Gregory Kielma • September 1, 2025
Avoid These Dangerous Ammo Mistakes at the Gun Counter
Avoid These Dangerous Ammo Mistakes at the Gun Counter
Gregg Kielma
Tactical K Training and Firearms
Gregg Kielma is an FFL, Firearms Instructor, First aid Fundamentals Instructor and Gunsmith in Florida. Says, Mr. Kielma, I get asked this question quite often, which ammo is best for the range? Can I use range ammo for defense? What’s the best ammo for my firearm? What’s the cost vs reliability? Can I shoot .38 special in a .357? Can I shoot .223 in a .556 and vice versa? Will my firearm shoot my ammo when I need it most? What ammo is considered cheap? I get asked some of these questions daily. Let’s take a look below and dispel some the rumors. As always remember to treat every firearm as it’s loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to pull it and always keep safety at the top of any list when handling a firearm. As always, call me for advice and I'll give you the best information I have on any ammo you may be considering purchasing. And remember I have most rounds available in stock and for sale.
If you’ve ever stood at a gun counter staring at boxes of ammo with numbers, acronyms, and names that sound like fighter jets, you’re not alone. Ammo can be incredibly confusing for beginners and even some experienced shooters. But getting it wrong isn’t just embarrassing – it can be dangerous. This guide breaks down the basics of ammo, from components and calibers to bullet types and special-purpose rounds. If you’re new to firearms or just want to sharpen your knowledge, this could help you avoid mistakes that lead to jams, misfires, or worse.
What’s Actually Inside a Round of Ammunition?
One of the biggest misunderstandings about ammo is calling the whole thing a “bullet.” That’s like calling a car’s tires the entire vehicle. A round of modern ammo has four main parts: the case, primer, powder, and bullet. The case holds everything together – typically brass, but it can also be steel or aluminum. Brass is preferred for its durability and reusability, especially among reloaders.
The primer sits at the base of the case and contains a shock-sensitive compound. When struck by the firing pin, it creates a spark that ignites the powder inside. The powder then combusts rapidly, building pressure that launches the bullet, yes, the actual projectile, out of the barrel.
Rimfire vs. Centerfire: Don’t Confuse Them
Ammo comes in two ignition types: rimfire and centerfire. Rimfire rounds (like .22 LR) have the primer built into the rim of the case, while centerfire rounds have a primer in the center. Rimfire is usually used in smaller calibers and is not reloadable. Centerfire is the standard for most handguns and rifle ammo. Mixing the two up won’t usually lead to catastrophic failure, but it will guarantee your firearm won’t fire correctly and might even get damaged.
Caliber Confusion Can Get You Hurt
Here’s where many shooters go wrong: caliber sounds straightforward – it’s the diameter of the bullet. But that’s only part of the story. For example, .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO both use bullets that are roughly .224 inches in diameter, but 5.56 NATO operates at higher pressure. You can safely shoot .223 in a rifle chambered for 5.56, but not always the other way around.
A similar issue exists with .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 NATO. They’re nearly identical, but small differences in chamber specs and pressure mean they’re not completely interchangeable. Another common mistake is thinking .357 Magnum and .38 Special are vastly different. They use the same bullet diameter, but the .357 Magnum has a longer case and significantly more pressure. You can shoot .38 Special in a .357, but never the reverse.
Don’t Be Fooled by Naming Conventions
Ammo names are often leftovers from military designations, historical references, or outright marketing gimmicks. Some rounds are named for the year they were adopted, like .30-06, which entered service in 1906. Others include case length in the name, like 7.62×39, commonly used in AK-pattern rifles. And then you have something like .300 Blackout, which sounds dramatic but is simply built for subsonic and suppressed shooting in AR-15s.
These names don’t always make sense, but assuming two cartridges are compatible because they sound similar or look alike is risky. Always check your firearm’s barrel or frame markings and match your ammo exactly.
The Bullet Type Matters More Than You Think
Not all bullets are created equal. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are the most common and cheapest to shoot. They have a lead core fully encased in copper and are ideal for target shooting. But they over-penetrate. That means they can pass through your target and hit something behind it. Great for the range. Terrible for self-defense.
Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) are designed for self-defense. They expand on impact, causing more tissue damage and reducing the chance of over-penetration. If you’re serious about protecting yourself or your home, this is the ammo type you want in your magazine – not FMJ.
