Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Michigan Senate Bans “Ghost Guns” Darwin N. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales First, there is no such thing as a “ghost gun.” This is a made-up term by the anti-Second Amendment lobby used to create a negative stigma around homemade firearms, which have been a deeply rooted tradition throughout American history dating back to the founding. These firearms have never carried with them any requirement for serialization and have only been referred to as “ghost guns” in recent years by leftists looking to disarm law-abiding Americans. The Michigan Senate, unconcerned with the Constitution or the rights of its citizens, approved Senate Bills 1149 and 1150 along party lines, 20-15, on December 12. Legislation, now bound for the House, could potentially ban the manufacturing, assembling, selling, purchasing, importing, and possessing firearms or firearm parts not marked with a valid serial number. According to the anti-Second Amendment clown show Everytown for Gun Safety, “ghost guns” are firearms that can be assembled by a private citizen using ready-made kits. Like most of the rhetoric spouted by these anti-American brownshirts, however, this is not true. Individuals have assembled homemade guns since firearms existed, long before the advent of any receiver kits. Even today, 80% of receiver kits are not the line in the sand, as legislators also push to ban citizens from building firearms from scratch, part of which can be accomplished with the help of a 3D printer. In fact, SB 1149 and 1150 ban those as well. In 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), elected themselves as legislators, something they do often and unconstitutionally, creating a “rule” by which homemade guns are regulated to the same standards as commercially manufactured firearms. The “rule” was contested and ultimately made its way to the United States Supreme Court in Garland v. VanDerStok, where oral arguments were heard in October of this year, and a decision from the High Court on the constitutionality of the “rule” is pending. It is important to note that should the Justices decide in favor of the ATF and Biden administration, they will be in complete contradiction of their own decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, requiring courts to consider the “historical tradition of firearm regulation” in the United States when determining whether a law affecting the right to bear arms is constitutional. Proponents of banning homemade firearms argue the weapons are nearly impossible to track and can be manufactured without having to undergo background checks, a requirement conspicuously not enshrined in the simple and abundantly clear language of the Second Amendment. Democrat and sponsor of the bills, Senator Mallory McMorrow, claims they are designed to target those who seek to circumvent the law, however, like her seditious cohorts at Everytown, she too is being deceitful. The people she is speaking of are already breaking the law, so what good will another law do? The legislation will restrict only those who already follow the law, in other words, the law-abiding. “Currently anyone, including dangerous individuals who are prohibited from purchasing firearms under Michigan law, can go online and buy all of the parts needed to quickly build an untraceable firearm at home…This bill prohibits the sale of ghost gun parts and ensures that people who pose a threat to the community cannot use this loophole to access firearms,” McMorrow said as she mocked her oath of office. And so it goes, the never-ending shoving match between those with deep respect for the values, traditions, and liberties America was founded upon and those who see them as an obstacle to the control and subjugation they desire over society. Republican Senator Joseph Bellino aptly pointed out, however, that if Democrats were serious about reducing crime and protecting communities, they would concern themselves with enforcing existing gun laws “rather than infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.” This is why freedom-loving Americans have mostly given up thinking that the debate is between two sides with fundamentally different ideas about what’s best for the country, as we know that concept is diametrically opposed to the agenda of the left. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
A truly amazing question I was asked this holiday season. “What can I do to publicly shame the gun owners in my neighborhood”? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales First, this is a very disturbing question for many reasons. My opinion, it’s no one’s business. Period. I have the Second amendment Right to Own Firearms whether they like it or not to protect my family, friends and home. I say, please, mind your own business. Second, how do you know that you have gun owners in your neighborhood and how do you know who they all are? Maybe you live in a gun free utopia and don’t even know it. A public display to shame nonexistent gun owners would upset the status quo of your neighborhood. Third, if you want to publicly shame them, I suggest you proudly display either sign that proclaims your strongly held belief and gun free status prominently on your property: (see above) Posting this sign above will force them to reconsider their shameful ownership of firearms and they will have no choice but to surrender them; they won’t be able to live with themselves. Try it. See how it works for you. And be sure to report back to me. Oh, and I’m sure your gun owning neighbors, out of extreme shame and remorse, would be more than happy to see signs like this in your yard. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
