Why You Should Have a CCW License — From My Perspective Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 02/13/2026 Please take a class. Learn the laws to keep you safe and legal. Let’s take a LOOK. Carrying a firearm isn’t about looking for trouble. It’s about acknowledging that trouble sometimes finds good people who never asked for it. A CCW license is one of the most responsible steps a law-abiding citizen can take to protect themselves and their family, and I say that as someone who has spent years teaching safety, judgment, and real-world decision making. • It Forces You to Take Responsibility Seriously Anyone can buy a firearm, but carrying one in public demands a higher level of discipline. A CCW license requires you to understand the law, know when you can and cannot use force, and recognize that avoidance is always the first option. That mindset alone separates responsible gun owners from reckless ones. • It Gives You Legal Protection and Clarity Florida’s laws—like every state’s—have specific requirements for carrying, using, and storing a firearm. A CCW license ensures you’re operating within the law, and it gives you legal standing that unlicensed carriers simply don’t have. When seconds count, you don’t want to be guessing what’s legal and what isn’t. • It Allows You to Carry in More Places A CCW license expands where you can legally carry, giving you more flexibility in your daily life. Whether you’re traveling, working late, or simply running errands, you have the ability to protect yourself without worrying about violating carry restrictions. • It Encourages Proper Training The best firearm owners are the ones who train regularly. A CCW license is often the first step that motivates people to seek real instruction—learning how to draw safely, make good decisions under stress, and understand the legal aftermath of a defensive encounter. Training builds confidence, and confidence reduces mistakes. • It Levels the Playing Field Criminals don’t follow laws. They don’t schedule their attacks. They don’t care who you are. A CCW license gives you the ability to defend yourself when there is no time to wait for help. You carry not because you expect danger, but because you refuse to be helpless if it comes. • It Reinforces a Culture of Responsibility Every licensed carrier who trains, follows the law, and carries with humility helps strengthen the public perception of responsible gun ownership. You become part of the solution—someone who values safety, restraint, and preparedness. Kielma’s Parting Shot: It’s About Protecting Life, Not Taking It The goal of carrying a firearm is simple: go home safe. A CCW license isn’t about being a hero. It’s about giving yourself the tools, training, and legal framework to survive the worst day of your life if it ever comes.

The Girsan Firearm: A Practical, Capable Choice for Responsible Owners Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 02/11/2026 As a Firearms Instructor/Gunsmith, I evaluate every platform through a simple lens: reliability, usability, and value for the everyday gun owner. Girsan firearms consistently check those boxes. They aren’t built for hype or status — they’re built to run, and that matters far more than a name stamped on the slide. Reliable Performance at a Fair Price Girsan has earned a reputation for producing dependable firearms without inflating the cost. For many new shooters, that balance is critical. A defensive firearm must function every time, and Girsan pistols have shown solid consistency on the range, even under regular training use. Familiar, Proven Designs Many Girsan models follow well established platforms — 1911s, Beretta style pistols, and modern striker fired designs. That means: • Intuitive controls • Predictable ergonomics • Easy access to holsters, magazines, and parts For students, this familiarity shortens the learning curve and builds confidence quickly. Solid Build Quality While they’re budget friendly, Girsan firearms don’t feel cheap. Their machining, fit, and finish have steadily improved over the years. The triggers are clean, the slides track smoothly, and the overall construction holds up well to repeated training sessions. A Smart Option for New Shooters Not every student needs a $1,500 pistol. What they do need is a firearm that’s safe, reliable, and comfortable to shoot. Girsan delivers that without overwhelming a new owner’s budget. It’s a practical, no nonsense choice that lets people focus on fundamentals rather than price tags. My Perspective as an Instructor I judge a firearm by how it performs in real hands, under real conditions. Girsan pistols have proven themselves as dependable tools for training, home defense, and everyday carry. They offer honest value, solid performance, and a level of quality that surprises many shooters. For responsible gun owners looking for a capable firearm without overspending, Girsan is a brand worth considering. Gregg Kielma

