Gregory Kielma • October 22, 2023

Are You and Your Family Ready!

Are You and Your Family Ready! Be Prepared.

Tips for Food Purchase, Storage and Staying Alive

Gregg Kielma
Firearms Instructor- FFL-Gunsmith
10/22/23
007

Earlier this month we talked about firearm and ammo purchases and training.

Just a side thought, and about me and we’ll move on….

As a firearms instructor, FFL and Gunsmith I worry about the weaponization of the Justice Department and specifically the CIA, FBI, ATF, Military Leaders, President of The United States, Congress, and The Senate. A group of men and women that are be led by, at times, corrupt government leaders. They can shut any FFL down at the drop of a hat. Guys like me are sitting ducks, just wondering when the heavy hand of the Government will or may attempt to take me out of business. 

You know, the sad part friends? In high school and college, I wanted a career in the FBI or the ATF. The days when those two organizations were held in high regard, and it was run by good government. Now everything is upside down. Politics corrupted both government and once great institutions I wanted to be a part of.

Let’s talk about keeping you and your family alive. Please look at some of the things you can be prepare for in advance. 

Today's talk is about being prepared for difficult times that may be on the “horizon”.  Again, this is not to put fear in your heart, it’s to make sure you have a plan and can execute it if needed for a sustained period of time.

So What Do We Do?

Kielma says, “As I scoured the web for good information, I have come up with the 21 tips I use to prepare for an EMP, World War, Civil Unrest, A Tyranical Government, and offenders both foreign and domestic. Be smart and defend yourself and your loved ones. Stay prepared.

Gregg continues, “don’t waste your time, money, and energy by repeating the same mistakes that I and so many others have already made. Instead, read this list of tips I wish I’d heard before I started preparing.

1. Start Living Below Your Means Right Now
You don’t want to just buy all your food and supplies with a credit card. Instead, look for ways to lower your bills until you have some money left over for preps.

2. Don’t Blow All Your Money In The First Month
Prepping is something that should be done slowly and steadily. Oftentimes there are survival items you think you need, then later you find out there’s a better deal somewhere or that you already own a suitable substitute. So try to be patient.

3. Store Plenty Of Water
Water is technically more important than food, and you’re going to go through it faster than you think. You don’t have to just buy bottled water. You can collect your own water and store it in collapsible containers or barrels for long periods of time in your garage or basement.

4. Don’t Store Water In Old Milk Jugs
It is so tempting, and it seems like a good idea at the time, but it will end in disaster. It’s hard to wash out all the milk residue which means you could end up with harmful bacteria growing in you water. Also, the plastic is not hardy and will eventually break down, creating a big mess.

5. Don’t Buy Food Your Family Doesn’t Eat
Finding a great deal on a case of canned spinach may seem like a great way to fill the shelves in your pantry, but if your family refuses to eat it, you will have wasted time, money, and space. It’s nice to find a great deal, but if it doesn’t fit your family, pass on it and wait for the next one.
 
6. Store More Than Just Canned Food
There is this idea that a food pantry must be loaded with canned foods and nothing else. You need to have a variety of canned, dry, and freeze-dried foods in order to diversify your diet. Otherwise, you will get bored with canned food, and all that extra sodium will be bad for your health.

7. Use Sturdy Shelves For Your Storage
That flimsy, particleboard shelves may be inexpensive, but they will not hold up long when you start piling bags of beans and cases of canned goods on them. Your best option would be wire shelving. It is sturdy and can tolerate more weight.

8. Don’t Put All Your Preps In One Place
You never know when disaster will strike. Your entire food storage could be wiped out in the blink of an eye. Place some caches around the area where you live, keep a bug out bag in every vehicle, and if possible, keep some supplies at your bug out location.

9. There’s More To Prepping Than How Much You Store
It takes knowledge and skill as well. Here are 20 skills you might need.  (November's Topic) check back! For each of these, you need to get training and hands-on experience. Have a nice library of reference materials stashed away as well.

10. Don’t Forget About Hygiene and Sanitation
Stocking up on toilet paper and soap is just as important as stocking up on food and water. You have to stay clean in order to avoid becoming sick. Getting sick during a survival situation–when hospitals are either closed or overrun–could end up killing you.

