Gregory Kielma • December 21, 2023

Guns for Beginners or Advanced Firearm Owners: How to Find Quality Self-Defense Firearm Training

Guns for Beginners or Advanced Firearm Owners: How to Find Quality Self-Defense Firearm Training

By
 John Boch
 December 20, 2023


Carrying a gun lawfully for self-defense can make the difference between life and death in a critical situation. Yet at the same time it comes along with risks to the carrier thanks to laws and land sharks. Training can help reduce those risks dramatically.

In a perfect world (and most states), you wouldn’t need a license to carry or training in the effective use of a firearm for self-defense. Unfortunately, the world isn’t perfect and neither are we.

In the real world, mistakes happen. All it takes is a single moment of oversight, sloppy gun handling or lousy gear and you can find yourself jammed up and wearing handcuffs. Heaven help you if you have a negligent discharge or make a mistake in judgement about when to pull your gun. Make those kinds of mistakes and you risk everything, including prison.

With good training, the risks attendant with carrying and using a firearm for self-defense are greatly diminished. You’ll become an expert at gun safety and can share those skills with your family and others to make them experts at safety as well. You’ll also learn better situational awareness.

The right training will teach you body language and behaviors that will make you less likely to be “selected” for victimization by bad guys. Best of all, your odds of prevailing in a deadly force encounter will be significantly enhanced. But remember . 

All Training Isn’t Equal

With the growing numbers of new gun owners across America, many people are looking for classes, especially those who also want to apply for a carry license. These concealed carry classes tend to be plentiful where required, and are often conducted by National Rifle Association-certified instructors. Classes run the gamut from borderline incompetent to barely adequate to well-presented, comprehensive learning programs.

As an example, in Illinois a year before right-to-carry was passed, there were approximately 42 NRA instructors who had taught ten or more people the previous year. Today, we have over 3000 Illinois State Police-approved instructors.
Beyond learning the basics from an introduction to concealed carry class, there are other programs out there for people looking for basic gun safety skills or to make themselves better shooters…everything from competition and marksmanship to hunting and self-defense.

When it comes to self-defense firearms training, easily the most common are those designed to teach self-defense fundamentals. The best of these “save your bacon” courses will incorporate all three of the following:

Mindset

Mindset is the knowledge and attitudes needed to avoid and, if necessary, survive a confrontation. This includes the mental preparation for dealing with all aspects of a violent encounter at home or in public…and to never give up in a fight for your life.

This particular aspect of training emphasizes conflict avoidance, layering your defenses, and knowing the legal standard by which you will be judged for using lethal force against another. A well-taught class will help you avoid trouble through situational awareness and conflict de-escalation, and also keep you out of jail for inappropriately introducing a weapon – firearm or otherwise – into a situation.
Functional ability/training

Functional ability training consists of knowing how to make your gun work, the ability to use it safely and effectively, and the associated aspects of your gun’s proper care and feeding.

Any reputable course will inculcate you with basic firearm safety. Exercising proper muzzle discipline and keeping your finger off the trigger until you have decided to shoot should be as natural as breathing. Sadly, for those without formal training, poor muzzle control and trigger finger discipline are the norm.

Gun selection plays an important role as well. Some folks may have compatibility issues with a gun they like, making it a bad choice for them. If you can’t manipulate your preferred gun, then you should find another one. Arthritis, hand strength, or other physical limitations are common causes for these issues, but so are a lack of familiarity with a firearm’s controls.

Good schools will steer you away from poor gun choices without making fun of what you may already have. Just because you thought the Beretta 92 looked really cool in Lethal Weapon doesn’t mean it’s a good carry choice for you.

Tactical training

Tactical is not “tacticool” where people dress up in tactical bro gear and pretend they’re something they aren’t. Instead, it’s the practical, hands-on study of the tactics needed to avoid conflict or, failing that, to fight with your personal defense tools.

This includes learning the effective use of cover and concealment, proper presentation of the gun, situational awareness, proper force “application” strategies, malfunction clearing procedures, reloading techniques and so much more.

Reading a book or watching a video helps and can serve to introduce these concepts, but there’s no substitute for doing it yourself under the tutelage of a skilled instructor who will ensure you’re using good technique and minimizing wasted movement. This allows you to act quickly and decisively, without “thinking” about the mechanics of what you’re going to do once you’ve decided to act.

