Why You Should Clean Your Firearm By Gregg Kielma As a firearms instructor, I’ve seen a lot of equipment come across my bench—some pristine, some neglected, and some that tell a story the moment you open the action. One thing has never changed: a clean firearm is a safer, more reliable firearm. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter, cleaning your firearm isn’t optional. It’s part of responsible ownership. If you don’t know how to clean your firearm, take my class. I’ll instruct you how. Reliability Starts With Maintenance Your firearm is a mechanical tool. Carbon, unburned powder, dirt, sweat, and environmental debris all build up over time. That buildup doesn’t just look bad—it affects function. A dirty firearm is more likely to fail when you need it most. A clean firearm cycles smoother, feeds better, and performs the way the manufacturer intended. Safety Depends on It A firearm that isn’t maintained can become unpredictable. Fouling can cause failures to fire, failures to eject, or even pressure issues. Cleaning forces you to slow down, inspect your equipment, and confirm that everything is in proper working order. That inspection alone prevents accidents. You Learn Your Equipment Cleaning isn’t just about wiping down metal. It’s about understanding how your firearm works. When you take it apart, you learn its mechanics, its tolerances, and its personality. That familiarity builds confidence and competence—two things every responsible gun owner should strive for. Longevity and Value A firearm is an investment. Just like a vehicle, it lasts longer when you take care of it. Rust, corrosion, and wear all accelerate when a gun is left dirty. Regular cleaning protects your investment and ensures it stays in top condition for years to come. Kielma’s Parting Shot: It Reinforces a Mindset of Responsibility Owning a firearm isn’t about bravado. It’s about discipline, respect, and accountability. Cleaning your firearm is a simple act that reinforces those values. It reminds you that this tool has a purpose—and that purpose demands responsibility. Gregg Kielma

De‑Escalation: Why I Treat It as the Most Important Skill I Teach By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms When people come to me for firearms training, many assume the focus will be on shooting, gear, or tactics. But the truth is far simpler—and far more important. The most valuable skill I can give anyone isn’t how to pull a trigger. It’s how to avoid ever needing to. De‑escalation is the foundation of everything I teach. It’s the quiet skill that keeps good people out of bad situations, and it’s the one thing that can save a life without a single shot fired. From my perspective as an instructor, a business owner, and someone who takes personal protection seriously, de‑escalation isn’t optional. It’s essential. Why De‑Escalation Comes First 1. Because every situation you avoid is a victory If you recognize danger early and steer away from it, you’ve already won. No paperwork, no legal battle, no trauma, no injury. Just a normal day that stayed normal because you made smart choices. People underestimate how many problems can be solved simply by: Creating distance Changing direction Using calm, confident communication Refusing to take the bait These aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signs of maturity and discipline. 2. Because conflict escalates faster than most people realize A “poor situation” rarely starts at full speed. It begins with tension, attitude, or misunderstanding. If you don’t know how to defuse that early spark, it can turn into something far worse in seconds. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve trained people who lived through it. And I’ve taught many who wish they had handled things differently. De‑escalation gives you the tools to interrupt that chain reaction before it becomes a threat to your life or someone else’s. 3. Because the legal system expects you to try In Florida—and everywhere else—your actions before a defensive encounter matter. Prosecutors, juries, and investigators will all ask the same questions: Did you try to avoid the confrontation Did you attempt to calm things down Did you have a safe way to leave If the answer is “no,” your life becomes much harder. De‑escalation isn’t just smart—it’s legally responsible. 4. Because defending your life is the last resort I teach “avoid, escape, defend” for a reason. Defense is the final step, not the first. Using force—especially deadly force—is a life‑altering event. Even when justified, it carries emotional, legal, and financial consequences that most people never consider. If you can talk someone down, walk away, or create space, you protect more than your life. You protect your future. What De‑Escalation Looks Like in Real Life It’s not dramatic. It’s not tactical. It’s not Hollywood. It’s simple, controlled behavior like: It's your voice instead of raising it, lower it. Keeping your hands visible and non‑threatening Using calm, direct language Not matching someone’s anger Knowing when to disengage and leave Always what their hands...always These skills work whether you’re dealing with a stranger in a parking lot, a heated customer, or a stressed‑out neighbor. They work because they give the other person a way out without losing face. Why I Teach It Relentlessly Because I’ve seen what happens when people don’t have these skills. Because I’ve seen how quickly a normal day can turn into a tragedy. Because I believe responsible gun ownership starts long before a firearm ever leaves the holster. My mission isn’t to teach people how to win a fight. My mission is to teach people how to avoid one. If I can help someone walk away from a dangerous situation without violence, that’s success. That’s responsible training. That’s what Tactical K Training stands for. Gregg Kielma

