Gregg Kielma Why Felons, Glock Switches, and Full Automatic Weapons Aren’t Worth the Risk for Law Abiding Citizens By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/3/2026 As a firearms instructor, an FFL, and someone who works every day to promote responsible gun ownership, I see a lot of confusion about felons, Glock switches, and fully automatic weapons. Some of that confusion comes from social media, some from misinformation, and some from people simply not understanding how serious federal firearms laws really are. Kielma continues, let me be clear: for a law-abiding citizen, getting involved with illegal conversion devices or prohibited possession is never worth the risk. The consequences are life changing, and not in a good way. Felons and Firearms: The Law Is Absolute Under federal law, a convicted felon cannot possess, own, purchase, or have access to a firearm or ammunition. There are no shortcuts, no “loopholes,” and no exceptions for “just holding it for a friend.” If a prohibited person is caught with a firearm: • They face federal prison time, not county jail • They lose any chance of restoring their rights • Anyone who knowingly provides them access can also be charged For law abiding gun owners, the takeaway is simple: Never hand a firearm to someone who is prohibited. Even innocent intentions can turn into a felony charge. Glock Switches: A One Way Ticket to Federal Prison A Glock switch—also called an auto sear—is a tiny device that converts a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic machine gun. Because of that function, the ATF classifies the switch itself as a machine gun, even when it’s not installed. That means: • Possessing the device alone is a felony • Buying, selling, printing, or installing one is a felony • There is no legal civilian pathway to own one People see these devices online and think they’re “just a part.” They’re not. They’re a federal machine gun charge waiting to happen. For a responsible gun owner, the risk is enormous and the benefit is zero. Full Automatic Weapons: Legal, But Not the Way People Think Full auto firearms can be legally owned by civilians—but only if they were manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986. These are called transferable machine guns. Here’s the reality: • They cost tens of thousands of dollars • They require a deep background check and ATF approval • They must remain properly registered • Any mistake in storage, transfer, or paperwork can lead to serious charges For most people, the cost and responsibility make them impractical. For anyone thinking about “making” one or “converting” one—don’t. That’s a guaranteed felony. Why Law Abiding Citizens Should Stay Far Away from Illegal Modifications Responsible gun owners already have enough challenges—public perception, political pressure, and the constant need to demonstrate safety and professionalism. Illegal devices like Glock switches only make things worse for everyone. Here’s what you risk by getting involved with illegal conversions: • Federal felony charges • Loss of gun rights for life • Loss of career opportunities • Financial ruin from legal fees • Damage to the firearms community as a whole Nothing about a Glock switch or an unregistered full auto is worth sacrificing your freedom, your rights, or your reputation. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Responsible Path Forward At Tactical K Training and Firearms, I teach people how to be safe, skilled, and confident gun owners. That means understanding the law, respecting the law, and staying far away from anything that puts you—or the firearms community—at risk. If you want to shoot full auto, do it the right way: • Visit a licensed range that offers legal machine guns • Train with qualified instructors • Learn how these systems work safely and legally There’s nothing wrong with enjoying firearms. There’s everything wrong with risking your freedom for a device that turns a good person into a felon in seconds. Gregg Kielma

Illegal Alien From Vietnam Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms Possession Tuesday, March 31, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia USADC.Media@usdoj.gov WASHINGTON – Hieu Trung Vu, 37, a previously convicted felon and illegal alien from Vietnam, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with drug trafficking from a Georgetown Airbnb as well as being a previously convicted felon in possession of two guns, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Vu pleaded guilty before Judge Amit P. Mehta to one count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, amphetamine, and fentanyl, and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2026. Because of his illegal status, Vu is subject to deportation to Vietnam following the completion of his sentence. “Vu was operating a drug trafficking scheme out of a Georgetown Airbnb while armed with two loaded pistols. He had no legal right to be in this country, no legal right to possess firearms, and no right to endanger our communities with these deadly narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This prosecution will reinforce that he has no right to victimize our citizens ever again.” According to court documents, on Dec. 4, 2025, Metropolitan Police responded to an emergency call from a woman who reported that a man in her Airbnb had narcotics in his possession. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence on the 1400 block of Wisconsin Ave. NW. Officers executed the warrant that afternoon and discovered a tan backpack in the rear bedroom containing two handguns. In the kitchen, officers found a black backpack containing, among other items, a black and tan Coach bag. Inside the Coach bag were narcotics packaged in multiple bags, drug paraphernalia, and a debit card bearing Vu’s name. Lab testing confirmed the drugs were methamphetamine (about 48 grams), cocaine (about 14 grams), cocaine base (about 2 grams), amphetamine (about 6 grams), and fentanyl (about 10 grams). Vu admitted that he possessed all five substances with the intent to distribute them. The two handguns were a Glock 43X, 9mm pistol, and a CZ Model 27, 7.65mm pistol. The Glock was loaded with nine rounds in a 10-round capacity magazine. Vu admitted that both firearms belonged to him. Vu was previously convicted in 2022 in Fairfax County, Virginia, of possession with intent to manufacture or sell narcotics and sentenced to five years in prison with two months and four months of the sentence suspended. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss and Caelainn Carney. This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 26cr55 Updated March 31, 2026

Justice Department Announces Operation Not Forgotten 2026 Thursday, April 2, 2026 FBI surges personnel and expands investigative resources and partnerships across Indian country The Department of Justice and FBI announced today a personnel surge in support of Operation Not Forgotten 2026, the latest deployment under Operation Steadfast Promise demonstrating the FBI's sustained commitment to addressing violent crime and improving public safety in Indian Country. In its fourth year, Operation Not Forgotten focuses on unresolved cases in Indian Country with a priority placed on cases involving violence against women and children, including those who are missing or murdered. Operation Not Forgotten is a major initiative under FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise, a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases, while working to improve public safety measures impacting Tribal communities. The FBI, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tribal and other federal law enforcement partners, is working across multiple territories to bring investigative aid to cases and resolution for victims and their families. “We will never accept the high rates of violence suffered by American Indian and Alaska Native people,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This surge will comprehensively address Indian Country violent crime – from gangs, guns and drugs, to domestic and sexual violence – while strengthening partnerships and public safety in Tribal communities.” “For far too long our tribal partners have been forgotten while their communities suffer unacceptably high rates of violent crime,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year’s Operation Not Forgotten was a tremendous success in delivering the resources long needed in Indian Country – and we are just getting started. This FBI will continue working together with our Tribal and federal partners to again surge personnel to block violent actors who think they can act lawlessly within these revered communities.” “This surge represents the federal law enforcement at its best; coordinated, intelligence-driven, and focused on delivering justice,” said the ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “ATF is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring the full weight of our investigative and forensic capabilities to fight violent crime in Indian Country. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked and that every victim receives the justice they deserve.” “Operation Not Forgotten reflects the Department of the Interior’s unwavering commitment to Native families and the strength of our partnership with the FBI to deliver justice where it is long overdue,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Established during President Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Indian Affair's Missing and Murdered Unit has brought national focus to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis—driving stronger investigations, tighter coordination across jurisdictions, and renewed attention to cases that for too long were left unresolved. That work continues with urgency and purpose today, as we stand alongside the FBI to pursue answers for families and uphold our trust responsibility to Native communities.” Building on prior deployments that have provided investigative support to more than 700 cases, resulting in the recovery of child victims, arrests, and federal indictments, Operation Not Forgotten 2026 represents the Bureau's continued commitment to ensuring that the most serious unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country receive the full weight of federal investigative resources. Surged personnel, including investigative, intelligence and victim service support, will be deployed on rotating temporary duty assignments across Indian Country in eleven FBI field offices, in Albuquerque, Billings, Detroit, Denver, Jackson, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Portland and Phoenix. Working in close coordination with Tribal law enforcement agencies, the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices, together law enforcement will work to advance open investigations and pursue accountability for victims and their families. At the start of this fiscal year, the FBI's Indian Country program carried approximately 4,100 open investigations including death investigations, child abuse cases, and domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations underscoring the persistent and urgent need for sustained resource investment in these communities. The FBI remains committed to standing alongside Tribal communities, federal partners, and local law enforcement to address the violent crime threats that continue to impact Indian Country. To learn more, visit fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime. The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Updated April 2, 2026

Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Machine Gun & Other Firearm Offenses Tuesday, March 31, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida Tallahassee, Florida – James Wiley Kelley, Jr., 51, of Altha, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is not just a powerful initiative that deploys the full might of the Department of Justice toward targeting dangerous criminals, it is a long-overdue recognition that our citizens deserve safe streets and crime-free communities. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to Take Back America from the perpetrators of violent crime who have plagued our streets, neighborhoods, and communities, and my office will continue to fulfill that promise with every successful prosecution we deliver.” Court documents reflect that United States Customs Border Protection Agents identified a parcel bearing a fictitious name and an Altha, Florida, address while inspecting packages from a flight originating in China. Examination of the parcel revealed a small box purporting to be plastic vent mounts for a smart phone but contained three metal component parts comprising a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which enable a semi-automatic firearm to be converted into a fully automatic weapon. Following a controlled delivery of the MCD, agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, resulting in the seizure of pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition of various calibers, as well as methamphetamine. The defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and possession of a controlled substance. The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody 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. 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @USAO_NDFL Updated March 31, 2026

Former International Trucker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Traffic Guns Purchased in Florida and Found at Canadian Crime Scenes Thursday, April 2, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, Florida – Erhan John Er (35, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to four years and three months in federal prison for his role in an international firearms trafficking conspiracy. Er pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, from February to September 2022, Er worked as a cross-border truck driver, based in Sarasota . Er agreed to purchase firearms for a Canadian co-conspirator and smuggle those firearms into Canada. In July and September 2022, Er bought a total of 28 guns from firearms dealers in Sarasota and Naples, Florida . He took the firearms across the Canadian border and sold them to his conspirator in exchange for his expenses and $1,000 (CAD) per gun. Canadian investigators have since recovered 10 of those firearms from crime scenes in Ontario and Quebec. All of the firearms recovered thus far have had obliterated serial numbers. Investigators have restored the serial numbers and traced them back to Er’s purchases in Florida. “Er falsely claimed to gun dealers that he was buying guns for himself, only to smuggle the guns into Canada, where they were used in multiple crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “Working together with our local, federal, and international partners, this scheme was uncovered and Er has been brought to justice.” “This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border partnerships in protecting our communities. The OPP remains committed to working closely with our Canadian and U.S. law enforcement partners to disrupt organized criminal networks, enhance public safety and prevent illegal firearms from crossing our shared border.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including ATF’s Attachés in Ontario and Quebec and ATF’s Buffalo and Rochester, New York Field Offices; Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Toronto Attaché; with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Canada Border Services Agency; the Durham Regional Police Service; the Halton Regional Police Service; the Hamilton Police Service; Ontario Provincial Police; the Sûreté du Québec; the Thunder Bay Police Service; the Toronto Police Service; the York Regional Police; the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall. Updated April 2, 2026