Hunting Loads Need Precision, Too
If you’re a hunter, Soft Point (SP) bullets are a smart middle ground. They have an exposed lead tip that expands upon impact, but more slowly than a hollow point. This creates a deeper wound channel while still transferring a lot of energy into the target. They’re perfect for medium to large game, like deer or boar, where deep penetration and controlled expansion matter more than quick fragmentation.
Frangible ammo is another unique option. These bullets are made from compressed metal powders and break apart on impact. They’re excellent for training, especially at indoor ranges or close-quarters scenarios where ricochet is a risk. Just don’t take them into the woods – they’re not built for deep penetration or stopping power.
Specialty Rounds Aren’t Toys
Some ammo is made for very specific tasks. Ballistic tip rounds combine the aerodynamic shape of FMJs with the expansion of hollow points. These are popular with long-range hunters who need accuracy and stopping power. +P rounds are loaded to higher pressure for increased velocity. They offer more stopping power but generate more recoil, and not every gun is rated to handle them.
Subsonic rounds are designed to fly below the speed of sound (about 1,100 feet per second), which makes them ideal for suppressed firearms. They reduce noise significantly when paired with a suppressor. Tracer rounds light up in flight so you can see where they’re going, but they’re usually reserved for military and training, not civilian use. Armor-piercing rounds are another story. They’re built to punch through steel and ceramic and are heavily restricted or banned in many areas. Handle with caution, if at all.
Grain Weight Isn’t Just a Number on the Box
Every box of ammo lists a grain weight, like “115 grain” or “147 grain.” This isn’t about how much powder is inside – it’s the weight of the bullet itself. One grain equals 1/7000th of a pound. Heavier bullets hit harder and penetrate more deeply. Lighter bullets travel faster but may be more affected by wind and lose energy quicker.
For example, a 180-grain bullet in .308 will penetrate better and maintain momentum longer than a 150-grain bullet. But that heavier load also creates more recoil and barrel wear. So what’s better? It depends on what you’re shooting and why. Long-range shooters often prefer heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients, while casual range shooters may prefer lighter loads for reduced recoil.
Bullet Shape Impacts Flight and Accuracy
The shape of a bullet change everything. Spitzer bullets, with their pointed tips, slice through air efficiently and fly straight. These are used in rifle rounds where long-distance accuracy is crucial. Flat-nose bullets are more common in handguns and are great for close range, but they lose velocity faster and don’t fly as flat.
Boat tail bullets have a tapered base and maintain velocity better over long distances. If you’re shooting past 300 yards, that design becomes a big deal. Then there’s the trusty hollow point, which, because of the cavity in its nose, isn’t the most aerodynamic, but it’s devastating on impact.
Ballistic Coefficient: The Science Behind the Shot
A bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) is a number that tells you how well it resists air drag. A higher BC means a bullet cuts through wind better and keeps its speed longer. Shooters who compete at long distances, or snipers in the field, choose high-BC bullets because they stay flatter and more predictable over hundreds of yards. For regular shooters, BC might not seem important, but if you want to understand why one round drifts off target while another doesn’t, this number matters.
Don’t Trust Your Eyes – Always Read the Box
Many dangerous ammo mistakes happen because someone thinks two rounds “look the same.” The mere assumption that a cartridge is compatible does not guarantee its safety. Even subtle differences in pressure, length, or shoulder design can cause a jam – or worse, damage to your gun. Always double-check your firearm’s markings and only use ammo that matches exactly. Never guess, and don’t rely on advice from someone who “thinks it should work.”
A Few Final Words of Advice
Choosing the right ammo doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require attention to detail. Think about what you’re doing: practice, defense, hunting, or competition. Then match the right caliber, bullet type, grain, and purpose. Also, store your ammo in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and temperature swings.
And one more thing – don’t be afraid to ask questions. Gun store clerks and experienced shooters can be great resources, but you’ve got to know enough to separate good advice from bad guesses. Take your time, stay curious, and above all, never stop learning. A little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping you safe – and keeping your gear running right.