The old saw that ‘you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of training’ is pretty much true. Indecisiveness, wasted motion and/or poor skills seldom win competitions or gun battles.

Finding a good course

Better, more enjoyable courses will share many common attributes. Here’s how to find for them and some attributes to seek out.

Research the instructor/school. Start with their website. Pictures will often tell the tale of how many people they’re training and how they do it. Is poor muzzle control or other questionable safety issues shown in the pictures? I’ve seen images of everything from people shooting inside a pole barn without proper ventilation to people walking in front of other shooters on an open range. If it’s the same three “students” in all of the photos, that’s a clue. If there are no photos, that should be a clue as well. No website? Why not?
Unless they are very small or very new, there will often be reviews of their training courses online at various gun forums or other locations. If there aren’t any reviews, that should tell you something.
Call and talk with them. Speak with the instructor ahead of giving them your money. Ask them any questions you might still have…anything from describing their previous experience, to inquiring about accommodations for those less-mobile or otherwise disabled. Ask them about how many instructors will be present and the expected ratio of staff to students. Ask them why they became a firearms instructor. Good teachers should have good answers for your questions.

Look for experienced instructors. While everyone has to start somewhere, previous instructional experience measured in years — not months — will usually lead to a better end result for you, the consumer/student. If prospective instructors try to dazzle you with their experience in the Boy Scouts, ROTC, or “personal interest,” look out.

Look for instructors who have continued their education especially if they’ve been to some of the nationally-known schools. They will most likely bring lessons and techniques they’ve learned from the nationally-respected masters to your local class.

Instructors who carry Do the instructors themselves carry every day, or are they just teaching theoretical concepts to their students?

“Team teaching” is a good thing, as instructors can teach to their strengths and students enjoy hearing a more diverse set of perspectives. The end result is usually a better educational experience for the students.

A team of instructors also offers greater opportunities for the student to get more one-on-one help as needed, particularly on the firing line during live fire or in other practical aspects of the class.


If there aren’t enough instructors, there’s little or no opportunity for one-on-one help to help learn, develop, and understand new skills, especially for those new to the gun world.


Previous law enforcement or military instructional experience is a bonus. Again, it’s about bringing applicable aspects of the latest tactics to the class. I’ve been teaching for two decades and seen first-hand that “military” and “police” listed in someone’s credentials, while a net positive, doesn’t necessarily mean a lot when it comes to teaching new skills to new shooters.

Your class isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a boot camp or police academy. What matters is instructors’ ability to communicate with everyday people, teaching and empowering them with the skill sets they need to avoid becoming a statistic in the real world.

High instructor-to-student ratios. I can’t stress this one enough, especially for range exercises. If you have one or two instructors trying to run a range with ten or twelve entry-level students on the firing line at once, you’re getting badly short-changed as a student and it’s not as safe as it could be.

Ability to communicate with everyday people outside of the gun culture. Do schools try not to use jargon and are they willing to spend that extra time (and do they have the staff to do so) to work with new shooters, including women and children? Are they there for those who are a little slow at absorbing the subject material?

This one’s harder to assess outside of personal referrals or recommendations, but it’s especially important if you’re a novice, the lone woman in the class or you’re bringing your kids.

Courses that offer more than the minimum. Good instructors won’t cut corners, but in fact will supplement the minimum required material with valuable and useful (not to mention life-saving) information they’ve learned from other schools or instructors.

Loaner gun availability. Do they have loaner guns for folks who come with inappropriate or malfunctioning firearms, especially for basic firearm/home defense/CCW-type courses?

Sometimes they might even have an armorer on staff, but usually just having a loaner gun and gear (holster, ammo pouches, etc.) will be very helpful. You might have to pay a nominal fee, but loaner availability is a big plus.

Referrals, testimonials, and word of mouth are all things to look for in reputable, experienced instructors. Ask your friends who have been to a class what they thought of it. Visit your local gun club or gun rights organization and ask those present for recommendations on instructors and/or classes.

Red flags

With booming gun sales and more demand for firearm training, there are a lot of instructors — especially newly-minted ones — who vary significantly in skill, ability, and ethics. There are some red flags you can look for in entry-level training to help you avoid a disappointing experience.

Unsafe gun handling: Do instructors demonstrate safe gun handling or do they routinely put their cotton pickin’ finger on the bang switch inappropriately? Are they careless about muzzle control or are there not enough of them to police muzzle discipline of untrained/careless students?