11. Don’t Forget About Those With Special Needs
Some people might need insulin, glasses, medication, oxygen, wheelchairs, etc. Make the necessary preparations for them as well.

12. Don’t Forget About Your Pets
If you have pets, you have two choices: plan on feeding and caring for them or abandon them. If you care about your pets, be sure to store pet food, water, and other supplies for them. Make the decision about what you will do with your pets today and don’t wait until the heat of the moment when your emotions are already running high.

13. Don’t Be The Only Prepper In Your Household
Your entire family needs to be on board. They don’t have to be as excited as you, but they do need to have the knowledge and know-how. Make sure you incorporate them into your prepping as much as possible.

14. Don’t Tell Everyone About Your Preps
You don’t want to advertise what you have. If and when disaster strikes, you will have a line of people at your door, and you won’t be able to help them all. So, keep your plans within the family and a select group of trusted individuals.

15. Try To Stay In Shape
Many preppers are going to find themselves completely exhausted after just one day of disaster. Hiking from place to place, carrying supplies back and forth, repairing damaged roofs or windows, etc. All if it will wear you out fast if you’re not in shape. It’s easier to get in shape than you think. A half hour of power walking a day will make a huge difference.

16. Keep a Stockpile Of Guns And Ammo They Will Keep You Safe
FACT: You should have guns for self-defense and understand how to use them. However, you need to do your best to avoid confrontation. Learn how to be stealthy and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Your guns cannot protect you from being shot by others who have guns. But they can and will be a big help and deterrent. Learn how to shoot and "operate" your firearm.

17. Have A Plan For Getting Home
Many people forget that disasters don’t wait for you to get home. They can also happen when you’re at work, school, or elsewhere. Do you have a plan for getting home, or a place to meet with the rest of your family?

18. Don’t Make Assumptions About What Will Happen
Some people just assume they’ll have to bug out, while others assume they’ll be able to bug in. But you don’t know what’s going to happen. You have to have a plan A and a plan B. Every prepper needs a backup plan to their backup plan.

19. Test Everything Yourself
Don’t assume your tools will work properly when you need them to. You have to try them out. Also, don’t just store several of the same tool because if that tool ends up not working for you, you might need a different type of tool. As Graywolf Survival says, “Carry redundant capability, not redundant gear.”

20. Take Baby Steps
Some DIY projects are so big and complicated and require so much education beforehand that you really have to be patient. If you try to get it all done in just a few days, you’re going to get frustrated and burned out. Remember, lots of baby steps will quickly add up to a very long way.

21. The End Of The World Isn’t Tomorrow?
Yes, technically it could be, but odds are it isn’t. And if you always think it is, then you’re liable to panic and make bad decisions. Be prepared, but enjoy all that life has to offer. Don’t become so focused on prepping for doomsday that you forget to enjoy what you have today. And keep in mind that doomsday might never happen.

Gregg Kielma is the owner of "Tactical K Training and Firearms Acadamy", FFL, Gunsmith and Host/Producer of "Grill'in and Gun's TV"  

Contact Gregg at 941 737-6956 or 888 880-5444 or email Gregg at kielmagregory@gmail.com

Please see Gregg's credentials below.
FFL (Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer) Gun Store and Gunsmith Shop
USCCA Certified CCW Instructor
USCCA Certified Marksmanship Simplified: Foundations of Handgun Coaching
USCCA Certified Permitless and Constitutional Carry Instructor
USCCA Certified Real Estate Safety Fundamentals Instructor
USCCA Certified Woman and Handguns Fundamentals Instructor
USCCA Certified Home Defense Instructor
USCCA Certified Countering the Mass Shooter Instructor
USCCA Certified Children and Firearms Instructor
USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer
Tactical K Gun Care and Cleaning 101
Tactical K Certified Gunsmith
Tactical K Taser Training Fundamentals
Tactical K Handgun Training 
Tactical K Rifle Training
Tactical K Certified Smokeless Range Instructor
Tactical K Certified Laser Ranger Instructor
FFA Professional Drone Pilot 
Profession Manager

