Firearms in Your Home: Husband and Wife Thoughts

Why would you bring a gun and/or firearm into a gun store for cleaning? Gregg Kielma Says Gregg Kielma, Gunsmith, I've spent a lot of time gun smithing. Case study: I had a LEO former; retired LEO bring in his Colt Trooper MkIII for cleaning. His reason was that he could not get a jammed round out of his gun. Continues Kielma, as a Gunsmith, I do not like working with live rounds that are “stuck”. Could make for a bad day. My professional opinion, after evaluating the firearm, he never cleaned the gun, and his department, at that time had qualifications once a year. He had never removed the old rounds after qualification, just loaded it with .357 mag rounds and had never im my opinion ever cleaned the weapon. It took me about 30 minutes with wooden dowels and a brass hammer to drive the old ammo out of the revolver and a couple of hours of ultrasonic cleaning to get all the debris out of the firearm, a major process, but when it was cleaned, it functioned like a new one. I advised him to practice more and use up his older ammo and taught him how to clean the gun. Later some of his friends started bringing me their firearms and let me know he passed away a few years ago. Amen, thank you sir for your service. Your missed.

2nd Circuit Court Upholds Some Portions Of New York’s Sensitive Places Gun Ban Mark Chesnut A U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that some of New York’s restrictive gun law that designates certain areas as “sensitive locations” can be allowed to stand. A lower court in the case Frey v. New York, U.S. District Judge Nelson Stephen Roman plaintiffs’ request for an injunction in 2023. On September 19, a three-judge panel of the New York City-based 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision denying gun owners a preliminary injunction against parts of the state’s so-called “Concealed Carry Improvement Act” (CCIA), which was passed as a kneejerk reaction shortly after the Bruen ruling overturned their previous law. Plaintiffs argued that CCIA wrongly designates huge amounts of public areas as “sensitive locations” where firearms are completely banned, leaving them defenseless against armed criminals who don’t follow such laws. They specifically challenged three provisions of the law—ban on carrying guns in Times Square, the New York City subway, and the Metro-North commuter rail system, the complete ban on open carry and the requirement to obtain a city permit to carry in New York City, along with the state permit. Unfortunately, the three-judge panel ruled that New York’s restrictions fall within the country’s historical tradition of gun regulation, a priority handed down in the Bruen decision. Consequently, the court held, the provisions did not violate the Second Amendment rights of the plaintiffs. “There is perhaps no public place more quintessentially crowded than Times Square,” the court ruling stated. “Extending approximately from 40th to 53rd Street, and from Sixth to Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, this block at the heart of Manhattan, known as the ‘Crossroads of the World,’ teems with ‘rivers of neon and seas of tourists.’ The Nasdaq Exchange and Broadway theaters, as well as hundreds of restaurants and stores are among those that call it home.”

DOJ Gets Involved In Another State AWB Case Mark Chesnut We reported recently how the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had gotten involved in the lawsuit challenging Illinois’ ban on so-called “assault weapons.” In the case Barnett v. Raoul, the DOJ not only filed a brief supporting the plaintiffs’ challenge to the law, but also will be participating in oral arguments before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Now, DOJ officials have put New Jersey’s ban on common semi-automatic rifles and magazines holding more than 10 rounds directly in their crosshairs. On September 18, the DOJ filed a brief in support of the challenge to the state law in the case New Jersey State Rifle & Pistol Club v. Platkin. According to a report at Nraila.org, in late July the district court hearing the case held the “assault firearm” ban to be unconstitutional, but limited its ruling only to the Colt AR-15. The court also upheld the ban on firearm magazines that hold over 10 rounds. Plaintiffs appealed the ruling, and the cases will now be considered by the full 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. The DOJ’s brief in the case argued that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms for any lawful purpose, not only self-defense or sporting purposes. “These consolidated cases pose important questions about the scope of the Second Amendment’s protections,” DOJ wrote in the brief’s introduction. “The United States has strong interests in ensuring that these important questions are correctly resolved; that the Second Amendment is not treated as a second-class right; and that law-abiding Americans in this circuit are not deprived of the full opportunity to enjoy the exercise of their Second Amendment rights.”

Minnesota Dems Preview Proposals For Special Legislative Session On Gun Control Mark Chesnut The first hearing of the Minnesota special legislative session called by Democrat Gov. Tim Walz to ban millions of privately owned firearms and force several other infringements upon state gun owners revealed some of the measures that will likely be considered. According to a report at grandforksherald.com, the September 15 meeting included not only lawmakers, but also parents of children that were hurt in the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, where a trans man fired into the windows of the church during the school’s first Mass of the year. At the top of the wish list, of course, is banning so-called “assault weapons,” popular semi-auto firearms owned by millions of Americans who use them for sporting shooting, hunting, competition and other legal purposes. Of course, when a deranged criminal uses such rifles to kill children he has barricaded into a church, suddenly it’s the gun that is the culprit. Interestingly, reports from law enforcement following the attack indicated that the perpetrator also used a shotgun and handgun, along with a rifle. It’s unclear whether Democrat lawmakers will call for a total ban on shotguns and handguns as a result. Other Democrat proposals mentioned during the hearing include a re-enactment of the state’s binary trigger ban, which was struck down last month by a district court, a requirement for serial numbers on guns, safe storage requirements, gun safety training and the creation of a civil commitment division in the Attorney General’s Office. Incidentally, there have been no reports that the attacker at Annunciation Church used a binary trigger, a gun without a serial number or a gun that was stored unsafely.

