Cerakote-Gunskins-Hydro Dipping The Myth Explained

Gregory Kielma • August 5, 2024

Tactical K Training and Firearms a Gunskins Dealer

Gunskin Covered Firearms

Tactical K Training and Firearms a 
Gunskins Dealer/Applier and Cerakote Painter
Gregg Kielma
Gunskins- Hydro Dipping- Cerakote

The myth is dispelled here. Let’s look at the coatings and skins I have worked with Cerakote and Gunskins.  All good choices to make your firearm look good.

I have never Hydro Dipped a firearm so I can’t comment on this process. I've seen the finished product, and it look good.

I have, however, used Cerakote and I am a Cerakote coater as well as a Gunskins dealer and applier. 

Cerakote Firearm Coating: Cost $200-$600.00 10+ Years Firearm must be disassembled and reassembled.

Cerakote is a specialized coating that can be applied to a variety of surfaces including wood, polymers, metals, and plastics. Cerakote finish can often be mistaken for paint, but it is very different. Cerakote benefits your firearm by enhancing the physical components, while also protecting your gun in the long run from daily wear and tear. As previously mentioned, the Cerakote finish can be applied to various surfaces. A variant of Cerakote called H-Series is recommended for firearms or other weapons like knives. This specific variation requires heat to cure the finish, but this will add the highest level of abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance.

Cerakote applications should only be done by professionals who have the training, experience, and proper equipment. Most customers who decide cerakote is the best course of action for them will have to send off their gun, through an FFL, to have the work done. There are many companies with licensed dealers that can do this practice. It’s both tough and durable, but hardly a necessity if you just want to add some looks to your pistol or rifle. Cerakote is a permanent application that cannot be undone very easily but will last a very long time and will protect your gun.

With Cerakote you’ll need some expensive tools and equipment to start. A high-quality HVLP spray gun is $200.00-$300.00 Respirator $300.00

Air compressor $300.00 and water separator $150.00 You’ll also need an air compressor separately for the sand blast cabinet $2000.00 Note this makes a big mess. Seal the cabinet up so you don’t have sand everywhere. You need a continuous high volume of air to sand blast properly.

The next item you’ll need is an oven. I don’t recommend using your home oven. I purchased a used oven at the discount store for $150.00 Depending on oven you’ll need to hire an electrician to supply the 220 V and breaker needed to run your stove $200.00 Internal oven thermometer $150.00 Don’t “skimp” here temp is critical on obtaining a great result.

Next, you’ll need tools to disassemble the firearm. As a Gunsmith I have all the tools needed, however you’ll spend another $100.00-$200.00 for quality hand tools. Sand Blast Cabinet $400.00 (use 100 grit for best results). I buy it by the 100 lb bag. 

A small portable paint booth with explosion proof fans, $1500.00 if you don’t buy a booth you’ll get overspray on everything. This is really needed. You can find them cheaper, however you get what you pay for. Garage insulation and 3-ton split system 3500.00

How much room do I need: I have a 4-car garage. I use about 200 sq ft of the garage for coating. It’s tight but works if laid out properly.

Miscellaneous Items: You can build these yourself. You’ll need racks to hang the various parts. I spent $100.00 and built my own.

If you have never painted with a professional spray gun, you’ll need a lot of practice. You will need a skill set that takes time and practice. It’s not just the spraying but how you set up the gun and air compressor for the best results and how you mix the paints. If you never sand blasted, you’re in for a treat. Care and safety are paramount.

Ambient air temperature is critical. I live in Florida and when it gets below 45 F I don’t coat. I must run my A/C all day long when I’m in my shop to keep it at 78 F. I put solar on my home, not included, to help offset the cost of electricity. Running air compressors, A/C and ovens and everything you need is expensive. You need to build that into your pricing.

A professional system from Cerakote is around 10-12K. I can do a professional job for a fraction of that price. I have altogether approximately 8K and get a nice product when completed.

It took me 3 years to recoup the costs. And remember the maintenance costs to keep everything in top shape. I budget 150.00/ month for maintenance.

GunSkins Vinyl Wrap: $15-$75.00 Installed professionally 100.00-175.00 5 + years Gun can be covered without disassembly. As a dealer and installer I field strip the gun then apply the skin.