The Age-Old Debate… Who Shoots Better, Men or Women? By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms As a professional instructor here is my perspective. Let’s Take a LOOK As a firearms instructor, I’ve spent countless hours on the range working with shooters of every background—men, women, young adults, seniors, first timers, and seasoned gun owners. One question comes up more often than you might expect: “Who shoots better, men or women?” From my experience, the answer isn’t as simple as choosing one over the other. Shooting skill isn’t determined by gender—it’s shaped by mindset, training, and the willingness to learn. But there are consistent tendencies I see on the range, and they’re worth talking about. Women Often Excel in the Fundamentals Many women come into training without preconceived notions about firearms. They’re not trying to prove anything; they’re trying to learn. That mindset gives them a major advantage. • They listen closely to instruction. • They don’t fight the fundamentals. • They’re patient with themselves. • They’re more open to correcting mistakes early. Because of this, women often develop solid technique faster than men, especially in areas like trigger control, stance, and sight alignment. I’ve seen many women outshoot their husbands, boyfriends, or male friends within the first hour of training. Men Often Bring Confidence—Sometimes Too Much Confidence can be an asset on the range, but it can also get in the way. Many men arrive with prior experience or assumptions about how shooting “should” work. That can lead to: • Overconfidence in bad habits • Resistance to correction • Rushing shots • Trying to muscle the firearm instead of letting technique do the work Once men slow down, accept coaching, and focus on fundamentals, they improve quickly. But early on, that confidence gap can make women appear to be the “better shooters.” Skill Comes Down to Discipline, Not Gender After training thousands of shooters, I can say this with certainty: The best shooters are the ones who respect the process. The ones who: • Practice consistently • Stay humble • Focus on safety • Build good habits • Seek continuous improvement I’ve seen exceptional male shooters and exceptional female shooters. I’ve also seen both struggle. The difference isn’t physical strength or gender—it’s mindset and discipline. Why This Question Matters When people ask who shoots better, they’re usually trying to understand what to expect from training. My answer is always the same: Everyone can become a highly skilled, confident, and safe shooter with proper instruction and the right attitude. At my range, I don’t train “men” or “women.” I train students—each with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Kielma’s Parting Shot If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Women often start stronger, but men catch up fast once they embrace the fundamentals. But in the end, the real competition isn’t between men and women. It’s between who you were yesterday and the safer, more skilled shooter you can become today. Gregg Kielma

90 Day Firearm Hold/Storage Policy: Why It Matters and What Clients Need to Know Tactical K Training and Firearms As a firearms instructor and business owner, I’ve learned that clarity, consistency, and responsibility are the backbone of any safe and professional operation. One area where this becomes especially important is how long a firearm can be left in my possession—whether for training, cleaning, mounting optics, troubleshooting, or any other service. To protect both the gun owner and my business, I follow a 90 day policy for firearms left on site. Not years. This isn’t about being strict for the sake of it; it’s about maintaining accountability, legal compliance, and respect for the property entrusted to me. Why a 90 Day Policy Exists 1. Firearms Are Not Items to Be Abandoned A gun isn’t a forgotten lawnmower or a pair of shoes at the cobbler. It’s a regulated tool that demands responsible handling and timely retrieval. When a firearm sits unclaimed, it creates unnecessary liability and risk. • Storage Costs: $10.00 per firearm per month. 2. Secure Storage Is Limited and Regulated Every firearm left in my care must be stored securely, logged, and monitored. Space is finite, and the longer a gun sits, the more it complicates inventory, insurance, and compliance. 