Why New York’s Gun Laws Fail Responsible Americans By Gregory Kielma Owner & Lead Instructor, Tactical K Training Parrish, Florida 02/11/26 New York’s gun laws are often praised by politicians as “the model” for the rest of the country. But anyone who understands firearms, safety, and the realities of lawful gun ownership can see the truth: these laws don’t make people safer. They make ordinary, responsible Americans vulnerable to prosecution, confusion, and danger. From my perspective as a firearms instructor, New York’s approach isn’t just misguided, it’s fundamentally broken. Let's Take a LOOK 1. The Laws Are Designed for Confusion, Not Clarity A responsible gun owner should be able to read the law, understand it, and comply with it. New York makes that nearly impossible. The rules change depending on: • Where you are standing • What county you’re in • Whether you’re in a “sensitive location” • Whether a judge feels like issuing a permit • Whether the state decides your training is “good enough” this month This isn’t public safety. It’s a legal trap. When a state’s laws are so convoluted that even attorneys struggle to interpret them, the average traveler or gun owner doesn’t stand a chance. And that’s exactly how New York likes it. 2. The State Treats Law Abiding Citizens Like Criminals New York’s laws don’t target violent offenders—they target the people who follow the rules. We’ve seen countless cases where: • Travelers legally transporting firearms under federal law are arrested anyway • People with no criminal history are charged for simple paperwork mistakes • Visitors who declare firearms at airports (as required by federal law) are handcuffed on the spot Meanwhile, the individuals actually committing violent crimes aren’t walking into airports declaring their guns. They’re not applying for permits. They’re not taking safety classes. They’re not following any law. New York’s system punishes the compliant and ignores the criminal. 3. The Permit System Is Arbitrary and Politicized A constitutional right should never depend on whether a local official “feels” you deserve it. Yet in New York, that’s exactly how it works. Even after the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, the state continues to drag its feet, invent new restrictions, and create new hoops for citizens to jump through. The message is clear: they’re not interested in safety—they’re interested in control. When a right becomes a privilege granted by the government, it stops being a right at all. 4. The Laws Ignore Reality and Endanger the Public New York lawmakers operate from a fantasy where: • Criminals obey gun free zones • More restrictions equal more safety • A piece of paper stops violence • A permit holder is somehow a threat But in the real world—the world I train people for—violence doesn’t wait for permission slips. Criminals don’t care about signage. And the only people disarmed by these laws are the ones who were never a threat to begin with. By stripping responsible citizens of the ability to defend themselves, New York creates victims, not safety. 5. The State Refuses to Respect Federal Protections Federal law—specifically the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act—was designed to protect travelers transporting firearms legally. New York routinely ignores it. This creates a dangerous precedent: • A state can nullify federal protections • A traveler can be arrested for following federal rules • A constitutional right can vanish at a state line No American should have to fear arrest simply for traveling with legally owned property. 6. The Laws Create a False Sense of Security Politicians love to point to strict gun laws as proof they’re “doing something.” But the data doesn’t support the idea that New York’s approach reduces violent crime. What these laws actually do is: • Give the public a false sense of safety • Allow politicians to claim victory without solving real problems • Divert attention from the actual causes of violence Safety comes from education, responsibility, and accountability—not from punishing the people who already follow the rules. Kielma’s Parting Shot New York’s gun laws aren’t just bad policy—they’re dangerous policy. They criminalize responsible Americans, ignore constitutional protections, and leave good people defenseless while doing nothing to deter violent criminals. As an instructor, I see every day how much effort responsible gun owners put into safety, training, and compliance. These are not the people New York should be targeting. Yet they are the ones paying the price. Until New York stops treating the Second Amendment as optional, its laws will continue to fail the very citizens they claim to protect. Gregg Kielma

