will you be a home invasion victim? Will your home burn down? What can you do to buy yourself time safely? Today let's take a look at fire prevention safety.... 1. Stop Fire In Its Tracks There are over 358,000 house fires in the USA every year. Almost all of them start small and are controllable. You can use a Prepared Hero's Fire Blanket to safely eliminate fire. Pull the tabs to release the blanket and toss it over any small fire to instantly suffocate it. 2. Anyone Can Use It It’s lightweight and built for ease of use. From grandparents to kids, the Prepared Hero Fire Blanket works great. Heavy and complex equipment is a thing of the past! 3. No Messy Cleanup Standard fire extinguishers typically leave you with a powdery mess to clean up after. 4. Works On Most Types of Fire Most fires small enough for the blanket to cover around can be eliminated. This includes wood, paper, grease and even electrical fires. Especially once the heat or fuel source has been turned off. 5. Never Expires As long as the blanket is in good condition, it will not expire. There is no costly maintenance or recharging. And it’s often times reusable! If it’s not damaged after using, simply wipe it off and fold it back into the pouch. And remember to keep the quick deploy tabs hanging out! 6.Hero Blanket and Fire Fighters Love Us Prepared Hero Fire Blanket has over 1,500,000 happy customers with an average review of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many Fire Departments and Fire Fighters approve of Prepared Hero Fire Blankets. See what some people are saying: • Peace of Mind. • Quick and Easy to Use. • Light weight. • Affordable • Can be used conjunction with a fire extinguisher. Why is it so vital to own this fire safety device? Stop a small fire that may become big, quickly. Shouldn't I just wait for the Fire Department to arrive? If your comfortable saving your property or need training the FD or myself is willing to train you how. Statistics show that the average Fire Department response time is at least 5-10 minutes away. Within 3 minutes of a fire in modern day homes, the entire room will already be up in flames. Within the first 60 seconds of a house fire, smoke is so intense and filled with toxicity from plastics that two breaths can cause you to pass out. Eliminating fire while it's still small is essential in preventing disaster. The Prepared Hero Fire Blanket was designed exactly for this type of emergency. It's an affordable and simple way to prevent this life-threatening event from ever occurring. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor- First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- (Trained but not current: Firefighter-Hazmat Team Member)
By Gregory Kielma February 3, 2025
Don’t Be That Person at the Range: 11 Essential Gun Safety & Etiquette Tips Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first timer, the shooting range is a space where safety and respect take precedence over everything else. It’s a place to hone your skills, test equipment, and enjoy camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts. However, a single misstep—whether due to carelessness or lack of knowledge—can endanger lives and ruin the experience for everyone. That’s why understanding and adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the critical safety, and etiquette tips every shooter must know to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the range. Says Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, Range Etiquette Matters Adhering to gun safety rules and range etiquette isn’t just about avoiding accidents, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and secure. Whether it’s respecting the firing line, following commands, or cleaning up after yourself, every action contributes to the collective experience. A little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring that the range remains a place where all skill levels are welcome. Kielma continues, let’s take a look at using a firearm at your favorite range: If you don’t know or understand, ASK! 1. Always Keep Your Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction The cardinal rule of gun safety is to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. At the range, this means always pointing the firearm downrange, even when unloading, cleaning, or setting it down. Outside the range, common sense and situational awareness dictate what constitutes a safe direction. For example, if you’re not on the firing line, keeping the muzzle pointed toward the ground is typically best. This habit ensures that even in the event of an accidental discharge, no one will be harmed. 2. Treat Every Firearm as if It’s Loaded Even if you’ve checked and double-checked that your firearm is unloaded, always treat it as though it’s live. This mindset fosters a culture of caution and minimizes complacency. When you pick up a firearm, inspect the chamber, magazine, and action to ensure they’re clear. This rule may seem overly cautious, but it prevents situations where assumptions lead to tragic accidents. 3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You’re Ready to Shoot A golden rule of firearm handling is to avoid placing your finger on the trigger until your sights are aligned, your target is identified, and you’re ready to fire. This precaution prevents premature or accidental discharges, which can occur even with a light brush of the trigger. Train yourself to rest your finger outside the trigger guard, alongside the frame of the firearm, as a default position. Developing this habit takes practice but is one of the most effective ways to maintain safety. 4. Follow the Range Officer’s Commands Without Hesitation Range officers are there to keep everyone safe and maintain order, and their instructions are non-negotiable. Commands like “cease fire” or “unload” must be followed immediately and without question. If you’re unsure about what a command means, ask before shooting begins. These instructions are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that all shooters and bystanders remain safe during a range of activities. 