Nikki Freed Florida Democrats Trash Open Carry Ruling September 22, 2025 24 comments While Florida gun owners are celebrating the recent court ruling overturning the state’s ban on open carry of firearms, anti-gun Democrats in the Sunshine State are much less enthused. In fact, some are downright angry over the situation. On September 10, Florida’s First District Court of Appeals ruled that the open carry ban violates citizens’ Second Amendment rights, reversing the conviction of the central figure in the case. Then, on September 15, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors stating that “no Florida court will any longer be empowered to convict a defendant” under the ban, and that his office will no longer defend such prosecutions. Now, anti-gun lawmakers in the state, particularly those of the Democrat persuasion, are speaking out against the ruling, promising certain tragedy—despite the fact that 47 other states already allow open carry of firearms. One of the most vocal critics is Florida Democrat Party Chair Nikki Fried. In a news release distributed by the party, which handily appeared on the same pages as an opportunity to donate to the party, Fried bashed the court’s decision. “I have a long history advocating for the rights afforded in the Second Amendment and have previously petitioned Courts to uphold those rights for all citizens,” Fried said. “However, I strongly believe that the First District Court of Appeals has erred in its recent opinion, which paves the way for open carry in the State of Florida.” Of course, the phrase, “I support the Second Amendment, but … has been uttered by anti-gun politicians, bureaucrats and activists ever since they decided that truth wasn’t important to the gun control debate. But I digress.

Can a loaded firearm go off without pulling the trigger? Says Gregg Kielma firearms trainer and firearm enthusiast, I have never had a firearm discharge by itself. I’ve dropped a few, not many at all, however, never had a negligent discharge, ever. Can it happen? I understand the Sig 320 semi auto firearm when accidentally dropped has discharged. Check out the reviews on this firearm. Would I own a Sig P320, no. Would I own the Sig P365 and carry it absolutely. Negligent discharge refers to the unintentional firing of a firearm due to carelessness or failure to follow safety protocols, and it can have serious legal and personal consequences. Definition and Distinction • Negligent Discharge: This occurs when a firearm is unintentionally fired due to a lack of care or failure to adhere to basic safety rules. It is often the result of human error, such as improper handling or not keeping the finger off the trigger. • Accidental Discharge: In contrast, an accidental discharge typically involves mechanical failures or unexpected events, rather than human negligence. Many experts argue that what is often labeled as an accidental discharge is actually a negligent discharge. Legal Implications • In some jurisdictions: such as California, negligent discharge is defined legally under Penal Code § 246.3. It involves willfully discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, which could result in injury or death. This can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties including imprisonment. • To be convicted of negligent discharge: it must be proven that the individual acted with gross negligence, meaning a reasonable person would have recognized the risk involved in their actions. Causes of Negligent Discharge • Human Error: Most negligent discharges occur due to carelessness, such as failing to follow firearm safety rules, improper handling, or leaving a firearm unsecured. • Poor Trigger Discipline: A common cause is improper trigger finger placement, where the shooter inadvertently pulls the trigger while handling the firearm. Prevention Strategies • Follow Safety Rules: Adhering to fundamental firearm safety rules can significantly reduce the risk of negligent discharges. These include treating every firearm as if it is loaded, keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and ensuring the firearm is pointed in a safe direction. • Proper Training: Comprehensive training on firearm safety and handling can help prevent negligent discharges by educating users on the risks and responsibilities of firearm ownership. Conclusion Negligent discharge is a serious issue in firearm safety that can lead to severe consequences, both legally and personally. Understanding its definition, causes, and prevention methods is crucial for responsible firearm ownership and safety. By following established safety protocols and receiving proper training, the likelihood of such incidents can be minimized. Lets take a look at what Andrew said recently on my blog Complex Question. I’ve dropped a Glock 9mm right on the back of the slide from 6′… no discharge. I’ve dropped a flattop old model .44 mag Ruger from 4′ and blew a hole through the ceiling missing me by 3″ or less. I've fired an M60 belted to the max, removed the trigger group and let the ammo fly until the rounds cooked off before the firing pin hit…ie. we removed the trigger in a fully automatic belted firearm. I've had a 9mm AR15 platform go off when I released the bolt group. Just like and old school Ingram Mac 45 that has a fixed firing pin and fires from an open bolt… i.e. cocked back just far enough not to engage the trigger, but the spring was heavy enough to cause the fixed firing pin to strike the primer. So… I've personally had 4 out of 5 experiences where I didn't pull the trigger and the gun discharged. So accidentally dropping a loaded old school revolver that didn't have that additional safety installed but had a load under the hammer when it should have been empty. So…Do guns discharge without pulling the trigger. It depends on the firearms. Knowledge is king. Research what you are purchasing, get opinions from Gunsmiths ask the critical questions. Know before you buy! They only fire when something, a physical action, initiates the gun to go fire. If the mechanical failure is with the hammer and trigger systems, yes, they can fire…but that's a mechanical failure ie. dropped or misuse of the firearm.