Even worse, do they stand downrange while students are shooting or handling their guns? If you see any of this, the first step is to bring those concerns to the staff. If these problems go unaddressed, it might be a good time to pack your bag and walk. Training-related accidents are very rare, but if those running classes are lackadaisical about safety, it’s time to make yourself scarce. Internet classes: Do instructors attempt to “teach” the classroom segments of the class via the internet? In general, that’s sub-optimal. Given social distancing and limits on the number of people in indoor spaces, that may be done more frequently these days.

Cost: Expect to pay a little more for experienced instructors with solid reputations or classes in big cities where range space is at a premium. But any course that’s advertised for dramatically less than the normal market rate for similar training from similarly-credentialed instructors is a big red flag.

Example: If a hypothetical CCW class goes for $200-250 at most locations and someone’s advertising theirs for $50, beware. Find out why it falls so far outside the norm.

Charging for free items like license application packets: One firearms training group in Illinois charged students $20 each for Florida and Arizona license application packets, even when those respective states send them out to anyone for free.

Cutting corners to do less than the minimum requirements: If it’s supposed to be an eight-hour class and the instructor finishes in six hours, that’s not good. In fact, it may constitute fraud in state-mandated CCW classes depending on local laws.
“Instructors” who haven’t had training: If the only formal training your prospective instructor has had was their “instructor certification” class, that’s cause for concern. Good firearm handling skills and knowledge of self-defense, personal protection, and the judicious use of deadly force don’t come from on high. They are learned.

Instructors teaching flawed, out-of-date or just plain unsafe information: That could get students killed or injured, either from tactical or a safety perspective. Example: “You should carry your gun with an empty chamber and rack the slide on your pants.”

Courses that are unrealistic: Do they teach you to hang upside down out of a pickup truck, firing one-handed under the door? Do they teach you barrel rolls while you hold your gun? Pack your gear and run. Worry about a refund later.

Things you can do to make your training experience better

1. Come bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Get a good night’s rest. Leave the drinking and nightlife alone the night before.
2. Come with an open mind. Leave preconceived notions behind along with your man-card if you’re a guy. If they teach you something new, try it. You can always discard it later.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants with a belt, and bring along a baseball cap or similar. Ladies, leave the low-cut shirts at home. Also bring rain gear or extra clothing for unseasonably cool weather.
4. Bring your own eye and ear protection. Bring sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.
5. Hydration should be provided by the class sponsors. Hydration is a safety issue, but bring some of your own just in case. Avoid caffeine as it contributes to dehydration.
6. Bring lunch, as necessary along with any medications or other personal needs.
7. Bring your gun, gear and the required amount of ammunition, minimum. Check your gun and gear before the class. If a family of dust bunnies has taken residence in the barrel, clean it. If it’s filthy, clean it. If your ammo dates from the Spanish-American War era, looks corroded, or the lead has turned white, buy new ammo.
8. Bring a backup gun in case your front-line gear goes down, especially for intermediate and advanced classes where you expect to shoot a lot. Ditto for any gear you know you’ll need.
9. For rifle classes (or if you have a fancy optic on your pistol), come to class sighted in. Bring spare batteries for your holographic sights and   a sling for your long gun
10. Bring a notepad and pens.
11. Read the recommended gear list and follow those instructions.
12. Turn your phone off or on completely silent mode before class starts.
13. Everyone’s a range safety officer. If you see someone doing something unsafe, ask them to stop. Report any safety concerns to the instructor(s) right away.
14. Address any concerns or questions you might have privately before class or during breaks where possible. Don’t tie up class time.

Do your own research

There’s no need to settle to waste your hard-earned money on a course that will disappoint you. Use the information contained here to help guide your course selection. It’s not that difficult to find training that meets or exceeds your needs instead of settling for a marginal offering that falls short.

Life is precious, training is cheap  

Remember, training is inexpensive compared to your life and the lives of your loved ones, so it’s not a place to cut corners. Good training that allows you to avoid becoming a victim and come out on top is truly priceless in the long run.