What is the longest distance you can shoot a .22LR and still be accurate? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Speaking from experience, I have been to several 22LR competitions and 300yds is the maximum yardage I’ve seen to date, using match grade ammo such as Lapuas Super Long Range or Norma Long Range, Eley Tenex or privately loaded rounds. Typical over-the-counter standard ammo such as the CCI or Federal would be pushing it over 100yds. Of course, you will have your guys who claim they can hit a Quarter at 500 yds with their 1964 Stevens bolt action but it’s not reality in most cases. Hitting a pizza box at 300 yds. is not what would be considered accurate shooting. I’m talking about shooting a 3 shot group in at least a 4″ circle whereas competitors want to be shooting much smaller groups. So, my opinion and answer are unless you have a precision rifle and hopped-up ammo 100 yds is about it and up to 300 if you have the equipment. Just my opinion. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
A 5.56×45mm NATO (left), .30-30 cartridge (center) and 7.62×51mm NATO - AKA 308 Winchester (right) What is the difference between a 30-30 and a .308? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales When you say “308”, I’m assuming you’re talking about the cartridge called .308 Winchester. It’s easier to start with the similarities. Both chamber a bullet of .308″ diameter; that’s where it begins and ends. The 30–30 started out in 1895 being called the .30 Winchester Smokeless; when adopted by other manufacturers, it was renamed to something more generic to avoid using the Winchester brand name. It’s a moderately powerful cartridge with a rimmed case that works well in lever action rifles. The bullets are almost always round or flat nosed because they were intended to be loaded in a tubular magazine. A spire-point bullet could strike the primer of the round ahead of it during recoil, setting off a catastrophic detonation in the magazine. Typical velocity from a 150-grain flat nose bullet is 2,390 ft/s, for 1,903 ft of energy. It’s probably the most popular deer hunting cartridge in North America. The .308 Winchester came to us in 1952 as the civilian version of the 7.62x51mm which was adopted by NATO in 1954. Winchester, like the military, saw the advantage of a cartridge with close to the same power as the 30–06 in a shorter case. The case is rimless as it was designed to work in a semi-auto action and it uses a modern pointed bullet because the rifles chambered for it would use box magazines. Being designed for higher pressures (because nothing chambered for it could have been made in the 19th century) typical velocity with a 150 grain bullet is 2,820 ft/s, with 2,648 ft⋅lb energy. It also works extremely well in bolt action rifles. Now you know! Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
6 Mistakes That Turn a Self-Defense Shooting into a Legal Nightmare Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales A self-defense shooting is a chaotic, life-altering event. While surviving such an encounter is paramount, your actions in the immediate aftermath can either protect or ruin your legal standing. Avoiding certain mistakes can mean the difference between walking free or facing a lengthy legal battle. Here are six critical errors to steer clear of after defending yourself with a firearm. 1. Holding Your Firearm When Police Arrive When law enforcement responds to a shooting, officers often have minimal information. If you’re holding a firearm, they might mistake you for the threat. Even off-duty police officers are trained to disarm themselves when uniformed officers arrive. If it’s safe to do so, secure your weapon somewhere nearby – like a drawer or glove compartment – before they arrive. The last thing you want is for the police to misinterpret the situation and put you in danger. 2. Leaving the Scene It might be tempting to leave the scene of a self-defense shooting to avoid legal complications, but doing so could escalate the situation into a murder investigation. Today’s technology – cell phones, surveillance cameras, and witnesses – makes it nearly impossible to remain anonymous. If you’re not in immediate danger, staying at the scene and waiting for law enforcement is crucial. Fleeing can make authorities question your actions and motives, even if your actions were justified. 3. Screaming on the 911 When calling 911, stay calm and provide clear, concise information. While panic is natural after such an event, yelling or screaming into the phone can confuse the dispatcher and lead to inaccurate details being relayed to responding officers. State what happened, describe yourself, and give your location. For example: “I was forced to defend myself against an attacker. I’m wearing a blue shirt and black pants, and I’m at 123 Main Street. Please send medical help and police.” 4. Making a Detailed Statement to Police After a shooting, your body will be flooded with adrenaline, making it difficult to recall events accurately. Providing a detailed statement in this state can lead to inconsistencies that may harm your case later. Instead, give a brief statement such as, “I was in fear for my life and acted in self-defense.” Then, request to speak with an attorney before answering further questions. This approach not only protects your rights but also ensures you don’t unintentionally incriminate yourself. 5. Treating the Police as Allies or Enemies Law enforcement officers are there to investigate the scene, not to take sides. While many officers are pro-self-defense, assuming they’re automatically on your side can backfire. At the same time, treating them as adversaries can create unnecessary tension. Remain polite and respectful but avoid oversharing or trying to justify your actions without legal counsel present. 