Gregory A Kielma
Tactical K Training and Firearms Academy
888 880-5444
941 737-6956
kielmagregory@gmail.com


By Gregory Kielma December 7, 2025
Jury convicts illegal alien who distributed cocaine and machine guns from home Wednesday, December 3, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national who unlawfully resided in Laredo has been convicted of unlawful possession of a machine gun and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours and 30 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts on all 12 counts as charged against Carlos Alberto Garcia-Guajardo following a less than three-day trial. The jury heard that Garcia-Guajardo and Fernando Patino Jr., also an illegal alien, sold firearms and cocaine out of a residential home in Laredo. The firearms included several machine guns. Testimony revealed details of the undercover operation which began with the sale of a pistol. At that time, Garcia-Guajardo had indicated he and Patino could also offer drugs for sale. On Jan. 2, Patino and Garcia-Guajardo sold the first of two machine guns - a model 22 Glock equipped with a conversion device . In the following weeks, they arranged additional sales involving cocaine and other firearms. In total, Patino and Garcia-Guajardo sold 10 firearms. The jury heard the pair used the sale of cocaine and firearms to negotiate future deals. Testimony revealed that during one transaction, they told a buyer that “because you are paying full price on the snow, we will cut you a deal on the Glock.” Evidence also showed Garcia-Guajardo and Patino not only sold firearms but fired them indiscriminately in their neighborhood and conducted extensive drug trafficking. On Jan. 31, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the 3000 block of Monterrey Street in Laredo. At that time, they found Garcia-Guajardo along with Jose Guadalupe Hernandez-Garza, a 26-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, as well as scales, cash in various denominations, multiple firearms and crack cocaine stored near items belonging to young children. Garcia-Guajardo had been ordered removed from the United States on two occasions, most recently in July 2024. As an illegal alien, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law. Visting U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle presided over trial and has set sentencing for March 5. Garcia-Guajardo faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years and up to life in federal prison. He could also be ordered to pay a $250,000 maximum fine. Patino, 33, pleaded guilty prior to trial and is pending sentencing. Both Patino and Garcia-Guajardo have been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Hernandez-Garza admitted to being an alien illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition and has been ordered to prison. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Laredo Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Anti-Gang Unit – Laredo Center and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Tory R. Sailer and Brandon Scott Bowling are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Updated December 3, 2025
By Gregory Kielma December 7, 2025
BRISTOL MAN FOUND GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER OF ATF AGENTS SERVING A SEARCH WARRANT Thursday, December 4, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – John Caleb Allen, 26, of Bristol, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of ten counts, including two counts of attempted murder of a federal officer. The guilty verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “The case exemplifies the incredible danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face as they keep our communities safe from violent offenders like this defendant. Attacks on law enforcement will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law and deserve severe punishment.” Evidence at trial demonstrated that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had been investigating the defendant for the illegal sale of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). On June 3, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase a firearm and a MCD from the defendant. On June 23, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase 13 MCDs and two firearms from the defendant. Officers watched the defendant pick up the two firearms he sold to the confidential source from a federal firearms licensee (FFL), where he lied on ATF Form 4473. Based on their investigation, ATF obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant’s house. While attempting to execute the search warrant, the defendant shot approximately 14 times at ATF agents as they attempted to enter his front door. One of the officers had a bullet pass through his shirtsleeve and another officer was struck by a bullet in the body armor, but neither was injured. Officers did not return fire and were able to get the defendant to peacefully exit the residence with his hands up several minutes later. Agents located numerous firearms, including an unregistered firearm silencer, during the residential search. In total, the defendant was convicted of: • Count 1: Transfer of a machinegun on June 3, 2025; • Count 2: Transfer of a machinegun on June 23, 2025; • Count 3: Making a false statement to an FFL on June 23, 2025; • Count 4: Attempted murder of a federal officer (first ATF Special Agent); • Count 5: Forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon (first ATF Special Agent); • Count 6: Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (first ATF Special Agent); • Count 7: Attempted murder of a federal officer (second ATF Special Agent); • Count 8: Forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon (second ATF Special Agent); • Count 9: Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (second ATF Special Agent); and • Count 10: Possessing an unregistered or unmarked silencer. Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @USAO_NDFL Updated December 4, 2025