Owning and Training With A Firearm: Some People Just Don’t Understand Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/18/2026 A coworker commented on a Tampa Bay shooting on 4/15/2026, blaming me for selling firearms in the community. The incident involved two suspects, one juvenile and one 18-year-old, who used a firearm during a dispute—exact reasons unknown. I always emphasize safety and responsible ownership in my classes as an FFL and Firearms Instructor. Below are my thoughts and tips for conversations with those who advocate relinquishing Second Amendment rights and firearms. Some coworkers, friends, or neighbors may be uneasy about us owning firearms not because of anything you or I have did wrong, but because they’re filtering the idea through their own experiences, fears, or misunderstandings. Many people only encounter firearms through news stories about crime or through entertainment that portray guns as inherently dangerous, so they instinctively associate ownership with risk rather than responsibility. Others may have grown up in households or communities where firearms were never part of normal life, so the idea feels foreign or intimidating. Another reason, some worry about safety simply because they don’t understand the layers of training, discipline, and legal responsibility that you practice every day. And in some cases, people project their own anxieties—about violence, about control, or about the world feeling unpredictable—onto anyone who chooses to own a firearm. None of this reflects your character or your professionalism. It reflects their lack of exposure to responsible ownership. Often, once people see the level of care, education, and integrity you bring to the subject, their discomfort softens because they finally understand the difference between a lawful, trained owner and the stereotypes they’ve been reacting to. Gregg Kielma
Why People Lie on the 4473 — and Why It Never Works By Gregg Kielma, FFL & Owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/18/2026 As an FFL, I see a lot of things behind the counter that the average gun owner never thinks about. One of the most frustrating — and frankly baffling — behaviors is when someone decides to lie on an ATF Form 4473. Let me be clear: lying on a 4473 is a federal crime, and people still try it every single day across the country. I check everything. Every box, every detail, every ID, every answer. That’s my job, and I take it seriously. So why do people still lie on a form that is designed to catch them? My Thought: They think “just checking a box” doesn’t matter Some people convince themselves that the form is just paperwork and nobody really looks at it. They assume the background check is a formality and the 4473 is just a hoop to jump through. They don’t realize that the form is the background check — and the moment they lie, they’ve committed a felony. My Thought: They underestimate how thorough NICS really is People imagine NICS as a quick name search. In reality, it’s a national system tied into criminal history, mental health adjudications, restraining orders, immigration status, and more. If someone is prohibited, it will surface. And when the system flags a lie, it’s documented. My Thought: They think their past won’t catch up to them I’ve seen people with old charges, dismissed cases, or “sealed” records assume they’re in the clear. But federal law doesn’t forget. If someone is prohibited, the system knows — and lying on the form doesn’t erase the past. My Thought: Straw purchasers think they’re smarter than the system This is the most common lie: “I’m the actual buyer.” If someone is buying a gun for another person — especially someone prohibited — that’s a straw purchase. It’s one of the fastest ways to earn federal charges. And yes, the patterns are obvious. The ATF sees them. FFLs see them. It’s never subtle. My Thought: They assume the FFL won’t check or won’t care Not in my shop. Not ever. I check everything because it protects my license, my business, my community, and the integrity of responsible gun ownership. I’m not here to play games with federal paperwork. If something doesn’t look right, the sale stops. Period. My Thought: They, people don’t understand the consequences Many people don’t realize that lying on a 4473 can lead to: • Federal felony charges • Up to 10 years in prison • Fines up to $250,000 • Permanent loss of firearm rights • ATF investigation • State-level charges on top of federal ones And here’s the kicker: most people who lie don’t even get the gun. They walk away with nothing except a documented federal offense. Tactical K Training and Firearms: My message as an FFL I’m not here to judge anyone, it’s not my position to judge you. I’m here to run a lawful business and promote responsible firearm ownership. The 4473 isn’t optional. It isn’t a suggestion. It’s a legal document, and I treat it as such. If someone can legally own a firearm, the process is smooth. If they can’t, lying won’t change that — it only makes things worse. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Honesty on the 4473 protects everyone: the buyer, the seller, and the community. As an FFL who checks every detail, every time, I can say with confidence: lying on the form never works, and it’s never worth it. Gregg Kielma