The cost of the tools needed for installing Gunskins are as follows:

Propane torch and nozzle $80.00 Hand heater 35.00 Razor knives 20.00 squeegee 15.00 That’s it. Space needed a desktop for hand guns and a 6’ table for a rifle. When applied correctly you can not tell the difference between Cerakote and Hydro dipping. This product is amazing. Tool spend, not more than $200.00

You’ll have to learn the technique and how to control the heat and distance but after you make a few mistakes it becomes easier. I’ve only wrapped 5 firearms to date, 8/24, but each of my customers was extremely happy. And remember this no chemicals to use except break clean to degrease the firearm.

The cost of the skins very on design, the more popular designs cost more, a difference of maybe $20-$30.00 not quality as all skins are very high quality and not difficult to work with. If you’re not very hand have the skin professionally installation cost $100.00-175.00 plus skin.

Now more info on the Gunskin Product:

American-made GunSkins kits are made from a conformed high-performance vinyl material. GunSkins are 100% waterproof, non-reflective, and very durable. We’re often asked about how GunSkins stand-up to the high temperatures of a muzzle. GunSkins are rated up to 230 degrees and have been heavily tested in all kinds of conditions. What that means, in short, is that wrapping a semi-automatic rifle, shotgun or pistol is no problem whatsoever from a heat perspective, but we don’t recommend wrapping the barrel of a tactical rifle like an AR-15, AK-47, etc. (handguards are fine) nor a suppressor. Also, unlike Hydro Dipping and Cerakote, GunSkins are removable!

GunSkins kits span more than 75 patterns, and include pre-cut pieces designed to fit any gun. Apply Gunskins to the surface of your firearm with heat (heat gun or hair dryers work great). Although they are removable if you’re ready for a new look to your gun, you can expect to get about 5 years out of a well-done installation.

GunSkins can be applied at home with few tools and no harmful chemicals, do not affect the operation of your gun, and provides a durable layer of protection from water and dirt that gives the gun an attractive look. Since GunSkins is a DIY application, there is room for error while applying the wrap to your gun. The vinyl can be removed, adjusted, and reapplied to address any wrinkles, air bubbles, etc. The material is very easy to work with and forgiving. With the right use of heat, the vinyl wrap can conform to any shape and will look as good as any other finish like Cerakote or Hydro Dipping.

GunSkins offers kits with pre-cut pieces to fit many of the most popular guns – popular rifles, shotguns, pistols, and AR-15 rifles – while also offering patterned vinyl sheets of different sizes for other guns and gear. If there is excess material, it's easy to trim away the pieces using a #11 hobby knife.

Hydro Dipping: Cost $200-$600.00 10+ Years Firearm must be disassembled and reassembled.

Hydro Dipping is a method of applying a pattern to three-dimensional and submersible surfaces, not just onto guns. Hydro Dipping also has a few names that are interchangeable. Those names are Hydro Graphics, Water Transfer Printing, or Immersion Printing. As you can see from the different names of this method, water is involved.

Hydro Graphics is a relatively costly and complex process that is quite permanent unless a professional is able to take it off. With little room for error, the right tools and chemicals on-hand, and a large learning curve, this practice is best left to the professionals. With that in mind, you’ll likely need to bring or ship your firearm through an FFL to a certified professional. This process offers image-defining styling options that leave your surface in a decorative coating will last 10 plus years, is easy to clean, and stain resistant.

If you decide to go through with this process and do it yourself, here are steps to follow to ensure your gun is evenly coated and every crevice gets covered:

1. Clean your gun and make sure the surface is even with no dust or debris.
2. Then, spray a base coat/primer to your gun, but do not spray too much to where it runs. Spray 1-2 times and leave to dry.
3. Cut the film to the size and shape of your gun. Then, the camouflage pattern is laid on the surface of the large tub of water which will float and should be left for the film to hydrate.
4. After about a minute or so, apply the activator by spraying it evenly over the film.
5. Next, dip your gun at a 45-degree angle and let the entire gun submerge in the water. Remove the gun from the water and rinse immediately with cold water for 3 minutes to remove any residue.
6. Finally, after you dry the item, apply the top coat and spray your gun with this aerosol coat spray 1-2 times, or to your liking.

It All Comes Down To Personal Preference

When it comes down to it, deciding between your options is all up to personal preference. We’ve had many customers who could not tell the difference between a Gunskins wrapped gun, a Cerakote gun, and a Hydro Dipped gun. Hydro Dipping, Cerakote, and GunSkins all achieve a very similar result by adding protection to your gun, while also adding a new color scheme or pattern. The main questions to consider when choosing one method over the others are: what is your budget, do you want this color/pattern forever, do you want to do it yourself? You can’t go wrong, and your gun will come out looking new, fresh, and attractive!