By Gregory Kielma December 7, 2025
WAKULLA COUNTY WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STRAW PURCHASE OF TWO FIREARMS Tuesday, December 2, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michaela Nicole McMeans, 56 , of Panacea, Florida, has pleaded guilty to making false statements to acquire a firearm and conducting a straw purchase of two firearms. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I appreciate the excellent investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners to identify and detain this offender who was purchasing firearms for others who were legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing those weapons themselves. My office will continue to back up the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to keep our communities safe.” After the arrest of two prohibited individuals in possession of firearms in the Panama City area in April 2025 (one a convicted felon, the other a resident alien in the United States on a visa), investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined both firearms had been acquired through a single purchase at a Panama City area federally licensed firearms dealer in March 2025. Investigators determined that the defendant purchased both firearms in the transaction, and that she had represented in documentation filed at the time of the purchase that both firearms were for her personal use; they were not. After being confronted, the defendant admitted the handguns had been purchased on behalf of two individuals who she knew could not lawfully purchase firearms. Sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2026, in federal court in Tallahassee before District Court Judge Mark Walker. The defendant faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the charges. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K Mountin. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @USAO_NDFL Updated December 2, 2025
By Gregory Kielma December 7, 2025
Why do we have concealed carry laws? Why does the gun need to be concealed? From an avid reader of my blog. LET’S TAKE A LOOK I can tell you why! I carry my weapon on me all the time, when I’m out in public. I cannot count the number of times I had some yahoo come up behind me and start crying about me being armed in a public place. Carrying a weapon is our right! The 2nd amendment defines it precisely. Your right to feel comfortable by having guns removed from public carry, is outweighed by our right to feel comfortable carrying! Just because someone is armed, it does not instantly define them as a murderer, nor does anyone have the right to infringe upon their right to carry, because they think their rights supersedes another. The SCOTUS has ruled on numerous cases, a person’s rights end where they conflict with another’s. You have the right to go out in public with or without a weapon, as do I, YOU do not have the right to tell me I cannot.
By Gregory Kielma December 7, 2025
22-year-old Anthony Holley Jr. A domestic tragedy unfolded Thursday afternoon at the Magnolia Court Apartments, leaving a woman dead and a young man behind bars on murder charges. According to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), the fatal shooting occurred just after 2:15 p.m. on December 4. When officers arrived at the complex, they found an adult female suffering from a critical gunshot wound to her abdomen. First responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene and rushed her to a local hospital, but she did not survive. Detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit quickly identified the suspect as 22-year-old Anthony Holley Jr. , who was in a relationship with the victim. The investigation revealed a harrowing sequence of events leading to the gunfire. Police allege that Holley was handling an AR-15–style rifle inside the apartment in a "reckless and careless manner." At the time the weapon was discharged, it was pointed directly at the victim, who was holding a small child. The bullet struck the woman, but the child was miraculously unharmed. Holley reportedly fled the apartment immediately after the shot was fired. However, the manhunt was short-lived. Within hours, detectives located Holley near the scene and recovered a firearm matching the description of the weapon used in the killing. He was taken into custody without incident. Holley has been charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. "This arrest is a testament to TPD's ongoing commitment to seeking justice and holding violent offenders accountable," the department stated following the arrest. Authorities are asking anyone with further information regarding this case to contact TPD at 850-891-4200 or to remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.
By Gregory Kielma December 5, 2025