What Is a Straw Firearm Purchase? From the Perspective of Gregg Kielma, FFL at Tactical K Training & Firearms 02/06/2026 As a firearms instructor, I spend a great deal of time teaching responsible gun ownership. Most people who walk into a gun shop or a training class genuinely want to do things the right way. But there’s one topic that still causes confusion—and sometimes lands otherwise well-meaning people in serious legal trouble. That topic is the straw purchase. A straw purchase isn’t complicated, but the consequences absolutely are. Understanding it is part of being a responsible, ethical gun owner. Please treat the ATF 4473 like your tax return, be truthful. If you don't, the consequences can be devastating. Please do not put me or my business in a poor situation. "Don't lie for the other guy" Let's Take a LOOK What a Straw Purchase Really Is A straw purchase happens when one person buys a firearm on behalf of someone else—especially someone who cannot legally buy or possess a firearm. It doesn’t matter if the buyer is legally allowed to own a gun. It doesn’t matter if the person they’re buying it for is a friend, a family member, or “just helping someone out.” If the intent is to acquire a firearm for another individual, it becomes a straw purchase. The key issue is the ATF Form 4473. When you buy a firearm from a licensed dealer, you must answer a very specific question: “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm?” If you are purchasing the gun for someone else, the truthful answer is no. If you check yes anyway, you’ve just committed a federal felony. Why Straw Purchases Are Illegal The law exists for one reason: to prevent firearms from being funneled to people who shouldn’t have them. That includes: • Convicted felons • Individuals with domestic violence convictions • People prohibited due to mental health adjudications • Drug traffickers • Individuals under restraining orders • Anyone attempting to avoid background checks When someone uses a “clean” buyer to get a gun, they’re bypassing the safeguards designed to keep firearms out of dangerous hands. That’s why federal prosecutors take these cases seriously. The Consequences Are No Joke A straw purchase can lead to: • Up to 15 years in federal prison • Massive fines • Permanent loss of firearm rights • Federal felony record And here’s the part many people don’t realize: Even if the person you bought the gun for never commits a crime with it, the act of lying on the 4473 is enough to be charged. I’ve seen cases where someone thought they were “just helping” a boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend who didn’t want to deal with the background check. That one decision changed their life forever. Gifts vs. Straw Purchases People often ask me: “Gregg, what about buying a gun as a gift?” A legitimate gift is perfectly legal. The difference is intent. • Legal: You buy a firearm with your own money, for yourself, and later decide to gift it. • Legal: You buy a firearm as a genuine gift, with no reimbursement, and the recipient is legally allowed to own it. • Illegal: Someone gives you money and tells you what to buy. • Illegal: You buy a gun because someone else cannot pass a background check. If money changes hands, or if the other person is directing the purchase, it’s no longer a gift—it’s a straw purchase. Why This Matters to Me as an Instructor My mission at Tactical K Training and Firearms is simple: Educate, empower, and protect responsible gun owners. That means teaching more than marksmanship. It means teaching the law, ethics, and the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. A firearm is a tool that demands maturity and integrity. Straw purchases undermine both. When you understand the law, you protect yourself, your family, and your community. You also help ensure that firearms remain in the hands of responsible citizens—not criminals. Kielma’s Parting Shot: MY Final Thoughts A straw purchase isn’t a loophole. It’s a felony. And it’s one of the fastest ways for a good person to end up in serious legal trouble. If you’re ever unsure about a firearm transaction, ask questions. Seek guidance. Talk to a qualified instructor or a knowledgeable dealer. Responsible ownership starts with informed decisions.

Lake County Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking Thursday, January 29, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Ocala, Florida – Fernando Munguia, Jr. (24, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to nine counts of making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and nine counts of causing a federal firearm licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Munguia faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each false statement count and up to five years’ imprisonment for each count of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. As part of his plea, Munguia has agreed to forfeit the nine firearms related to these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Munguia illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms. During the purchases, Munguia indicated on the mandatory background paperwork that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms. Those statements were false since Munguia was being paid to purchase the firearms on behalf of someone else. Nine of the firearms purchased by Munguia—along with other guns—subsequently were intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 27, 2023, when another individual attempted to transport them from Eagle Pass, Texas across the United States’ border and into Mexico. Authorities intercepted Munguia’s firearms less than a month after he had purchased them. Court Exhibit The firearms and ammunition seized at the U.S. border on May 27, 2023. A subsequent records check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed that between January and November 2023, Munguia had purchased 44 firearms for a total of $23,334.25—an amount representing approximately two-thirds of his reported annual income. The records also showed that his purchases frequently involved multiple, identical firearms of the same model and caliber. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Custom and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. 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 January 29, 2026

