Gregory Kielma • March 17, 2024

Disaster at Joe Bidens mexican Boarder

Biden’s Open Border Policy With Corrupt Mexico Fuels Drug, Gun & Human Trafficking

By
Larry Keane
March 15, 2024

Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. firearm manufacturers has a sick and twisted wrinkle. The Biden administration’s “open-border” policy is funding the same violent narco-terrorists that plague Mexico with violence, murders, corruption and sending illicit drugs into America.

Mexican officials claim that U.S. firearm manufacturers are trafficking firearms south, which arms these murderous cartels. That’s an absurd allegation. Yet, a cursory look at how the cartels are expanding their illicit enterprises to include human trafficking shows how the open-border policies are fueling not just rampant crime in Mexico but also the illegal firearm trafficking that’s arming the cartels.

Mexico’s lawsuit was given new life when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit overturned a lower court’s decision that earlier dismissed the case on the grounds that the Protection of Lawful Commerce In Arms Act (PLCAA) prevents frivolous lawsuits against firearm manufacturers for the crimes committed by remote third parties. Mexico’s claims that U.S. manufacturers are complicit in funneling guns illegally across the border is irrational at best, if not insidious.

Corrupt Mexican Government

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s handling of the narco-terrorism crisis is alarming. Instead of confronting the cartels, he’s adopted a “hugs, not bullets” strategy when he ran for office in 2018. The Texas Public Policy Foundation called the policy “hugs for thugs” and wrote that President López Obrador’s never clearly defined what that meant, only throwing out a catchphrase. He doubled down on that ill-defined policy in 2022. Today, Mexico still suffers from the cartels that know only violence.

“But [President López Obrador] has never had a cross word for narcos,” Texas Public Policy Foundation wrote of the Mexican president.

That deafening silence is because there is mounting evidence, even as President López Obrador prepares for a re-election bid, that he is corrupt. He’s been bought-and-paid-for by the Mexican drug cartels to the tune of millions. The liberal publication Pro Publica reported that U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents “uncovered what they believed was substantial evidence that major cocaine traffickers had funneled some $2 million to his first presidential campaign.” The Mexican government corruption is so thorough and rampant that the DEA told Pro Publica there was no divorcing government officials from the criminal cartels.

“The corruption is so much a part of the fabric of drug trafficking in Mexico that there’s no way you can pursue the drug traffickers without going after the politicians and the military and police officials who support them,” said Raymond Donovan to Pro Publica, who recently retired as the DEA’s operations chief.

Falsely Blaming U.S. Manufacturers

There’s no doubt that Mexican drug cartels are arming themselves to the teeth. The illegal trafficking of firearms to Mexico is hardly the doing of the firearm industry. The firearm industry is among the most-heavily regulated industries in America. Firearm manufacturers follow the laws and regulations that govern production, distribution and sale of their products. That includes filing production reports with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Any firearm destined for foreign countries must be approved for export by the Commerce Department, which includes 100 percent end-user checks. No other export commodity in America is subject to that level of scrutiny. Add to that, there’s only one firearm retailer in all of Mexico, and that’s deep within the walls of a Mexican Army base in the heart of Mexico City. Firearm sales at retail in America are subject to an FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verification and the buyer filling out and signing the ATF Form 4473 that attests they are the true intended recipient of that firearm.

If there were wholesale efforts by U.S. manufacturers to skirt these laws and regulations, ATF would yank the licenses and press criminal charges in a heartbeat. The Biden administration is pressing a “whole of government” approach to attacking the firearm industry. Never once has there been a hint or allegation by the ATF that firearm manufacturers are complicit in illegal firearm trafficking. In fact, ATF has long stressed that firearm retailers are the primary source of information that leads to firearm trafficking investigations, even current ATF Director Steven Dettelbach says ATF relies upon retailers who he has called the “first line of defense.” During the Obama administration, ATF sent Gun Runner Impact Team (GRITS) to the border looking to find retailer engaged in making illegal sales. They found none, unsurprisingly.

Cartel Human Trafficking Raking Billions

Yet, there’s reason to believe that the Biden administration’s border policies, and President Joe Biden’s refusal to seal the border, is actually funding illegal firearm trafficking and exacerbating violent crime in Mexico. That’s because the narco-terrorist cartels have found a new funding stream.

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) wrote in The Hill, “Transnational criminal organizations, or cartels, are being empowered by the lawlessness at the Southwest border under the watch of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Open borders facilitate the cartels’ billion-dollar business of human smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.”

Human trafficking has become a lucrative business for the drug cartels. U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) told Fox News in January that narco-terrorists earn $32 million each week in just one 245-mile stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. “That’s just trafficking humans. That’s not counting the fentanyl they’re pouring into this country,” he said.

Rep. Carlos Gonzales told Fox Business in July 2023 that Mexican drug cartels earn over $1 billion each month through human trafficking and smuggling operations. Chairman Green said in a July 2023 U.S. House Homeland Security Committee hearing, “In 2021 alone, the cartels made an estimated $13 billion just from human trafficking and smuggling.”

Open Border Facilitation

Those are staggering figures, which are enriching criminal cartels, victimizing millions and funding the illicit criminal activities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The Biden administration, however, ignores the role that their misguided border policies play in funding violence and crime. Meanwhile, they’re content to allow Mexico to abuse U.S. courts to attack the firearm industry.

After all, this isn’t something new for President Biden. He was vice president when the ill-fated and illegal gun running scheme run by the ATF, called Operation Fast & Furious, allowed over 2,000 firearms to be illegally trafficked from the U.S. to Mexico and failed to track or account for them on the other side of the border. That was largely seen as an attempt by the Obama-Biden administration, including U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, as an attempt to smear U.S. firearm manufacturers with the blame for crimes in which they had no part. The scheme fell apart when ATF whistleblowers blew the lid on the illegal operation after it cost the life of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The U.S. government has still never apologized to the Terry family for Operation Fast & Furious.

Mexico is trying to pin the blame for their own ineptness, corruption and cooperation with narco-terrorists by dragging U.S. manufacturers into court with a bogus $10 billion claim. It might be time that judges take a closer look at not just the Mexican government’s corruption but also how the Biden administration’s “open border” policies encourage human smuggling that is funding and fueling crime in both Mexico and the United States. If the U.S. Supreme Court allows Mexico’s case to proceed to discovery, rest assured America’s firearm industry will put the Mexican government’s corruption and the Biden administration’s ineptness on trial.

April 18, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 18, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 18, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 18, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 18, 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
By Gregory Kielma April 17, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 17, 2026
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.
By Gregory Kielma April 16, 2026
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
By Gregory Kielma April 14, 2026
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!
By Gregory Kielma April 12, 2026
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.