By Gregory Kielma February 28, 2026
DOJ Pam Bondi Scranton Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Possession Of A Machine Gun Tuesday, February 24, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Naim Mustafa House, age 28, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 24, 2026, to 144 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a machine gun. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 8, 2024, Scranton Police Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that House was a passenger. House fled on foot and was found hiding under a rear porch of a residence. During a search incident to arrest, police found marijuana packed for resale on his person and inside his backpack found 30 additional grams of marijuana and a Glock 7, 9mm handgun equipped with a device to transition the firearm from a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm. The firearm also had an extended magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Scranton Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
By Gregory Kielma February 28, 2026
Brazilian National Unlawfully in the United States Sentenced for Selling 14 Firearms Without a License Thursday, February 26, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts Defendant sold AR-15 style rifles and large capacity magazines BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Worcester has been sentenced to prison for selling firearms without a license. Joao Vitor Dos Santos Goncalves Pimenta, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to 27 months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In August 2025, Goncalves Pimenta pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Between July and September 2024, Goncalves Pimenta sold 14 firearms without the required license in exchange for cash. The firearms included pistols and AR-15-style rifles and large capacity magazines. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Revere Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case
By Gregory Kielma February 28, 2026
Gregg Kielma A Message of Gratitude Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/28/2026 To everyone, my friends, family and new friends that do not know me, who have never known me and trusted me with your firearms training—thank you. To show my appreciation, I am having a pig roast at my outdoor range where you trained. The new range is located at the same location and will be ready for use in April. NOTE: I have to count on the front-end loader company to show up. The date of the pig roast will be in the early part of May. Please keep checking back to the website for more information or feel free to call me. Whether you were brand new to shooting, sharpening advanced skills, training with family, or preparing for real world responsibility, you chose to spend your time with me on the range. That trust is something I never take lightly. Every class, every question, every moment of growth reminds me why I do this. You’ve helped build a community centered on safety, responsibility, and confidence—and I’m grateful for every one of you. Thank you for attending. Thank you for learning. Thank you for trusting me with something so important. I’m honored to be part of your journey. More training, more growth, and more safe, responsible gun ownership ahead. Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 941 737-6956
By Gregory Kielma February 27, 2026
Tips for Purchasing Your First Firearm By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training & Firearms 02/27/28 Buying a firearm is a serious decision, and it should always start with purpose, not impulse. The right firearm is the one that fits your needs, your skill level, and your commitment to safe, responsible ownership. These are the same principles I teach every student who comes through my range. Know Your Purpose Before you ever step into a gun shop, be clear about why you’re buying a firearm. Your intended use drives everything else. • Personal protection: Look for reliability, manageable recoil, and a platform you can control under stress. • Home defense: Full size pistols, shotguns, or pistol caliber carbines offer better stability and capacity. • Recreational shooting: Choose something comfortable, affordable to shoot, and enjoyable to train with. • Hunting: Caliber and platform depend on the game and the environment. A firearm chosen for the wrong purpose becomes a frustration instead of a tool. Fit Matters More Than Brand I tell every student the same thing: the gun has to fit you. Grip angle, trigger reach, weight, and sight picture all affect your ability to shoot safely and accurately. Don’t buy based on what your buddy carries or what’s trending online. Handle several options. If possible, shoot them. The right firearm will feel natural in your hands. Prioritize Reliability A defensive firearm must work every time. Look for: • A proven track record • Simple, intuitive controls • Quality construction • Readily available magazines, holsters, and parts A reliable firearm builds confidence — and confidence builds safe habits. Understand the Legal Requirements Every firearm purchase comes with legal responsibilities. Background checks, age requirements, waiting periods, and carry laws vary by state. Know the rules before you buy. Responsible ownership starts with compliance. Training Is Not Optional Owning a firearm doesn’t make you prepared — training does. Professional instruction helps you build safe habits, understand your equipment, and make sound decisions under stress. I always recommend new shooters take a class before buying; it often saves time, money, and frustration. Plan for Secure Storage A firearm is only as safe as the person controlling access to it. Safes, lockboxes, and other secure storage options protect children, guests, and unauthorized adults. Safe storage is part of responsible ownership, not an afterthought. Kielma’s Parting Shot Good gun shops welcome questions. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. If a salesperson can’t explain a feature clearly, that’s a red flag. You’re not buying a toy — you’re buying a tool that demands respect and understanding.