Ohio Man Indicted for Firearms Offenses Wednesday, February 4, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts AR-style pistol loaded with 100 rounds of ammunition; a loaded rifle with 100 rounds of ammunition; and two additional loaded pistols recovered BOSTON – An Ohio man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Massachusetts in connection with multiple sales of firearms transported from Ohio to Massachusetts. Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr., 31, of Youngstown, Ohio, was indicted on one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Sanchez was arrested on Jan. 8, 2026, and remains in federal custody. According to the charging documents, beginning at least as early as June 2025 through January 2026, Sanchez engaged in the business of unlawful trafficking in firearms. Specifically, in June 2025, Sanchez, who is not licensed to deal in firearms, allegedly sold three firearms to an individual in exchange for $4,000. It is further alleged that, on Jan. 8, 2026, Sanchez was recorded and observed selling four additional firearms to the same individual in return for $8,500. Sanchez was arrested at the scene where an AR-style pistol equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a rifle equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a loaded pistol equipped with an extended magazine; and an additional loaded pistol were allegedly recovered. The charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful trafficking in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Updated February 4, 2026

Montgomery Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Machinegun Charges Thursday, February 5, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Alabama MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On February 4, 2026, Ladarius Lamar Knight, 25, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to the unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. According to court records, on January 7, 2025, units with the Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) were on Zelda Road in Montgomery when they heard gunshots coming from a nearby gas station. Responding officers observed three individuals fleeing the area. ALEA troopers pursued one of the suspects into a fast-food restaurant across the street from the gas station. The suspect, later identified as Knight, was found hiding in the restaurant’s back storage area and was taken into custody. Troopers recovered a handgun Knight was attempting to conceal inside a box. Further examination revealed that the handgun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch.” When installed, such a device enables the firearm to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, resulting in an extremely high rate of fire that allows the weapon to discharge an entire magazine in a matter of seconds . Knight has prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. At sentencing, Knight faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including its Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit; and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Geer, III and Christine Levi are prosecuting the case. Updated February 5, 2026

Two Individuals Charged in Scheme to “Straw Purchase” Firearms Friday, February 6, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Alabama HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury has indicted two individuals in a scheme to “straw purchase” firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Habonisun Mynez Chaverst, 28, of Center Point, Alabama, and Keonna Daniella Cephus, 38, of Birmingham, Alabama, with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms and submit false ATF forms 4473. Cephus was also charged with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. According to the indictment, between October 2024 and November 2024, Chaverst partnered with co-defendant Cephus to purchase six firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee. Cephus, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by specifically stating that she was the actual buyer when in fact she was buying the firearms for Chaverst. On two separate occasions in November 2024, Cephus purchased two .40 caliber Glock 22 pistols, two .40 caliber Glock 23 pistols, and two 9mm Glock 17 pistols from Hoover Tactical Firearms. Cephus used money provided by Chaverst to purchase the firearms. The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carson R. Gilbert is prosecuting the case. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Updated February 6, 2026

Why Being Nice Matters. A True Story by-Gregg Kielma A small town sat tucked between two quiet rivers, the kind of place where everyone waved from their porch and news traveled faster than the wind. In that town lived a man named Paul, known for one simple thing—he was nice. Not loud, not flashy, not the center of attention. Just consistently, quietly kind. Every morning, he held the door for strangers at the café. He helped Mr. Hanghouer carry his groceries without being asked. He checked on the mechanic’s dog when the shop got busy. Nothing heroic. Nothing grand. Just small acts that most people barely noticed. One summer, a storm rolled through the town, knocking out power and flooding the roads. People were stuck, hot, and frustrated. But something unexpected happened. Folks began showing up at Paul’s house—not because he had air conditioning or supplies, but because they remembered how he made them feel. Safe. Seen. Valued. Neighbors brought blankets, food, lanterns, and tools. They worked together, fixing what they could and comforting each other through what they couldn’t. And when someone asked why everyone had gathered there, the answer was simple: “Because Paul's always been good to us.” The storm passed, the lights came back on, and life returned to normal. But the town never forgot that moment. They realized kindness isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. It builds bridges long before you need to cross them. It turns strangers into allies. It makes a community stronger than any storm. And Paul? He just kept being nice. Not for praise, not for reward, but because he understood something many people overlook: Being nice matters because you never know when a small act of kindness becomes the reason someone else finds hope again. Gregg Kielma