We've worked hard to continue to improve the GunSkins product, and we're hearing from others that it is competitive with Cerakote and Hydro dipping. Thanks to Spear Tactical Reviews for their comparison work: “More durable than cerakoting and hydro dipping, it’s a great way to protect the surface it also allows you to change the look up as often as you would like for about half the cost.”

By Gregory Kielma July 14, 2025
What risks do concealed carry permit holders face if they decide to act during an active shooter event? What Would You Do? Kielma says, my plan and exactly my thoughts and how I will proceed and deal with this. Here are a few; • Being mistaken for being a part of the active shooter assault • Getting killed by the First Responders because they think that you’re an accomplice • Getting killed by an actual accomplice because they don’t want you to be the hero who stops their murderous rampage Kielma’s PLAN, In the end, if I am carrying concealed, and some nut-job starts shooting innocent people, I will draw and I will take him out. Positive actions, performed quickly, will save lives. Once the perpetrator is down and or dead, I will put my pistol back into concealment, and check on the victims. I will render first aid until the First Responders arrive. I would continue to scan the scene to make sure there isn’t a second bad guy. When the cops arrive, I will render a full report, and let them know what happened, and when.
By Gregory Kielma July 14, 2025
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By Gregory Kielma July 14, 2025
A gun confiscation finally goes into effect and police are going door-to-door. Your home is next.... Let's see what Robert Andrews plan is. What would you do? Ensure that the Coffee cans and pipe full of nails, glass, some fecal matter to cause massive infections and smokeless powder are all in place and wired up so that when the Unconstitutional Gestapo stack their teams beside any possible entry point, they get their legs blown off. Then as the survivors look for cover, their cover will turn into an ambush before their very eyes. Explosive charges to be command detonated placed months or years before where they will seek cover and where they will park vehicles. Once they bring in a Chopper, Charges will be launched simultaneously with cable between each to foul rotors. They can reach an estimated height of 1500 to 2000 ft. Meanwhile, I will be inside, in a below grade Reinforced concrete room, with switches and detonators for all in place explosives. I have 48 hours of supplied air, Plus Filtration that will easily handle CS Gas, 90 days of water, and enough MRE’s to last years, and the required tobacco sauce as well. Will I survive through a scenario such as Robert proposes, probably not. But I am 1 Man, and I can easily cost the gun grabbers 25–50 men and possibly much more. And I am only 1 man, and every home within 15 miles of my home, is owned and lived in by my kin. So, the question is How many gun grabbers are willing to die to come collect my weapons? Because I know that I am willing to take as many as possible with me when I go.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
Vicki Lynn Frantz...A true "Bagger" What A Mutt! Fulton County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office Corrections employee, caught with pants down in office with inmate, says she's the victim in shocking prison scandal... Sure A corrections employee allegedly was about to have sex with an inmate when a security guard busted her — but she claims her life was threatened. A former corrections employee in Georgia is accused of attempting to have sexual relations with an inmate and selling cigarettes to another prisoner, according to authorities. Vickie Lynn Frantz, 56, also known as hot lips and hot pants... was terminated from her job as a purchasing assistant at the Atlanta Transitional Center — a correctional facility — on Monday. 'My client is the victim of the whole situation, and yet she is falsely accused of those charges.' The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Frantz, and she was booked into the Fulton County Jail on Monday. Frantz was hit with felony charges of criminal intent to commit a felony and trading with inmates without the consent of the warden or superintendent, according to jail records. A judge set her bond at $30,000. WSB reported that an investigation was launched after a security guard reported witnessing Frantz welcome an inmate into her office. Frantz — of Rome, Georgia — was about to have sex with an inmate in her office, police said. The affidavit of arrest that Blaze News obtained from the Georgia Department of Corrections states that the witness saw the inmate enter Frantz's office around 1:30 p.m. on June 30. "Accused Vickie Frantz committed criminal attempt to commit custodial sexual assault by allowing an inmate of the Georgia Department of Corrections into her office, then taking off her pants to allow sexual activity," the affidavit stated. The affidavit added, "But a security staff member intervened before any sexual acts occurred. Vickie Frantz was caught in her office lying on an inmate bed mat with no pants on and an inmate standing over her." Go Vickie, oink oink!!!! Let's see what the courts say. Innocent, who knows. Frantz also is accused of selling cigarettes to another inmate. "Vickie Frantz unlawfully accepted a payment of $50 via Chime to bring five packs of cigarettes into Atlanta Transitional Center," the affidavit stated. Despite the former corrections employee being in a position of power over inmates, Frantz's public defender said his client was the "victim." "She was under duress, and she was threatened with her life actually to comply with the demand by the complaining witness," assistant public defender Jae Kim told WSB. "My client is the victim of the whole situation, and yet she is falsely accused of those charges." Heath told WSB, "As we continue to demonstrate, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. The actions of this individual do not reflect the hundreds of officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities." 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 July 12, 2025