By Gregory Kielma February 25, 2026
Why Every Home and Business Needs a Designated Outdoor Meeting Point By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/24/26 When an emergency strikes, whether it’s a fire, a home invasion, or a natural disaster — chaos is the enemy. People make poor decisions when they’re scared, disoriented, or unsure of what to do next. One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring order to a crisis is to establish a predetermined outdoor gathering location where everyone can meet and be accounted for. Let's Take a LOOK This single step can save lives. Why a Designated Meeting Point Matters 1. Accountability Prevents Tragedy In an emergency, responders need to know whether someone is still inside a structure or in harm’s way. If family members, employees, or visitors scatter in different directions, it becomes nearly impossible to know who is safe and who may still need help. A designated meeting point gives you a quick, reliable way to confirm everyone’s status. 2. Reduces Panic and Confusion Emergencies create adrenaline, and adrenaline creates tunnel vision. People may run without thinking, hide, or freeze. When everyone knows exactly where to go, it removes guesswork and gives them a clear, simple action to follow. 3. Helps First Responders Do Their Job Firefighters, law enforcement, and rescue personnel rely on accurate information. If you can confidently say, “Everyone is out and accounted for,” they can focus their efforts where they’re needed most. If someone is missing, responders can act immediately instead of wasting precious minutes searching blindly. 4. Works for Every Type of Emergency A meeting point isn’t just for fires. It’s equally valuable during: • Home invasions (after escape) • Severe weather events • Gas leaks • Structural failures • Any situation requiring evacuation No matter the threat, the principle stays the same: get out, get safe, get together. How to Choose the Right Location A good meeting point should be: • Far enough away to avoid danger from fire, debris, or responding vehicles • Visible and easy to describe (e.g., a large tree, mailbox, or corner of the property) • Accessible from multiple exit routes • Safe from traffic or secondary hazard Take attendance make certain everyone is accounted for. For businesses, consider a location that accommodates groups and doesn’t interfere with emergency operations. Make It Part of Your Safety Plan A meeting point only works if everyone knows it. That means: • Discussing it with family members or employees • Posting it in visible areas (break rooms, near exits, etc.) • Including it in your emergency action plan • Practicing it during drills Repetition builds confidence. Confidence saves lives. Kielma’s Parting Thoughts Preparedness isn’t complicated — it’s intentional. A predetermined outdoor gathering location is one of the simplest, most effective tools you can put in place to protect the people you care about. In a moment where seconds matter and emotions run high, having a clear plan brings calm, clarity, and control.
By Gregory Kielma February 22, 2026
Fire Extinguisher Safety for Homes and Businesses By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms.com 02/22/2026 Fire extinguishers are one of the simplest and most effective tools we have for stopping a small fire before it becomes a life changing disaster. Whether at home or in a business, having the right extinguisher—and knowing how to use it—can make all the difference. Choose the Right Extinguisher Not all extinguishers are the same. For most homes and small businesses, a multi purpose ABC extinguisher is the best choice because it covers common fire types: • A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth) • B: Flammable liquids (grease, fuel, oils) • C: Electrical fires Larger facilities or specialized environments may require additional extinguishers, but ABC units are the foundation. Placement Matters An extinguisher is only useful if you can reach it quickly. Keep them: • Near exits • In kitchens, workshops, and garages • In high risk areas like break rooms or mechanical rooms Avoid placing extinguishers too close to the hazard itself—you want to be able to approach safely. Know How to Use It In an emergency, stress takes over. That’s why simple training is essential. The PASS method is easy to remember: • Pull the pin • Aim at the base of the fire • Squeeze the handle • Sweep side to side Just as important: if the fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke, or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call 911. Inspect Regularly Extinguishers require routine checks. At least once a month, make sure: • The pressure gauge is in the green • The pin and tamper seal are intact • The extinguisher is clean, accessible, and undamaged Businesses should also follow required annual inspections and maintenance schedules. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Preparedness Saves Lives A fire extinguisher is more than a piece of equipment—it’s a layer of protection for your family, employees, and property. Investing a few minutes in training and maintenance can prevent injuries, reduce damage, and give you the confidence to act when seconds matter. Gregg Kielma