6. Tampering with Evidence It’s an instinct to want to secure a weapon left by the attacker, especially if it’s loaded. However, touching or moving evidence can cast doubt on your story and complicate the investigation. Unless it’s necessary for safety reasons, avoid altering the scene. Let law enforcement find the evidence exactly as it was to ensure it corroborates your account of the incident. The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Aftermath Understanding how to handle the aftermath of a self-defense shooting is just as important as knowing how to defend yourself. Being mentally prepared for the legal and emotional consequences can save you from additional trauma. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind: Always Have Legal Representation Organizations that specialize in self-defense legal protection can be invaluable. Having an attorney on-call ensures you’ll receive immediate advice on what to say and how to handle the situation. This support can make all the difference in navigating the legal system. Handling Emotional Fallout After a Self-Defense Shooting A self-defense shooting doesn’t just end when the attacker is neutralized; the emotional aftermath can linger long after the legal proceedings are resolved. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, including fear, guilt, and anxiety, even when your actions were justified. Seeking professional help to process these emotions can make a significant difference in how you cope with the incident. Mental health professionals, particularly those experienced in trauma, can provide tools to navigate the psychological impact of a life-or-death encounter. Why Documentation Is Critical After the dust settles, having thorough documentation of your training, firearm ownership, and any situational preparation can help your legal defense immensely. Keeping records of firearm safety courses, self-defense training, and even the steps you’ve taken to understand the law in your area c an demonstrate to a jury or prosecutor that you’re a responsible gun owner. Such evidence can bolster your case and counter any narrative that paints you as reckless or impulsive. Civil Lawsuits: The Hidden Risk Even when you’re cleared of criminal charges, you may face civil lawsuits from the family of the attacker. This can be a financially and emotionally draining process, especially if you’re unprepared. Protecting yourself through self-defense insurance or a legal protection plan is one way to mitigate this risk. These plans often cover legal fees and provide access to expert attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases, ensuring you’re not fighting alone. Every Detail Matters From what you say to how you act, every detail following a shooting will be scrutinized. Preparing ahead of time – through education and understanding the legal landscape – can be the key to protecting your freedom and reputation. A self-defense shooting is a harrowing experience, but avoiding these six mistakes can help ensure that you survive not just the confrontation, but the legal aftermath as well. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
Choosing the Right Firearm FOR YOU! Let’s take a look. What is the best choice for YOU a Revolver or a Semi-Automatic ? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, Let’s start the beginning …a very good place to start! We’ll build your foundation together. Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Personally, if you are only going to carry it on walks, I would recommend a single stack, compact 9 mm, something along these lines. Or for everyday conceal, a double stack 9mm or .45 Both have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a Firearm That’s Great For You: Semi-Automatic Choose a gun that is ergonomic, we’ll need to find one that is comfortable for you. I also recommend a single stack for walks not every day conceal. With the single stack you will get a narrower grip profile, which provides two great benefits. First, being slimmer, it is easier to carry unobtrusively, and you will have a more confident hand hold of the weapon. Choosing a CCW (carry firearm) double stack gives you more fire power (15-20 rounds depending on manufacture) a little heavier due to capacity and the grip is wider. If carrying a firearm daily my choice is a double stack Glock 9mm. Enough firepower and conceals easily. Note: I’ve carried a Glock 19 Gen3, the same one for the past 35 years. I’ve run 35K plus rounds through this gun and, never, ever has it jammed on me. I take care of the gun. It’s cleaned and lubricated after each use and has been Tactical K Training and Firearms Armor Coated (patent pending) for a rust resistant coating. I have replaced the barrel spring and barrel only due to use. The slide and trigger are original! In addition, each semi auto firearm can be safely carried with “one in the chamber”, “loaded”. While that isn’t the technically correct term for a striker pistol, what it refers to is the fact that you can carry the gun ready to be fired, safely. By simply properly gripping the weapon, you can make it ready to shoot, without having to manipulate a safety. However, unlike a revolver, you can only activate the trigger by properly depressing the center of the trigger safety. Revolver: There are many great revolvers. Generally speaking, they are not as light, easy to conceal, or offer as long a sight plane as a semi auto pistol. There are a few exceptions, but they tend to be rare, in my experience. Now after we look at these choices, let’s find the one you are most comfortable with. After all, having a great gun, that you don’t want to carry, is worthless. It is still better than no gun. So, let’s ensure it meets your preferences, that’s my job. And the best way to find those out is to go with Gregg Kielma and shoot! Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