How to Safely Walk Your Dog or Favorite Pet While Armed by Gregg Kielma and Lee Williams Says FFL, Firearms, First Aid Fundamentals Instructor Gregg Kielma. I get asked this question all the time in my firearms classes. I live in Florida with a lot of ponds with alligators and wild pigs in or around them. Alligators like small dogs, like my seven (7) rescues. So, what do I do? I stay situationally aware all the time. I chose a routes away from any bad areas near ponds or wooded areas. If you have access to a fenced in dog park, that may be a better option. This For Florida Residents in Particular: Or any place you may encounter wild animals that can hurt you or your pet. I walk them during the day when I can see the ponds or wooded areas we are coming up to. I keep them close to me or most likely pick them up. We have sidewalks that run right next to big ponds alligators like to hang out in. (yes live in the country). I have wild pigs that do tremendous damage to property and if not careful to people and dogs. I'm always checking my surrounding for alligators, wild pigs or a bad actor hiding in the tree line that may try to hurt me or my wife. I keep my firearm easily accessible. I practice and can access my firearm in less than .003 seconds. I practice all the time. (Note: Alligators are very fast for short distances, you need to keep your "antenna's" up and always be ready. Wild pigs are very aggressive when there are little piglets around and will attack to save the piglets. They can hurt you or your pet just like an alligator). Dive to a safe area in your neighborhood, park your car and say away from ponds or heavily wooded areas. February through mid to end of April alligators are active. Its mating season and they become aggressive. Have a plan. What are you going to do to stop the threat? Don't wait until the last minute by then it's too late. Stay smart, situationally aware and ready for anything. Check out what Lees has to say and her recommendations. Take it away Lee! I get to walk Willa, our Boston Terrier, seven to eight times per day. I’m not sure who enjoys it more. Her timing is always perfect. After I’ve been writing for more than a few hours, she will jump into my lap or bite my ankles to let me know it’s time to take a break. Living in southwest Florida, the weather is our biggest non-tactical concern. We always avoid the hottest part of the day. I also carry a bottle of water and offer her sips while watching out for excessive panting. Boston Terriers are one of the Brachycephalic breeds, so she is more susceptible to heatstroke than other dogs. It’s crucial to adjust the intensity of our walk, and Willa is never shy about offering input. As to our tactical concerns, some suggestions follow: One of the most important considerations while walking your dog is that you will likely have just one free hand if you’re threatened. If you need to use deadly force, you will be shooting and possibly even reloading using only your strong hand. Practice is key, it’s crucial. Every time I’m at the range, I always shoot two or three magazines using only my strong hand. My weak hand is kept at my side, as if I’m holding her leash. Speed and accuracy are not the same as when I’ve got two free hands, which is why it’s so important to train. One-handed magazine changes are also much slower. I hold my empty weapon between my legs, pull a spare mag off of my weak side with my strong hand, and insert it into the weapon. I have practiced this with Willa dry but have yet to add gunfire to our training. Accuracy is worse than when using two hands, as is speed. Besides, I will likely have a 30-pound dog jumping and going crazy in my weak hand, so you can understand that my maximum effective range will shrink. Generally, the types of threats you may encounter on a dog walk are about the same as if you were walking alone, but there is the added possibility that someone may try to harm or steal your dog. Nowadays, some canines can cost thousands of dollars. Most likely, the bad guy will use some type of weapon. I have never heard of anyone who was victimized while walking their dog and forced to respond with force, being asked why they didn’t let their dog bite the bad guy. Most civilians don’t own attack-trained Malinois. Anyone who says anything different has likely never been in a gunfight. Some additional suggestions: • Always hold your dog’s leash with your weak hand. Keep your shooting hand ready. • I strongly recommend carrying a can of pepper spray for aggressive canines. It works incredibly well and is not permanent. Make sure it is police strength. • Practice drawing and obtaining a sight picture while holding your dog’s leash in your weak hand. • It’s easy to lose your situational awareness while picking up poo. Do it quickly while maintaining your SA. • Watch for additional threats, especially while retrieving poo. • Don’t focus solely on your dog while walking. Don’t zone out. • Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to pet your dog. Tell them your dog is not friendly and may bite. • Change your walking routes often. Do not have a standard route. • Look for threats while walking. Your dog can help with this. • Be concerned about your safety and security, and your dog’s. • Carry spare ammunition – it’s a must. I always carry the same guns and gear. The Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project wouldn’t be possible without you. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to support pro-gun stories like this.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