2026 Firearm Prices Are Up 10–20% Depending On Manufacture An Explanation from Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms As someone who lives and breathes this industry every single day—both as an FFL and as a firearms instructor—I pay close attention to the trends that affect responsible gun owners. When prices jump 10–20% in a single year, people notice. Students ask me about it on the range, customers ask about it during transfers, and families ask about it when they’re trying to budget for their first defensive firearm. Here’s the straight, practical breakdown of why firearm prices have climbed, and what it means for everyday gun owners. 1. Manufacturing Costs Are Up Across the Board Firearms are machines built to extremely tight tolerances. When the cost of raw materials rises—steel, aluminum, polymers, machining components—manufacturers feel it immediately. Over the last year: • Steel prices increased • Precision machining costs rose • Shipping and freight costs jumped When the cost of building a firearm goes up, the final price inevitably follows. 2. Labor Shortages and Skilled Work Demand Firearms manufacturing isn’t an entry level job. It requires skilled machinists, quality control techs, and experienced assembly workers. Many companies have had to raise wages to attract and retain talent. That cost gets baked into the final product. 3. Increased Demand from New Gun Owners Every year, more Americans decide to take responsibility for their own safety. That’s a good thing. But higher demand—especially for handguns, AR platform rifles, and carry pistols—puts pressure on supply. When demand outpaces production, prices rise. 4. Regulatory Pressure and Compliance Costs Whether people agree with the politics or not, the reality is this: Every new rule, form, compliance requirement, or manufacturing standard costs companies money. From serialization requirements to shipping restrictions to background check system changes, manufacturers and distributors spend more time and money staying compliant. Those costs don’t disappear—they get passed on. 5. Supply Chain Disruptions Haven’t Fully Recovered COVID-era disruptions never fully settled. Some specialty parts—springs, barrels, optics components—still face delays. When a single part is delayed, entire production lines slow down. Slower production means fewer guns on shelves, which means higher prices. 6. Brand Competition Has Shifted Companies like SIG, Smith & Wesson, Glock, and Ruger have invested heavily in R&D. Optics-ready slides, modular frames, improved triggers, and better ergonomics all cost money to develop. The modern pistol is far more advanced than what we saw 10 years ago. Innovation raises quality—but it also raises price. 7. Insurance, Liability, and Operational Costs This is the part most people never see. Manufacturers, distributors, and FFLs all face rising insurance premiums and operational costs. Liability coverage for anything firearm-related has skyrocketed. That cost trickles down through the entire supply chain. What This Means for Responsible Gun Owners Price increases aren’t a sign of the industry collapsing—they’re a sign of an industry adapting to economic pressure, regulatory changes, and increased demand. For the everyday gun owner, it means: • Budgeting a little more for quality • Buying once, crying once • Maintaining what you already own • Training is becoming even more valuable than gear A well-trained shooter with a reliable firearm is always more effective than someone chasing the newest model. Kielma’s Parting Shot: My Advice as an Instructor and FFL If you’re planning to buy: • Buy sooner rather than later—prices rarely go backward • Focus on proven platforms • Invest in training before accessories • Take care of the firearms you already own And as always, stay informed, stay responsible, and stay prepared. That’s what separates a gun owner from a protector. Gregg Kielma

Transporting Firearms: What Are the Rules? By Gregg Kielma, Owner & Lead Instructor, Tactical K Training and Firearms Transporting a firearm—whether it’s across town or across the country, it should never be a guessing game. As responsible gun owners, we owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to understand the laws that govern how firearms must be moved from point A to point B. The rules aren’t complicated, but they are specific, and failing to follow them can turn an ordinary trip into a legal headache. This is the guidance I give every student who trains with me. 1. Know the Difference Between Carrying and Transporting Carrying a firearm means it’s on your person or readily accessible. Transporting means it’s stored in a way that is not immediately accessible. Why does this matter? Because the law treats these two situations very differently. Even if you have a valid concealed carry permit, some states do not honor it. When you cross into those states, you are no longer “carrying”—you must be “transporting.” 2. Federal Law: The Safe Passage Provision Under the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA), federal law protects lawful gun owners traveling through states with restrictive laws—as long as you follow the transport rules: • Firearm must be unloaded • Firearm must be in a locked container • Ammunition must be stored separately • Neither firearm nor ammo can be readily accessible (trunk is ideal) This protection applies only when you are traveling from one lawful location to another. It does not protect you if you stop for sightseeing, overnight stays, or unnecessary detours in restrictive states. 3. State Laws Vary—A Lot Every state has its own rules on: • Whether your permit is recognized • How firearms must be stored in a vehicle • Whether long guns and handguns are treated differently • Whether ammo must be separate • Whether a locked case is required • Whether the firearm must be visible or concealed inside the vehicle Some states are extremely permissive. Others are extremely strict. Never assume your home-state rules apply anywhere else. 4. Best Practices for Vehicle Transport Even when the law is flexible, I teach my students to follow the safest, most universally accepted method: • Unload the firearm • Place it in a locked hard case • Store the case in the trunk or rear cargo area • Keep ammunition in a separate container • Keep your carry permit and ID accessible • Avoid unnecessary handling of the firearm during travel These steps keep you compliant in nearly every jurisdiction and demonstrate responsible intent if questioned. 