Why Do Felons Want Guns—And How Do We Stop It Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms 04/18/2026 As a firearms instructor, an FFL, and someone who works every day with responsible, law‑abiding gun owners, I get asked a simple question that has a complicated truth behind it: Why do felons want guns in the first place? And more importantly, how do we stop them from getting them without punishing the people who follow the law? This is an issue that affects every community, every business, and every family. Understanding the “why” helps us build better solutions. Why Do Felons Seek Firearms? Felons—especially those with violent or repeat criminal histories—often pursue firearms for reasons that have nothing to do with self‑defense or lawful ownership. Common motivations include: Power and Intimidation Criminal activity often relies on leverage. A firearm gives someone with bad intentions the ability to threaten, coerce, or control others. Protection within Criminal Circles When someone is involved in illegal activity, they aren’t calling 911. They arm themselves because they expect violence from others in the same world. Financial Gain Firearms are a form of currency in the criminal ecosystem. They’re traded, stolen, and used to commit further crimes. Disregard for the law A person who has already shown a willingness to break the law is not suddenly going to respect firearm regulations. That’s why restrictions alone don’t stop them. None of these motivations have anything to do with responsible ownership, training, or personal protection. They’re rooted in criminal behavior—not citizenship. How Do We Stop It? The answer isn’t to burden the people who already follow the rules. Law‑abiding citizens aren’t the problem. The real solutions focus on criminal behavior, not lawful ownership. Target the illegal supply chain Felons don’t walk into gun stores. They get firearms through: Straw purchases Theft Black‑market trades Ghost gun trafficking Criminal networks My opinion, stopping this requires enforcement, not new restrictions on lawful buyers. Enforce existing laws consistently We already have strong federal laws—18 U.S.C. § 922(g) is clear. The problem is when violations aren’t prosecuted. When a felon is caught with a firearm, consequences must be real, predictable, and swift. Strengthen community reporting and awareness Most illegal firearms move through communities long before law enforcement sees them. Anonymous reporting, community partnerships, and education help cut off access early. Support responsible gun owners—not restrict them Trained, law‑abiding citizens: Store firearms securely Report theft immediately Understand transfer laws Keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited persons Empowering responsible owners is part of the solution. Invest in prevention, not punishment alone Some individuals re‑offend because they return to the same environment with no support. Programs that reduce recidivism—job training, counseling, and community reintegration—help shrink the pool of people seeking guns for the wrong reasons. Kielma's Parting Shot Felons want guns for criminal purposes, not for the reasons responsible citizens own them. Stopping them requires: Strong enforcement Cutting off illegal supply chains Community involvement Supporting lawful gun owners Reducing repeat criminal behavior At Tactical K Training and Firearms, I teach that responsible ownership is the backbone of community safety. When we focus on the real problem—criminal access, not lawful access—we protect our rights and our neighborhoods at the same time. Gregg Kielma
Visalia Californina Felon Indicted for Possessing Safe Full of Firearms Thursday, April 16, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Pete Alvarez, 45, of Visalia, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, during an investigation into a shooting, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of Alvarez’s residence. There, they located a safe in Alvarez’s bedroom with 17 firearms, including several short-barrel firearms without serial numbers that were in the process of being manufactured. Alvarez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County including, assault with a deadly weapon, receiving stolen property, being a felon in possession of a firearm, battery causing serious injury, and assault with a deadly weapon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Fresno Police Department; and the Tulare Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Alvarez faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 April 16, 2026