3. Accountability Protects Everyone A clear timeline ensures: • The owner stays engaged and responsible • I maintain accurate records • There’s no confusion about ownership or intent A 90 day window is fair, reasonable, and gives ample time for pickup—even with life’s interruptions. What Happens After 90 Days If a firearm remains unclaimed after 90 days, it enters the forfeiture process. This is not a punishment—it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of my business and comply with legal and safety standards. Consequences of Forfeiture Once forfeited, the firearm may be: • Disposed of according to policy • Sold or transferred legally • Used to recover storage or service costs At that point, the original owner loses all rights to the firearm. It cannot be reclaimed, reversed, or disputed after the forfeiture is complete. Communication Is Key It’s incumbent on you to make every effort to contact Tactical K Training and Firearms before the 90 day mark to make arrangements for pick up or extend the hold for 90 more days: • Phone calls • Emails • Text reminders Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the firearm owner. If you leave a gun with me, stay in touch. If something comes up, communicate. I’m always willing to work with someone who reaches out. Why This Policy Protects Responsible Gun Owners A structured system reinforces the values I teach every day: • Responsibility • Accountability • Respect for firearms • Respect for others’ time and property When gun owners follow the policy, everyone benefits. When they don’t, the consequences are clear and fair. Tactical K Training and Firearms Final Thoughts My goal is never to take someone’s firearm. My goal is to run a safe, professional, and legally compliant operation that serves responsible gun owners. The 90 day policy ensures that firearms don’t sit forgotten, that my storage remains secure, and that every gun in my possession is accounted for. If you entrust me with your firearm, I take that responsibility seriously. All I ask is that you do the same. Gregg Kielma

Gregg Kielma Tactical Training at My Range: A Perspective From the Instructor’s Side Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms Tactical training isn’t just a service I offer at Tactical K Training and Firearms—it’s a responsibility I take personally. Every time a student steps onto my range, I’m reminded that they’re trusting me with something far more important than marksmanship. They’re trusting me with their safety, their confidence, and in many cases, their ability to protect the people they love. That trust shapes everything I do. A Training Philosophy Built on Real-World Purpose My approach to tactical training is simple: it must be practical, it must be safe, and it must be rooted in real-world application. I don’t teach fantasy scenarios or encourage a “warrior mindset.” I teach avoidance, awareness, and the skills necessary to survive and escape dangerous situations. Firearms are tools of last resort, and I make sure every student understands that before we ever load a magazine. When someone trains with me, they learn more than how to shoot. They learn how to think under pressure, how to move with purpose, and how to make decisions that prioritize life over ego. That’s the heart of tactical training. A Range Dedicated for Learning, Not Intimidation My outdoor range in Parrish, Florida, is intentionally set up to be welcoming and controlled. Students don’t need to be experts to train here. They don’t need to show up with the latest gear or years of experience. What they need is an open mind and a willingness to learn. I structure every session to match the student’s comfort level. Whether it’s a brand new gun owner or someone preparing for advanced defensive scenarios, I meet them where they are. No yelling, no pressure, no judgment—just clear instruction, steady progression, and a focus on building confidence. Training That Builds Skills You Can Depend On Tactical training at my range covers a wide spectrum of real-life skills: • Safe firearm handling under stress • Drawing from concealment • Movement, cover, and positional shooting • Decision making and threat identification • Home defense fundamentals • Situational awareness and de escalation Every drill has a purpose, and every purpose ties back to one goal: helping students become responsible, capable, and confident gun owners. Why I Teach the Way I Do I’ve seen what happens when people rely on luck instead of training. I’ve seen what happens when someone buys a firearm but never learns how to use it safely. That’s why I take my role seriously. My job isn’t to impress students—it’s to prepare them. When someone leaves my range, I want them to walk away with more than improved accuracy. I want them to walk away with a mindset that prioritizes safety, responsibility, and respect for the tool they carry. Kielma's Parting Shot: A Community Built on Responsibility Tactical K Training and Firearms isn’t just a business. It’s a community of people who value preparedness, safety, and continuous learning. I’m proud of the students who train here—people who choose to invest in themselves and take ownership of their skills. From first time shooters to seasoned firearm owners, everyone who trains with me becomes part of that community. And every time I see a student grow, improve, and gain confidence, it reinforces why I do what I do.