5. Air Travel: TSA Rules If you’re flying, the rules are federal and very clear: • Firearm must be unloaded • Firearm must be in a hard-sided, locked case • Only you retain the key or combination • Declare the firearm at the airline counter • Ammunition must be in factory packaging or a proper ammo box Never attempt to check a firearm in a soft case or carry it through security. TSA does not play around with this. 6. Moving to a New State Transporting firearms during a move is legal, but once you arrive, you must comply with that state’s laws. Some states require: • Registration • Waiting periods • Magazine restrictions • Specific storage requirements If you’re relocating, research the laws before you arrive—not after. 7. Documentation Matters I always recommend keeping: • Your carry permit • A copy of FOPA’s Safe Passage provision • Proof of your destination (hotel reservation, training class, hunting license, etc.) If you’re ever questioned, documentation helps demonstrate lawful purpose. Kielma’s Parting Shot Transporting a firearm responsibly is part of being a responsible gun owner. The rules aren’t meant to intimidate you, they’re meant to keep you safe, compliant, and confident. When in doubt, follow the strictest standard: unloaded, locked, separate, and inaccessible. Gregg Kielma

Red flags in gun shops: Phrases that signal you should walk away Gregg Kielma Walking into a gun shop should feel professional, transparent, and safety focused. Responsible dealers understand that firearms are serious tools that require knowledge, proper handling, and honest communication. Unfortunately, not every shop follows the same standards. Some rely on aggressive sales tactics, vague claims, or misleading advice to push a purchase. In many cases, the warning signs appear in the words a salesperson uses. Certain phrases can reveal poor knowledge, unsafe attitudes, or even questionable business practices. Recognizing these red flags can help you avoid buying unreliable equipment or receiving bad guidance. Paying attention to what staff members say and how they say it can tell you a lot about whether a shop deserves your trust. Everyone Buys This One. You Don’t Need to Research It A trustworthy gun dealer encourages customers to research, compare options, and choose what fits their needs. When a salesperson insists that “everyone buys this one,” it can be a sign they are more focused on making a quick sale than providing useful advice. Firearms vary widely in size, recoil, ergonomics, and purpose. What works well for one person may be uncomfortable or impractical for another. A responsible shop will ask questions about your experience level, intended use, and preferences before recommending a product. When staff dismiss the importance of research or push a single model as the obvious choice, it suggests limited expertise or an attempt to move inventory rather than guide customers toward the best decision. This Gun Never Has Problems No mechanical device is completely free from the possibility of malfunction. Firearms, like any complex equipment, require maintenance and responsible use. When a salesperson claims that a particular gun “never has problems,” it should raise immediate suspicion. Honest dealers usually discuss both the strengths and limitations of a product. They may mention reliability, but they also acknowledge that regular cleaning, proper ammunition, and safe handling are essential. Absolute statements often indicate exaggeration or a lack of technical understanding. A knowledgeable professional will explain realistic expectations and maintenance requirements instead of promising perfection. If someone dismisses all potential issues, it may suggest they are prioritizing sales over providing accurate information. You Don’t Need Training to Use This Any firearm requires a basic level of training and safety awareness. When a shop employee suggests that a gun can be used safely without proper instruction, it reflects a concerning attitude toward responsibility. Firearms demand careful handling, familiarity with safety rules, and an understanding of local laws. Ethical dealers often encourage first-time buyers to take safety courses or spend time at a shooting range before relying on a firearm. They may even recommend professional instruction. Dismissing the need for training sends the message that the shop values convenience over safety. A reputable store understands that informed owners are safer owners, and it should actively support education rather than minimizing its importance. The Laws Don’t Really Matter Here. Any suggestion that firearm laws are unimportant or easily ignored should be treated as a major warning sign. Responsible gun shops operate with strict attention to regulations, background checks, and documentation requirements. When someone casually dismisses these rules, it may indicate questionable business practices or a lack of respect for legal responsibilities. Firearm laws exist to promote safety and accountability, and legitimate dealers take them seriously. A trustworthy salesperson will clearly explain the legal process involved in purchasing and owning a firearm. If an employee implies that regulations are optional or suggests shortcuts, it is wise