Indiana Mom Shoots Child Predator to Save Her 12-Year-Old Daughter Mark Chesnut Most people are aware that the maternal instinct in women is so strong that many will do whatever it takes to protect their children from harm. Unfortunately for a convicted child molester in Indiana, he had to learn that lesson the hard way. According to reports at wlfa.com and wthr.com, the man, Bruce Pierce, tried to rape a 12-year-old girl at an Indianapolis hotel in late May. But before he could rip more than her tank top and underwear, the girl’s mother shot Pierce several times, sending him to the hospital with multiple bullet wounds and a sure lesson learned. Details are a little sketchy as to why the mother left her 12-year-old daughter in a hotel room with a convicted child sex offender. According to one report, the child’s grandmother told police the victim and her sister woke her up on May 24 when their mother didn’t come home. They went to the Baymont Inn to look for her and found the mother with Pierce in the hotel lobby. The 12-year-old girl, who was feeling sick, stayed in Pierce’s hotel room while the mother and the other daughter took items to the car. While they were loading the car, the girl said Pierce invited her to sit on the bed. At that time, court documents say she told police Pierce grabbed her arms, pinned them to the bed, and began ripping her clothes off. The victim was able to escape her attacker when her mother opened fire. According to reports, Pierce had a gun on or near him during the assault. Unlike the mother, he apparently wasn’t able to get off any shots during the melee. Court records show Pierce pleaded guilty to child molesting in two separate cases, in Hendricks and Morgan counties, in 2016. Pierce is charged with attempted rape, attempted child molestation, unlawful possession of a firearm and confinement, all felonies in the state Indiana. While anti-gun activists will tell you that normal Americans almost never use firearms to save themselves and their families from violent criminals, this incident reminds us once again that episodes of armed self-defense occur multiple times daily throughout the United States. While the gun-ban group Moms Demand Action works tirelessly to take away gun owners’ rights, this mom in Indiana went into action when her daughter faced imminent harm at the hands of a very bad guy.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime Monday, July 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Douglas Lee Brown, also known as “Wiggles,” 56, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Brown on domestic battery and wanton endangerment warrants in Huntington and found he possessed a loaded Taurus model G2C 9mm pistol in his waistband. Officers determined the firearm was reported stolen. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brown knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for burglary in Franklin County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court on November 15, 2012. Brown has a long criminal history and was on a term of supervision as a result of the burglary conviction at the time of the current offense. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-168.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
Charlotte Man Sentenced For Possession Of A Machinegun Wednesday, July 9, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina The Defendant Possessed a Firearm Affixed with a “Glock Switch” CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Joshua Michael Jenkins, 22, of Charlotte, was sentenced yesterday to 88 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a machinegun, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to court records, on October 30, 2022, a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol attempted to stop Jenkins for speeding on the interstate. Jenkins refused to stop and instead proceeded to drive at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour. Court documents show that Jenkins exited the highway and ran a red light, where his vehicle collided with four other vehicles at an intersection. Jenkins then fled on foot and ran toward a shopping center. The state trooper ran after Jenkins and observed Jenkins holding a firearm in his hand, which he pointed at the trooper. Jenkins was eventually apprehended. According to court documents, law enforcement searched a trashcan in a parking lot nearby after a witness saw Jenkins drop something in it. Law enforcement recovered from the trashcan a Glock model 23, .40 caliber pistol, with an affixed machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch.” During the investigation, law enforcement located multiple social media posts of Jenkins posing with firearms that appeared to be equipped with Glock switches, and a video showing muzzle flash and the sound of repeated firing of an automatic weapon. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department for their investigation of the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position reflects the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