By Gregory Kielma February 21, 2026
Three Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery of Sarasota Gas Station Post Date:02/21/2026 SARASOTA – Three people have been arrested by Sarasota police and are facing felony charges in connection with an armed robbery that happened Wednesday, Feb. 18. Pursuant to Florida State Statute 985.04 (2)(a)1., information about juveniles charged with felonies is public record. Christopher Woo-Piner, 18, of Sarasota; Roberto Gonzalez-Ramos, 16, of Sarasota; and Samuel Medina-Camacho, 15, of Sarasota, were arrested on Friday, Feb. 20. They are facing felony charges of armed robbery with a firearm. On Feb. 18, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of Fruitville Road for a reported armed robbery at a gas station. When officers arrived, the employee working shared that three people entered the store, robbed him at gunpoint and left the store. Surveillance video shows three people entering the store. One person is seen walking around the front counter and pointing a handgun with an extended magazine towards the victim. The suspect is then seen pointing the gun at the victim as he removed cash from the register. At the same time, the two other people are seen taking merchandise from store shelves. All three people ran from the store. A significant amount of cash and merchandise was stolen. “Crime is not tolerated in our city,” said Chief Rex Troche. “Our officers and detectives began investigating immediately upon dispatch. In less than 48 hours, three people were identified and arrested. If you commit a crime in the City of Sarasota, we will find you and you will be arrested,” said Chief Troche. This case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
By Gregory Kielma February 17, 2026
What a Good Concealed Carry Gun Should Look and Feel Like: My Perspective By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms 2/17/2026 Choosing a concealed carry firearm isn’t about trends, brand loyalty, or what someone on the internet says is “the best.” It’s about selecting a tool that fits your body, your training level, and your defensive needs. After years of teaching responsible gun owners, I’ve learned that the right concealed carry gun shares a few unmistakable qualities—both in how it looks and how it feels in the hand. It Should Look Purpose Built, Not Flashy A good, concealed carry gun isn’t a showpiece. It’s a defensive tool. From my perspective, the ideal CCW firearm has: • Clean, snag free lines that won’t catch on clothing during the draw. • A modest profile—not oversized, not underpowered, just balanced for daily carry. • Durable, no nonsense finishes that hold up to sweat, humidity, and constant holster contact. • Simple, intuitive controls that don’t require fine motor skills under stress. A carry gun should visually communicate reliability. Nothing about it should look fragile, overly complicated, or designed for anything other than personal protection. It Should Feel Like an Extension of Your Hand The “feel” of a concealed carry gun is where most people make or break their choice. A proper CCW firearm should: • Seat naturally in your grip without forcing your wrist into awkward angles. • Offer enough grip texture to stay secure under stress, but not so aggressive that it tears up clothing or skin. • Balance well—not nose heavy, not top heavy, just stable and predictable. • Provide a trigger you can manage consistently, with a clean break and a reset you can feel. If the gun feels like you’re fighting it, it’s the wrong gun. A carry firearm should disappear into your hand and allow you to focus on the fundamentals, not the ergonomics. It Should Shoot Better Than Its Size Suggests Small guns are harder to shoot well. That’s reality. A good, concealed carry gun overcomes that by offering: • Manageable recoil that doesn’t punish the shooter. • Sights you can actually see, not tiny nubs that disappear in low light. • Predictable accuracy—not match grade, but consistent and confidence building. • A controllable frame that allows fast follow up shots without wrestling the gun. If a student can’t keep rounds on target under stress, the gun isn’t helping them—it’s hindering them. It Must Fit the Mission A concealed carry gun should match the owner’s lifestyle and training commitment. That means: • It conceals well in your actual clothing, not just in theory. • It works with a quality holster, not a bargain-bin afterthought. • It’s a gun you’re willing to train with regularly, not one that hurts to shoot or feels intimidating. • It’s reliable with defensive ammunition, not just range ammo. A firearm that doesn’t fit your daily life won’t get carried. And a gun that isn’t carried can’t protect you. Kielma’s Parting Shot: A good concealed carry gun doesn’t need to impress anyone. It needs to be safe, reliable, and suited to the person who carries it. When a firearm looks clean, feels natural, and performs consistently, it becomes a trustworthy defensive tool—not a burden. That’s the standard I teach, and it’s the standard every responsible gun owner deserves to follow. Gregg Kielma
By Gregory Kielma February 17, 2026