Gun Store Owner Indicted for Aiding and Abetting Straw Purchasing and Failing to Report Cash Payments Over $10,000 Wednesday, April 15, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona PHOENIX, Ariz. – The owner of Virtus Armament and The Armory, Virtus Armament, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), was indicted last week on charges related to aiding and abetting straw purchases of firearms and failing to report cash transactions over $10,000. On April 8, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an 8-count indictment against Esteban Yanez, 34, of Gilbert, Arizona, for False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm, Straw Purchasing of Firearms, and Failure to File Forms 8300 Relating to Cash Received in Trade or Business. Yanez was arraigned April 14. The indictment alleges that on three occasions, Yanez aided and abetted individuals who knowingly made false statements to Yanez’s FFL when submitting the ATF Form 4473, misrepresenting the actual purchaser of the firearms. In two instances, the firearms were being purchased for an individual convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. Finally, Yanez is also alleged to have failed to file the IRS Form 8300, reporting the receipt of over $10,000 in a trade or business, related to the sale of firearms. A conviction for False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Straw Purchasing of Firearms carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Failure to File Forms 8300 Relating to Cash Received in Trade or Business carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CASE NUMBER: 26-CR-00326 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-062_Yanez
How to Protect Ourselves From Potential Foreign Backed Threats in a Responsible, Safety Focused Way Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 4/17/2026 Protecting ourselves from any organized threat — whether foreign backed, criminal, or extremist — starts with the same principles you already teach: awareness, layered security, and calm, informed action. The goal is not to hunt for “sleeper cells,” but to make it harder for any malicious actor to exploit vulnerabilities in our homes, businesses, or communities. At the personal level, the most effective protection comes from sharpening situational awareness: noticing unusual surveillance, unfamiliar vehicles lingering repeatedly, or individuals probing for information about routines, access points, or security measures. These aren’t signs of a specific group — they’re universal pre incident indicators. Strengthening digital hygiene is equally important, since foreign backed actors often exploit online vulnerabilities long before physical ones. Using strong authentication, monitoring accounts for unusual activity, and being cautious with unsolicited messages reduces the risk of being targeted or manipulated. At the community level, staying connected is one of the strongest defenses. Sharing information with neighbors, local businesses, and trusted community groups helps everyone spot patterns that a single person might miss. If something genuinely concerning appears — such as attempts to acquire restricted materials, suspicious photography of critical infrastructure, or probing questions about security — reporting it to local law enforcement or federal tip lines is the correct and lawful step. These agencies are trained to evaluate threats without bias and without putting innocent people at risk. Finally, preparedness matters. Having emergency plans, medical kits, communication backups, and basic readiness ensures that if any kind of attack or disruption occurs — whether foreign backed, criminal, or domestic — you and your family can respond quickly and confidently. The goal is resilience, not fear: building layers of protection that work against any threat, known or unknown, while maintaining respect for the diverse, law abiding people who make up our communities. Gregg Kielma
Is Iran Activating Sleep Cell’s In The West? ABC NEWS 4/17/2026 The U.S. has intercepted encrypted communications believed to have originated in Iran that may serve as "an operational trigger" for "sleeper assets" outside the country, according to a federal government alert sent to law enforcement agencies. The alert, reviewed by ABC News, cites "preliminary signals analysis" of a transmission "likely of Iranian origin" that was relayed across multiple countries shortly after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on Feb. 28. The intercepted transmission was encoded and appeared to be destined for "clandestine recipients" who possess the encryption key, the kind of message intended to impart instructions to "covert operatives or sleeper assets" without the use of the internet or cellular networks. It's possible the transmissions could "be intended to activate or provide instructions to prepositioned sleeper assets operating outside the originating country," the alert said. "While the exact contents of these transmissions cannot currently be determined, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness," the alert said. While the alert is careful to say there is "no operational threat tied to a specific location," it does instruct law enforcement agencies to increase their monitoring of suspicious radio-frequency activity. If the contents of the alert prove true, it would confirm the fears expressed by law enforcement officials after the U.S. and Israel struck Iran that sleeper cells deployed around the West could be used for retaliation.