5. Use Eye and Ear Protection Always Protecting your vision and hearing is non-negotiable when handling firearms. The sound of gunfire can cause irreversible hearing damage, while ricochets or debris from fired rounds can injure your eyes. High-quality ear protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, and ANSI-rated safety glasses are essential for every shooter, regardless of their experience level. For children, doubling up with both earplugs and earmuffs is recommended for maximum protection. 6. Unload Firearms When Not In Use A firearm should only be loaded when you’re actively shooting at the range. When entering or exiting the facility, walking to your shooting station, or handling your firearm in non-firing areas, it must be unloaded. The action should remain open, and detachable magazines must be removed. Always visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm they’re clear before setting down or transporting the firearm. 7. Understand and Respect Firing Line Rules The firing line is a designated area where strict safety protocols are enforced. Only handle your firearm at the line when the range is declared “hot” and shooting is allowed. Never touch or load your firearm when someone is downrange, as this creates a significant safety hazard. Wait for the range officer to give the all-clear before resuming any activity at the line. 8. Keep Brass and Ejected Cases Under Control Semi-automatic firearms eject spent brass, which can create a nuisance – or even a safety issue – for neighboring shooters. Be mindful of where your brass is landing and adjust your position if necessary. While collecting your brass is generally allowed, only pick up your own casings, and never retrieve brass that has fallen forward of the firing line. 9. Avoid Rapid Firing Unless Permitted (ask the Range Safety Officer If Permitted…RSO) Most shooting ranges require a minimum of two seconds between shots to ensure accuracy and prevent reckless behavior. Rapid firing, while exciting, can lead to poor control and potentially dangerous situations. Following this rule demonstrates respect for range policies and allows you to focus on improving your marksmanship. 10. Stick to Approved Ammunition Not all ammunition is allowed at every range. Types like tracer rounds, armor-piercing bullets, and steel-core ammunition are often prohibited due to their potential to damage equipment or create safety risks. Check the range’s ammunition policies before bringing your own and use only what’s explicitly approved for the facilities. 11. Clean Up Your Station Before You Leave Leaving a clean station isn’t just polite – it’s a safety measure. Dispose of spent brass, trash, and targets in the appropriate receptacles, and ensure the area is tidy for the next shooter. A well-maintained range benefits everyone and helps foster a sense of community among its users. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales
By Gregory Kielma February 2, 2025
The Face of a Coldblooded Killer: T. White 77-year-old woman was watching TV with her husband when the man she tried to help start over in life rushed into her home and stabbed her to death with a large knife; man arrested Florida – In a shocking turn of events in Florida, a 31-year-old man, identified as T. White, seeking to rebuild his life, was arrested after he brutally murdered the 77-year-old woman, identified as L. Reed, who generously opened her home to him and tried to help him start over in life. According to reports, White fatally stabbed Reed multiple times in the head and body while she was watching TV in the living room with her husband. Reed and her husband, who extended a helping hand by offering White a place to stay on their property to help him start over in life, faced a terrifying betrayal. White, who had been living in a camper on the couple’s property and was granted access to their home, attacked Reed with a large knife in their living room while the couple was watching TV. The attack occurred on January 20th in the peaceful setting of their home. According to the sheriff’s office, White, without any apparent reason, assaulted Reed with a large knife, inflicting multiple fatal stab wounds to her body and head. Sheriff B. Johnson recounted the horrifying incident to the local media outlets, noting the chilling confession White made to the victim’s husband: “I did what you wanted,” followed by the bizarre justification, “God told him to,” when asked why he committed such a brutal act. The local community has been left reeling by the violence. Neighbors expressed their disbelief, noting how harmless White seemed as he walked up and down the road, underscoring a growing mistrust among residents. Following the attack, the victim’s husband took immediate action, wrapping his wife in a blanket and rushing her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The loss of Reed marks a tragic endpoint to what began as a charitable act, turning an intended recovery story into a fatal tragedy. White fled the scene immediately after the stabbing. His apprehension involved a dramatic sequence of events, including two police pursuits across multiple counties. Initially, these pursuits stemmed from a stolen vehicle report and were not immediately linked to the murder. “Somebody pursued him, but they didn’t know it was a murder suspect at the time,” Sheriff Johnson said. It was only after coordination between jurisdictions that the authorities were informed of White’s status as a murder suspect. Finally, after a vehicle crash and foot chase in the woods, law enforcement successfully captured White. He has been arrested at least seven times previously and was out on probation for another violation just two weeks prior to committing the murder. Currently, White remains in custody, awaiting extradition to face charges for Reed’s murder. This case poses difficult questions about the balance between compassion and self-protection, highlighting a devastating scenario where kindness was repaid with lethal violence. As the community mourns Reed and seeks justice for her untimely death, many are left to ponder the implications of opening their doors to those in need, a sentiment that has undoubtedly been shaken by this tragic incident. The legal proceedings for White are awaited with a keen eye by those affected, hoping for closure and justice for a life brutally taken.
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