The Top 10 Pistols Made in America By Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms As an instructor and lifelong student of firearms, I’ve had the privilege of working with pistols from every corner of the industry. But there’s something special about American made handguns — the engineering, the innovation, and the pride that goes into each design. Whether for concealed carry, home defense, competition, or professional use, the United States produces some of the finest pistols in the world. These are the top 10 American made pistols that consistently stand out in performance, reliability, and real-world practicality. 1. Glock 42/43/47 (Georgia) While Glock is Austrian by origin, many of its most popular models are manufactured right here in America. The slimline 42 and 43 are outstanding for concealed carry, and the 47 brings duty grade performance with Glock’s signature simplicity and reliability. 2. Smith & Wesson M&P Series (Massachusetts / Tennessee) The M&P line has earned its place as one of the most trusted platforms in law enforcement and civilian carry. With excellent ergonomics, modularity, and a proven track record, the M&P series delivers reliability you can stake your life on. 3. SIG Sauer P320 (New Hampshire) The P320’s modular fire control unit changed the industry. Its adaptability, accuracy, and clean trigger make it a favorite among professionals — and its selection as the U.S. military’s M17/M18 platform speaks volumes. 4. Ruger American Pistol (North Carolina / New Hampshire) Ruger’s American Pistol is built like a tank. With a robust chassis system, excellent recoil management, and rugged construction, it’s a dependable option for shooters who want durability above all else. 5. Kimber 1911 Series (Alabama) Kimber produces some of the finest production 1911s available. Their attention to detail, crisp triggers, and tight tolerances make them a favorite for shooters who appreciate classic American craftsmanship. 6. Springfield Armory 1911 (Illinois) Springfield’s 1911 lineup blends tradition with modern enhancements. From entry level models to high end custom shop builds, these pistols offer exceptional accuracy and a timeless feel. 7. Colt Government Model 1911 (Connecticut) The original American fighting pistol. Colt’s 1911 remains a benchmark for reliability and heritage. For many shooters — myself included — it represents the foundation of modern handgun design. 8. Staccato 2011 Series (Texas) Staccato pistols have become the gold standard in duty grade performance. Their 2011 platform offers unmatched shootability, fast follow up shots, and competition level accuracy in a defensive ready package. 9. Walther PDP (Arkansas) Walther’s U.S. produced PDP has one of the best striker fired triggers on the market. Its ergonomics and optics ready design make it a top choice for shooters who want precision without sacrificing comfort. 10. FN 509 Series (South Carolina) Built to compete in the U.S. Army’s handgun trials, the FN 509 is rugged, reliable, and combat proven. FN’s American manufacturing facility produces some of the most durable pistols available today. Kielma’s Parting Shot As an instructor, I always remind students that the “best” pistol is the one that fits your hand, your purpose, and your level of training. But these ten American made pistols consistently rise to the top because they combine engineering excellence with real world reliability. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter, investing in a quality American made pistol is a decision you can feel confident about — and at Tactical K Training and Firearms, we’re here to help you make that choice with knowledge, skill, and responsibility.