Former City of Raleigh Firefighter Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Drug Trafficking Scheme Thursday, July 10, 2025 Says FFL, Firearms Instructor and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma, this one hurts as a person who studied firefighting and is an instructor in First Aid Fundamentals, I'm extremely disappointed in this former firefighter. We are sworn to defend and assist our fellow citizens, not poison them with drugs. To say I'm hurt is an understatement. Nick betrayed the trust of everyone sworn to keep people safe. Kielma continues, Nick, I trust you'll pay the price. You made very bad choices that reflect on your department and the people you serve. Shame on you. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina Katie Holcomb Vollmer, Public Affairs Officer USANCE.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov RALEIGH, N.C. – A former City of Raleigh firefighter and his wife have pleaded guilty today to running a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving cocaine, methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Nicholas Banister, 36, and Amanda Banister, 36, admitted to using the dark web and cryptocurrency to distribute drugs across Eastern North Carolina. “The defendant, a Raleigh firefighter, served in a position of public trust, but was hiding in plain sight as he and his wife sold numerous types of illegal narcotics around businesses the community frequently visits,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “I’m proud of our federal and state partners at the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE) for their hard work, which is holding these individuals accountable and making our community safer.” “It is unfortunate to see someone we trust to help keep us protected involved in criminal activities that jeopardize public safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “ATF realizes the danger and violence associated with drug trafficking, and we’re proud to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to break up those networks and better protect our communities.” “A primary focus for ALE is reducing crime associated with alcohol establishments and protecting the safety of our communities. In this case, undercover ALE special agents conducted a comprehensive investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals — one of whom had taken an oath to protect others but instead chose to put lives at risk,” said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. “We’re hopeful this case, along with our continued efforts, will have a positive impact on our state.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Banister conspired with his wife to sell cocaine and methamphetamine on four occasions to an undercover law enforcement officer at the Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh. The NC ALE executed a search warrant at Banister's residence in Raleigh, where they found 1,324.43 grams of methamphetamine, 844 grams of cocaine, over 7 kilograms of marijuana, 382 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, Xanax and Ecstasy pills, 216 units of LSD, 15 grams of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), two firearms, a digital wallet used to store cryptocurrency and $213,810 in U.S. currency. Banister had been selling cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD every other week for at least a year prior to his arrest. Banister purchased the narcotics from the dark web using cryptocurrency, had them shipped to North Carolina, and then sold them to various buyers, primarily in the Glenwood South area. Banister utilized the Snapchat application to advertise narcotics by providing a “menu” for buyers. Banister was employed with the City of Raleigh Fire Department at the time of the charged offenses. Both Banister and his wife face a mandatory minimum of 10 years' imprisonment when sentenced at a later date. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after arraignment by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II. The NC ALE and the ATF investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Aria Q. Merle prosecuted the case. SAUSA Merle is a prosecutor with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal violent crimes and other criminal matters. A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-00106-D.
By Gregory Kielma July 12, 2025
TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED FOR CARRYING A GLOCK SWITCH Thursday, July 3, 2025 Note from FFL, Instructor and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma. A Glock switch is illegal. Don't ask me for one. I don't sell them; dam it, they are illegal! Don't ask me. Should you do, you'll never be a customer of Tactical K Training and Firearms. Continues Kielma, we do everything by the book. You want to go to jail that's fine with me, you're not going to do it here. We respect and cherish our FFL and will never, ever do anything to lose our creditability with the ATF. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jimmy Bender, 19, of Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to 24 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing a machinegun. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. According to court records, officers with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), Violent Crimes Response Team, were patrolling in the southeastern portion of Tallahassee due to complaints of criminal activity in the area. A TPD officer observed Bender commit a traffic violation and then stopped the vehicle. As the officers removed Bender from the vehicle, they discovered a Glock.40 caliber handgun with extended magazine. The handgun was also equipped with a machinegun conversion device, or “Glock switch,” which unlawfully enabled the firearm to shoot multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the hard work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners, our community can rest easy knowing this dangerous individual has been removed from our streets. Criminals considering carrying an illegally converted machinegun should know my office will aggressively prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the TPD Violent Crimes Response Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch. 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @NDFLnews
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