A person asked me, how do I tell a house guest they can come over but to leave their gun at home. I don't want guns in my house. How can I have that conversation for the future? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, if my friends do not want firearms in their home, I don’t bother going to their home. I can, however, say this, all my friends have firearms either on them or inside their home. I can say this, if a friend doesn’t have a firearm, I encourage them to purchase one through me and train with me so they can protect their home and loved ones. Remember when seconds count, law enforcement is 15 minutes away. (national average response time) Purchase, train and don’t be afraid. Like a screwdriver, the firearm is just a tool. Learn to respect it and be proficient with the tool. An acquaintance doesn’t want guns inside the house. How can I have that conversation for the future? An acquaintance may say, “I understand you have a concealed weapons permit. So, we’re clear, please do not bring any firearms inside my home.” The acquaintance may also say, “If you have the firearm on you, just lock it in your vehicle.” Note: I never ever leave a firearm in a vehicle....ever. How do you have that conversation? This could not be any simpler. Continues Kielma, I understand if you’re concerned by the thought of a firearm somewhere near you, I will not come over. My firearm is my tool that I've trained years with to become a responsible owner. Says Kielma, they would never have known it was on my person. I don't advertise, I treat the tool with respect and it's with me all the time if something nefarious should happen. This is my plan. Execute your plan. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
How do police officers feel about a citizens right to carry a concealed weapon? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, “let’s take a look at one perspective from a police officer”. Please read the thoughts below. Extremely supportive. I am very much in favor of folks who want to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of their families. I'll give you an example. I stopped a fellow, I can't remember for what, but he was laying across his steering wheel with his hands on the dash and stated as I walked up that he does not agree to any searches of his property or person but will cooperate under duress, and that he is armed with a handgun. I asked where is the gun? He said it's in a backpack on his back seat. I replied that he has a problem then. He sighed and asked what the issue was. I told him the pistol was totally worthless in the backseat and should be in a quality holster in an accessible spot on his person. He liked that very much and we chatted about rights and guns a bit. He asked me if a took an oath and if I meant it. I said yes I did, and yes I sure as hell do. I became a cop in my mid-twenties and carried a pistol as soon as I was legally able to, and I'm for anyone else who can do the same. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
How does Law Enforcement turn a safety off so quick when they pull it out? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales My friend an officer carries a Stacatto inside the waistband. It is single action, so it always remains chambered and hammer back. It has a thumb safety. When you carry a firearm with a thumb safety you train with it. For that matter you should when carrying any firearm, train with it frequently. So, to answer the question, in training you learn at the draw to hit the safety. When I carry a firearm with a safety it’s off in a millisecond when the barrel is out of the holster and ready to fire. It takes a lot of training to get fast. Trusting anyone carrying a pistol is spending time and practicing. It only makes you better. That said, LE in my area carry Glocks and Glocks do not have a manual safety. They never have and likely never will. They have a trigger safety which a lot of firearms have gone to and an internal drop safety. Says Kielma, “whichever you chose, practice, practice practice. It will make you better when and if the time arrives and you need to defend yourself”. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
Here's a few theories as to why the UnitedHealthcare CEO's assassin chose to use a suppressed pistol. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales The one thing that is clear is why he used a suppressed weapon. He did not want to call any more attention to the incident than necessary. Ideally, he would have killed the CEO and walked away unnoticed. The suppressed pistol he used is an NFA weapon and very few people on earth have purchased one. This will likely be his downfall. When silencing a Browning type tilting breech handgun, a silencer will cause the weapon to malfunction with most every shot unless you have also added a booster between the suppressor and the pistol. (more on that in another blog) The assassin in New York was using a bizarre bolt action 9mm pistol. It was not jamming between shots; the was assassin was working the bolt on the pistol. The pistol is an NFA item; it is called a B&T VP9. Since this was an NFA weapon, the assassin should be caught in very short order. Above is what the bolt action suppressed pistol looks like. It has a standard magazine. To function the weapon, you push the bolt forward and twist to lock it before shooting. To unlock, twist the knurled knob and extract and eject. EDIT: It was a ghost gun likely on readily available parts. He likely completed the weapon with a 3-D printer. Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League grad and person of interest was arrested with the 3-D printed weapon and suppressor. It had nothing to do with a B&T VP9.