The Reality of Being a Business Owner: Rewarding, Demanding, and Worth The Weight By Gregory Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 04/16/2026 Being a business owner is one of the most empowering decisions a person can make. It gives you the freedom to build something with your own hands, shape your own standards, and create a service or product that reflects your values. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that your work matters, that your effort directly impacts your community, and that your name stands behind everything you do. Ownership gives you the chance to lead with integrity, set the tone for professionalism, and build a reputation you can be proud of. But the same freedom that makes business ownership rewarding also makes it stressful. Every decision rests on your shoulders. You carry the responsibility for your clients, your reputation, your finances, and your future. There are days when the pressure is heavy, when the work follows you home, and when the expectations feel endless. You don’t clock out just because the day ends. You think ahead, plan ahead, and stay ready for whatever comes next. Still, the stress is part of the journey. It sharpens your discipline, strengthens your resilience, and pushes you to grow in ways you never expected. The challenges teach you to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward even when the path isn’t easy. And when you see the results of your hard work—satisfied clients, steady progress, and a business built on your own standards—it reminds you why you chose this path in the first place. Being a business owner means carrying both the pride and the pressure. It means accepting long days, tough decisions, and constant responsibility. But it also means building something real, something meaningful, and something that reflects who you are. The stress is temporary. The impact lasts. Gregg Kielma
Killer Olaolukitan Adon Abel Man brutally murders woman walking her dog, police say — witness says suspect added to horror afterward Carlos Garcia April 14, 2026 Says Gregg Kielma owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms, 'they walk among us". Protect what's most important; you, your family and friends. Take the needed training and please do not become another statistic. Suspect Olaolukitan Adon Abel was caught on a traffic stop later and was tied to two other lethal shootings. An Atlanta neighborhood is shocked by the brutal killing of a woman simply walking her dog Monday morning, and a witness said she saw the suspect do something even more horrible. The DeKalb County Police Department said officers responded to a residence on Battle Forrest Drive at about 6:50 a.m. and found the victim with gunshot and stab wounds. 'I heard 6 to 7 shots, so I ran out the door, and when I ran out the door, I saw the lady across the street with a man standing over her.' A witness named Tiffany Williams told WXIA-TV that she made eye contact with the suspect after hearing the gunshots outside her home. "I was getting up, getting my grandbaby ready for school, and I heard six to seven shots, so I ran out the door, and when I ran out the door, I saw the lady across the street with a man standing over her," Williams said. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter "I heard the shooting, but I'm not thinking because as a mother and I'm seeing her lying there, I'm like, 'Oh my God, I've got to help her,'" she added. Williams said the suspect was pulling the victim's pants down when they made eye contact. "I saw he was wearing all black, and then he ran up the street," she added. Neighbors said the area is very quiet and that most of the residents are elderly people. Later at a media briefing that evening, the Brookhaven and DeKalb County police departments said a 26-year-old suspect named Olaolukitan Adon Abel was arrested after a traffic stop in Troup County. Police said he was a suspect, Olaolukitan Adon Abel is a subject of intrest in another deadly shooting at a Checkers restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road and was tied to the lethal shooting of a homeless person at a Kroger grocery store in Brookhaven. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death of the woman shot while walking her dog. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
Gregg Kielma USCCA Instructor-FFL-Gunsmith-ERT Captain-First Aid Instructor 🧭 Where Gregg Kielma Stands in the Florida Firearm Training Community Internet Community 4/12/2026 1. A Recognized, Multi Certified Instructor Kielma holds a broad suite of USCCA certifications, including concealed carry, home defense, countering mass shooters, women’s self defense, children’s firearms safety, first aid, and range safety operations. His profile shows a 5.0 instructor rating and active class schedule, indicating strong student satisfaction and steady demand. This positions him as a well-rounded, technically competent instructor rather than a niche specialist. 2. A Credible FFL and Gunsmith His Federal Firearms License (FFL #1 59 081 01 8L 57063) is active through 2028, confirming his legitimacy as a dealer and gunsmith. This adds weight to his standing: many instructors teach, but far fewer combine instruction + gunsmithing + compliance knowledge. 3. A Community Rooted Voice on Safety and Law Kielma frequently publishes guidance on: • situational awareness • lawful use of force • Florida self defense statutes • responsible ownership His posts emphasize avoidance, legality, and decision making, not bravado—an approach that earns respect among responsible gun owners. This positions him as a public educator, not just a range instructor. 4. Builder of a Purpose Driven Outdoor Training Range His private outdoor range in Parrish is designed around calm, controlled, realistic training, reinforcing his philosophy of competence through safety and confidence. Creating a dedicated training environment elevates his status from “instructor” to training provider and community resource. 5. Student Feedback and Reputation Public reviews and descriptions highlight: • patience • clarity • humor balanced with seriousness • ability to simplify complex topics • strong real world experience These traits are consistently associated with top tier civilian instructors. 6. Growing Influence Through Writing and Education Kielma publishes articles on firearms law, safety, and equipment—something relatively few local instructors do. This increases his visibility and positions him as a thought leader, not just a service provider. ⭐ Overall Standing Based on publicly available information, Gregg Kielma stands as: A respected, safety driven, legally knowledgeable firearms instructor with a strong local presence, a professional reputation, and a growing educational footprint. He is not a national celebrity instructor—but within Florida’s training community, especially Manatee County and surrounding areas, he is viewed as a trusted authority and a reliable source of responsible, law aligned firearms, first aid, FFL, range operator education.