Marijuana and Firearms: A Responsible Perspective By Gregg Kielma 01/31/2026 As a firearms instructor, my priority is always the same: safety, legality, and sound judgment. That means having honest conversations about topics that affect responsible gun ownership—even when those topics are uncomfortable or misunderstood. One of the biggest areas of confusion today is the relationship between marijuana use and firearms. Whether someone uses marijuana recreationally or medicinally, the reality is simple: you cannot mix impaired judgment with a firearm. A firearm demands clarity, awareness, and the ability to make life‑altering decisions in fractions of a second. Anything that dulls reaction time, alters perception, or affects decision‑making undermines the core principles of responsible gun ownership. Beyond safety, there’s the legal side. Even in states where marijuana is legal, federal law still classifies it as a controlled substance. That means marijuana users—regardless of state law—can face serious federal consequences if they possess or attempt to purchase a firearm. Many gun owners don’t realize that answering “yes” to marijuana use on a federal background check disqualifies them, and answering “no” when they do use it is a federal crime. These are not small technicalities; they’re issues that can cost someone their rights, their record, and their future. From my perspective, responsible ownership means understanding the law, respecting the law, and making choices that protect yourself and those around you. If someone chooses to use marijuana, that’s their decision—but they must also understand how that decision affects their ability to legally and safely own or handle a firearm. Kielma's Parting Shot Firearms and impaired judgment simply do not mix. My goal is to help every student make informed, responsible decisions that keep them safe, keep them legal, and keep them in control.

Nashua Woman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing a Firearm Later Recovered at a Crime Scene CONCORD – A Nashua woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to making a false statement to acquire a firearm for another person, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Tanya Hunter, 40, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in connection with acquiring a firearm. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2023, Hunter purchased the gun from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hudson, New Hampshire, for a Massachusetts man. Hunter lied on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form for the purchase when she said she was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearm. The firearm was later recovered from a crime scene in Massachusetts. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to 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. The Court scheduled sentencing in this matter for May 11, 2026. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Howard is prosecuting the case. Updated January 29, 2026

FRT Update 01/31/2026 In a move that has stunned many in the firearms community, the United States government, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), filed a rare “Statement of Interest” on January 26, 2026, in a private patent infringement lawsuit in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The case pits ABC IP, LLC and Rare Breed Triggers, Inc. against Timothy Hoffman, an individual inventor, and his small Tennessee-based company, Hoffman Tactical LLC. Rather than remaining neutral in what is ostensibly a civil dispute over intellectual property, the Department of Justice chose to weigh in heavily on the side of the plaintiffs, urging the court to consider the “public interest” as strongly favoring a preliminary injunction against Hoffman. At the heart of the dispute are forced reset triggers (FRTs). These devices allow semi-automatic firearms to achieve a faster cyclic rate by mechanically resetting the trigger after each shot. Rare Breed Triggers holds several patents on its version of this technology, and it alleges that Hoffman infringed those patents by designing and publicly sharing 3D-printable files for a similar “super safety” trigger design. Hoffman, like many innovators in the 3D-printing and home-gun-building community, openly released his files, enabling hobbyists to experiment and manufacture their own parts. What makes this case extraordinary is the federal government’s intervention. The ATF’s filing explicitly states that it has a “strong interest… in discouraging unregulated manufacture of forced reset triggers.” It argues that enjoining Hoffman would advance public safety and support the agency’s broader efforts to limit the proliferation of FRTs. Remarkably, the government cites a May 2025 settlement agreement it reached with Rare Breed, after years of aggressive enforcement actions against the company, as justification for now backing Rare Breed’s private patent enforcement crusade. This settlement is worth examining closely. After the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Garland v. Cargill struck down the ATF’s bump-stock rule, the agency’s legal position on other rapid-fire devices like FRTs became precarious. Facing multiple adverse court rulings, the ATF chose to settle its civil enforcement actions against Rare Breed. In exchange for dropping the lawsuits, Rare Breed agreed not to design FRTs for handguns and crucially to “take all reasonable efforts to enforce its patents and seek injunctions” against anyone else making or distributing FRTs. In essence, the government outsourced part of its regulatory agenda to a private company, turning a former enforcement target into an ally. Now, when a small inventor like Timothy Hoffman independently develops and shares a competing design, the federal government steps in, not to prosecute him criminally, but to lend its considerable weight to a corporate plaintiff seeking to shut him down. This move is a profoundly troubling development for several reasons.