5 accused antifa supporters plead guilty to terrorism offense in ICE facility shooting that wounded LEO By Jamie Stengle Associated Press DALLAS — Five people pleaded guilty Wednesday to terrorism-related charges after they were accused of supporting antifa in a July shooting that wounded a police officer outside a Texas immigration detention center. The charges brought by the Justice Department followed President Donald Trump signing an order that designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Trump has blamed antifa for political violence. FBI Director Kash Patel has previously said the charges in Texas are the first time a material support to terrorism charge has targeted antifa. A police officer was injured in the July 4 shooting near Dallas outside the Prairieland Detention Center, where federal prosecutors say an antifa cell carried out an attack that included gunfire and fireworks aimed toward the facility. Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Seth Sikes, Lynette Sharp and John Thomas each entered guilty pleas to one count of providing material support to terrorists in federal court in Fort Worth. They face up to 15 years in prison at sentencing. Sharp’s attorney, Erin Kelley, said entering the plea was “step one in a long process” before the sentence is actually determined. Lawyers for the other four defendants either did not immediately return messages Wednesday or comment. Cases against others also charged in the shooting remain ongoing. According to court documents, one member of the group outside the facility yelled “get to the rifles” and then opened fire as officers responded, striking an Alvarado Police Department officer in the neck area. He fell to the ground but was able to return a few shots. Prosecutors say more rounds were then fired at the wounded officer and an unarmed DHS correction officer. Court documents say Gibson, Baumann and Sikes were among those who were present the night of the attack and were arrested shortly after, while Sharp and Thomas were among those who helped the accused shooter avoid arrest until July 15. Others are scheduled for arraignment in the case next month, including Zachary Evetts, whose attorney, Patrick McLain, has said he’s seen no evidence to support the government’s view of the case. “Mr. Evetts has never been a member of anything like a ‘North Texas Antifa Cell,’ and from the evidence provided to us by the government so far, there is no evidence that such an organization ever existed,” McLain said Saturday. Days after that shooting, a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents and a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen near the Mexico border, injuring a police officer. Authorities shot and killed the attacker.
By Gregory Kielma December 5, 2025
Dalmin Muran DEPUTIES ARREST SACRAMENTO MAN AND SEIZE LARGE WEAPONS CACHE AFTER SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AT LOCAL SCHOOLS, BAILS OUT HOURS LATER Last week, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Threat Management Unit, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail (SED), Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT), and multiple other specialized tactical units, executed a search warrant on 29-year-old Dalmin Muran following an ongoing investigation into concerning and escalating behavior. The investigation was started after Muran was repeatedly observed engaging in suspicious activity at local schools in East Sacramento County, including Rosemont High School. In one instance, Muran drove his vehicle onto school grounds during nighttime hours and was seen wearing military-style clothing and night-vision optics. He complied when contacted by security, who told him he had to leave, despite insisting he should be allowed access since the schools are “public grounds.” He claimed to have prior military service during other contacts, although it was determined he never had . Muran also expressed interest in joining law enforcement. During the execution of the search warrant, Deputies recovered multiple law enforcement patches and tactical gear, including those from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. They also discovered numerous firearms that had been modified from their original California-compliant configuration. One unserialized short-barreled rifle (sometimes referred to as a “ghost gun”) was also located hidden in the attic as the warrant was being served, along with hundreds of firearm parts and components used to build or alter weapons. Deputies also found multiple smoke grenades, flash bangs, and pepper spray deployable smoke grenades within the residence, further contributing to public safety concerns and the seriousness of the investigation. Muran was booked into custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail for multiple felony charges but was released on bond hours later. Detectives are concerned that there may be unreported incidents in which Muran represented himself as law enforcement and/or attempted to enforce laws. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may have had suspicious contact with Muran, particularly instances in which he represented himself as law enforcement or attempted to enforce laws, to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Threat Management Unit immediately through our non-emergency line at (916) 874-5115 for follow-up. The investigation remains ongoing.
By Gregory Kielma December 5, 2025