I get asked this a lot …If someone who already owns a 9mm handgun, is it worth getting a budget AR-style rifle for home defense, or should they consider a 12 Guage shot gun? Gregg Kielma Let’s Take a LOOK. If you have the money and patience, the best home defense setup from a functional standpoint is going to be a carbine with a red dot, flashlight, and suppressor firing subsonic ammunition. The reasons for this is because: • Carbines, with three points of contact, is more accurate and easier to handle than pistols with 1 point of contact. • Lights are required to be able to correctly identify what you are shooting at. • Red dots are the fastest form of sighting system for short range shooting. Suppressors and subsonic ammunition help reduce noise levels, which can prevent hearing damage during firearm use. However, is having a kitted-out AR, in either 9mm or 5.55/.223, going to look worse to a jury if you end up in front of one. It is important to be familiar with both the policies of your local District Attorney and the office culture, as you may encounter varying approaches from different prosecutors. If you use a weapon for self-defense, the police may confiscate it as evidence, possibly for weeks or even permanently, depending on local policies. Pump action shotguns typically have a smaller magazine capacity and require additional training to operate effectively. New shooters often short stroke the pump by not fully pushing it forward, which can prevent the trigger from resetting or cause out-of-battery detonation. If you don't have the money and patience for a suppressor, either a rifle or pistol round carbine isn't really going to matter. My choice for home defense a good tactical 12g shot gun. Make sure it cycles a full magazine reliably, your magazines work properly, and it has a red dot and flashlight.

Can people carry a gun in a bank with a license? From Jeff and Avid reader of the BLOG I carry concealed all the time. Banks, stores with no guns allowed signs, etc. The only thing they can do IF they see the gun (since it’s concealed, they can’t) is ask me to leave. The only places I don’t carry are courts and federal buildings (post office, etc.). I’m 78 so I need a way to defend myself. In the thirty years I’ve been carrying, I’ve never had to pull my weapon, and I hope I never do. It’s like having a fire extinguisher, you never want to have to use it but you have it available just in case. Thank you Jeff for your "plan"

What to know about Florida’s open-carry law TODAY Keep Checking The Laws Florida's ban on open carry firearms has been ruled or Has IT? Florida's open carry ban for guns ruled unconstitutional. What does that mean for gun owners? Florida’s open carry ruling, which expands gun rights in public, took effect Sept. 25 — but Sarasota and Manatee businesses can still bar firearms. On Sept. 10, Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that the state’s long-standing ban on visibly carrying firearms in public is unconstitutional. The decision comes despite research linking looser gun laws to higher rates of violent crime, suicides, firearm thefts and law enforcement shootings. She questions whether people who carry guns openly will be more apt to use them during road rage or a fight. “Floridians have not had guns out in the open, and it's kind of a terrifying thought for a lot of people,” Resigno said. “When you consider how many people nowadays have had someone either get shot or been in a shooting situation, it’s going to be triggering.” Matthew Binkley, SCSO Community Affairs Manager, shared that all SCSO personnel have received legal updates from the agency's general counsel’s office. Moving forward, continued training and education on open carry will be implemented for deputies. “Deputies should expect that members of the public will express concern, confusion or even alarm as they adjust to the sight of firearms in places where they were not previously accustomed to seeing them,” Binkley said. "Our responsibility to the community has not changed. We remain committed to protecting both the rights and the safety of all citizens.” Open carry of firearms is now legal in Florida as of September 25, 2025, though notable restrictions and exceptions still apply. Where Open Carry is Allowed: • Public areas generally open to citizens: Open carry is permitted on government property and in public spaces not restricted by federal or state law • Private property: Property owners, businesses, and residences can still prohibit publicly carried firearms, and ignoring these restrictions may result in armed trespass, classified as a third-degree felony Where Open Carry is Not Allowed Certain locations remain off-limits due to state or federal restrictions or safety concerns: • Police, sheriff, and highway patrol stations • Detention facilities, jails, or prisons • Courthouses (judges may allow exceptions in courtrooms) • Polling places • Meetings of governing bodies at county, city, or school district levels • Schools, colleges, or professional athletic events not related to firearms • Any property where federal law prohibits firearms • Properties deemed a public nuisance under Florida statute §823.05, such as illegal gambling halls or locations facilitating criminal gang activity Interaction With Other Laws Florida’s red-flag laws and risk protection orders remain in effect. Firearms can be temporarily removed from individuals: • Taken into custody for involuntary mental health examination under the Baker Act • Adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution • Identified as high-risk by law enforcement for harming themselves or others