to leave immediately. Shops that disregard the law can place customers in serious legal trouble. You Won’t Find a Better Price Anywhere Competitive pricing is common in the firearms market, but absolute claims about unbeatable deals should be approached with caution. When a salesperson insists that you will not find a better price anywhere, it may be an attempt to pressure you into buying quickly without comparing options. Reliable dealers understand that informed customers often check multiple sources before making a purchase. They may explain why their price is competitive, or highlight included services such as warranties or support. However, they rarely discourage customers from doing their own research. High-pressure pricing tactics can indicate insecurity about the product or a desire to close the sale before the buyer has time to think carefully. You Don’t Need to Handle It First Comfort and fit are critical when choosing a firearm. A responsible shop allows customers to safely handle a firearm following proper safety procedures so they can evaluate its grip, weight, and balance. If a salesperson discourages this step or claims it is unnecessary, it suggests a lack of concern for customer experience. Firearms that feel awkward or poorly balanced in the hand may be difficult to control or use confidently. Knowledgeable dealers encourage buyers to handle multiple options to find the best fit. Preventing customers from doing so can signal impatience, poor service, or even an attempt to hide flaws in the product being sold. Maintenance Is Basically Unnecessary Firearms require regular maintenance to remain reliable and safe. Cleaning, proper lubrication, and periodic inspection help prevent malfunctions and extend the life of the equipment. When a salesperson claims that maintenance is unnecessary or minimal, it often reflects misinformation. Experienced gun owners know that even high-quality firearms need care after regular use. Dust, residue from ammunition, and environmental factors can affect performance over time. Responsible dealers usually explain basic maintenance routines and may even recommend cleaning supplies or instructional resources. Downplaying the importance of upkeep suggests either a lack of technical knowledge or an attempt to simplify the purchase conversation at the expense of accuracy. This Is the Only Gun You’ll Ever Need Firearms serve many different purposes, from sport shooting to hunting to personal protection. Because of these varied uses, no single model can truly meet every possible need. When a salesperson insists that one firearm is the only one a person will ever need, it can signal oversimplified sales tactics. A knowledgeable dealer typically discusses how different firearms perform in different situations. They may explain why certain models are better suited for specific tasks or user preferences. Claiming that one option solves every scenario ignores the complexity of firearm design and personal comfort. Such statements often reveal marketing language rather than genuine expertise. Trust Me, You Don’t Need the Details Transparency is a hallmark of a reputable gun shop. Customers should feel comfortable asking questions about specifications, safety features, warranties, and the manufacturer’s reputation. When a salesperson discourages questions or suggests that details are unnecessary, it undermines trust. Firearm purchases involve significant responsibility, and buyers deserve complete information before deciding. Knowledgeable staff members typically enjoy explaining how a firearm works and what makes it suitable for certain uses. Dismissing questions may indicate impatience, limited knowledge, or a desire to avoid discussing weaknesses. If a dealer avoids providing clear information, it is often a sign that you would be better off purchasing from a more transparent retailer.

Backstop 75' Across Will Accommodate 8 Shooters 150 Yard Outdoor Range Built for Real Training Gregg Kielma Opening my new 150 yard outdoor range marks an important step forward for Tactical K Training and Firearms and for every student who trains with me. This private range was built with a single purpose in mind: to give shooters a safe, private, and realistic environment where they can grow their skills with confidence. Set on quiet farm pasture in Parrish Florida, the range offers the kind of space and calm you simply can’t get at crowded public facilities. The open terrain, natural backstops, and controlled layout allow for true practical instruction—from foundational marksmanship to more advanced drills that require distance, movement, and real-world context. At 150 yards, the range supports everything from handgun fundamentals to rifle zeroing, precision work, and defensive carbine training. Students can finally experience what proper distance feels like, how their equipment performs, and how to apply solid technique under guidance rather than guesswork. Safety remains the backbone of everything we do. Every session is structured, supervised, and tailored to the individual. Whether someone is brand new or sharpening advanced skills, they get focused instruction without distractions, noise, or pressure from other shooters. It’s a place where learning is personal, calm, and effective. This new range isn’t just more space—it’s a better training experience. It reflects the values Tactical K Training and Firearms was built on: responsible ownership, practical skill development, and a commitment to helping people feel capable and prepared. Gregg Kielma