Why do policemen carry their sidearms in open holsters? Is it easy for anyone to grab them? Gregg Kielma Unknown to most people with casual familiarity with firearms, virtually all holster (especially those used by law enforcement) have a locking system, even if it isn’t easily seen. In fact, I don’t know of any police departments that doesn’t require one on holsters. Now some are much more effective than others, but almost all of them require one. For civilians, especially if carrying concealed, this system just uses tension, but even most civilians use holsters with a locking system that needs to be disengaged before drawing a firearm. The best locking systems can, with practice, be disengaged while drawing, in one smooth action. The holster above is from Safariland and uses their GLS locking system . On the right-hand side is a small protrusion which is a lock release. If you are drawing correctly, as you grab the firearm your finger should automatically hit and release it. While it takes some practice to make it completely smooth, most concealed carriers and law enforcement should already be practicing their draws at least once a week. On the other hand, if you are unfamiliar with the system (which 99% of the general public is) you’ll have no clue how to disengage the lock and will only end up pulling the wearer’s pants up an inch or two. Even if you pulled hard enough to remove the holster completely from the wearer’s pants, you still wouldn’t be able to use the firearm as all proper holsters (which is all the holsters Safariland makes) completely cover the trigger (never buy a holster that doesn’t completely cover the trigger). Many manufacturers produce similar holsters that use their own unique proprietary systems, the one below just happens to be the one I’m most familiar with.
By Gregory Kielma December 5, 2025
Gregg Kielma in his GUN SHOP What is an "idiot scratch" on a firearm? Kielma says, if you scratch your firearm, I can fix it for you. Give me a call and I’ll do my best to make it look new again. Let’s TAKE A LOOK at a friend and my thoughts. The 1911 is one of the most iconic handguns in the world. Dozens of manufacturers make them. You might find a cheap, used 1911 for as little as $200 if you shop. On the other hand, you could find a Cabot 1911 for around a million dollars. Regardless of how expensive it is, a 1911 is venerated within the gun community. Beloved. An “idiot scratch” is something you see most commonly on 1911s, especially those owned by inexperienced or careless gun owners. I don’t agree with calling anyone an idiot. I don’t think of myself as incompetent. I have a scratch. It just isn’t obvious. How does that happen? In my case, it was just the fact that I’ve disassembled and reassembled that thing in a lot of different scenarios, including in low light situations. I’ve probably disassembled and reassemble it literally hundreds of times for various reasons (including converting it to a .22lr pistol). Why does it happen? It has a spring in there pushing a peg forward. If not careful the spring will “pop” out and could scratch your firearm. The peg makes it slightly more difficult to get this slide stop in place. That’s what scratches your frame. People who are new, careless, or whatever sometimes sweep up to get that slide stop in place. Now remember that while you’re doing all that, you’re also holding the slide back just the right amount to get it all to line up so that the notch in the slide fits. Accidents happen. It isn't that big of a deal. I could probably buff mine out, it’s so light. I just don’t care. My 1911 is one of my least favorite guns to shoot. That’s why it sits in the safe 99% of the time when I go to the range. I’d rather be shooting my CZ 97B. I don’t care about such things and don’t judge people who have marks. They could be exceptional shooters and just… not care about cosmetics. Maybe it isn’t even their mark but rather one caused by the last owner. It doesn’t affect function. It’s just… guys giving each other the business, like “Clips” vs. “magazines.” Lol If you scratch your firearm, I can fix it for you. Give me a call and I’ll do my best to make it look new again.
By Gregory Kielma December 5, 2025
Do gun owners realize there is a limit on how many guns they can own at a time? Thoughts from an avid reader of the blog. What’s your thoughts on this? It is true. But we don’t like to talk about this subject much. When I was a bachelor living in an apartment, a gun safe was impractical. And closets were…packed. So I had 4 cased rifles under my bed. When I was married and had kids, the gun safe was practical. I filled it. Now that we are empty nesters and less demands on my wallet…. I asked Senior Management if I maybe could get a bigger gun safe to put a few more guns in? Senior Management went all practical and rational (I hate when that happens), “Why do you need more guns? You hardly shoot the ones you have!” So, I bought a case of ammunition instead. Keep up the good work by asking anti-gun questions. It reminds us of the haters lurking out there. Do yourself a favor, stock up on guns and ammo. I will note that I am a typical redneck American gun nut. Working in technology, have couple degrees, bit over 800 books in my Kindle. Accuracy snob. Uninterested in anything rapid fire - hit with the first shot saves both time and ammo. Served in the reserves. Ready to protect the weak from predators - except we don’t even tolerate that here in the first place. Can’t remember how to skin a deer, it’s been years. Can build a campfire. live in the woods for a weekend on canteen of water and 3 trail bars, been even longer. Can remember how to train youngsters on safe handling and excellent marksmanship, recent as last week.