Bloody 'trans' rampage at boys' hockey game brought to an end by 'Good Samaritan' Joseph MacKinnon February 17, 2026 This is why Rhode Island firearms laws are bad. Could a well-armed citizen might have been stopped the rampage sooner? The dead shooter, who police indicate went by a female name, appears to have rationalized 'trans' rampages. A week after a trans-identifying man went on a rampage in Western Canada, killing six children and two adults, another man who masqueraded as a woman allegedly took aim at innocents — this time at a local skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Families, students, and supporters flocked to the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon to watch a boys' high school hockey game between the Blackstone Valley School and Coventry-Johnson co-op teams. Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien noted that "what should have been a joyful occasion" was "instead marked by violence and fear." A man dressed as a woman and believed to have been in the possession of multiple weapons fatally shot two people and left another three victims in critical condition. At least two of the victims are reportedly children. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter Coventry Public Schools revealed on Monday evening that all of its students present at the incident "have been accounted for and are safe." Providence Country Day School and St. Raphael Academy also indicated their students were safe. Arena footage shows players rushing off the ice and fans taking cover as roughly 13 gunshots ring out. The Providence Journal noted that 11 seconds after the first series of shots, a final shot can be heard. Police responding to a report of an active shooter around 2:30 p.m. were on the scene within a minute and a half; however, the blood-letting had apparently already come to an end. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves indicated that "a Good Samaritan stepped in and interjected in this scene, and that's probably what led to a swift end of this tragic event." The "Good Samaritan" who was unarmed, apparently tried to "subdue" the shooter, who police said died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) expressed gratitude for the first responders "who rushed to assist, as well as the good Samaritan who confronted and tried to disarm the shooter." Goncalves identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56, and indicated that "he does go by the name of Roberta, also uses the last name of Esposito." The chief noted further that while his motive is presently unclear, "this was a targeted event" and "looked like it was a family dispute." A distraught woman who did not provide her name told WCVB-TV while exiting the PPD station that her father was the shooter. "He shot my family, and he's dead now," said the unidentified woman, adding that the shooter "has mental health issues." Court records reviewed by WPRI-TV reportedly show that Dorgan complained in 2020 to the North Providence Police Department that in the wake of his sex-rejection surgery, his father-in-law was trying to kick him out of the family house where Dorgan had lived for seven years. While the father-in-law was initially charged with intimidation of witnesses and victims of crimes and obstruction of the judicial system, the charges were later dismissed. The same year, Dorgan accused his mother of assaulting him and acting in a "violent, threatening, or tumultuous manner." Although his mother was charged with simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct, the case was similarly dismissed. Around the time of Dorgan's dispute with his father-in-law and mother, Dorgan's then-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, filed for divorce. While she initially cited "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as the grounds for the divorce, WPRI indicates his ex-wife replaced those reasons with "irreconcilable differences, which have caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage." An apparently Rhode Island-based user on X who went by "Roberta Dorgano" posted on May 9, 2019, "Transwoman, 6 kids: wife — not thrilled." In a recent post, the user who the New York Post suggested was Robert Dorgan, noted, "I have a beloved RHONDA." In response to a Feb. 14 assertion by actor Kevin Sorbo that trans-identifying Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) "is a man," the X user wrote, "Keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK." Dorgan appears to be the latest addition to a growing list of recent trans-identifying mass shooters and would-be mass shooters. • A trans-identifying man murdered six kids and two adults in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Feb. 10. • A trans-identifying man shot up a Catholic church full of children in Minneapolis on Aug. 27, 2025, killing two children and injuring 30. • A male-identifying woman planned to shoot up an elementary school and a high school in Maryland in April 2024 but was stopped in time by police — then later convicted. • A trans-identifying teen stalked the halls of a school in Perry, Iowa, on Jan. 4, 2024, ultimately murdering a child and an adult and wounding several others. • A trans-identifying woman stormed into a Presbyterian school in Nashville on March 27, 2023, murdering three children and three adults.
By Gregory Kielma February 17, 2026
How Long Do You Shoot? Kielma advises, until the threat is over. No more no less. Be the reasonable person. The consequences can be devastating. Police live by different rules, just ask Polk County Florida Sherrif Grady Judge. This response is from an avid reader of my blog. My Question: What would you do? Please comment below! A few years ago a couple of teens tried to rob a drug store in broad daylight. The pharmacist/store owner .. an elderly man…. pulled out his own gun and shot one of the intruders. The other ran off. In the store with him were 2 women. He took after the runner. Thinking about the 2 women and their safety before he went out the door he put another bullet in the one fallen…. killing him. He was not in anyway trained in such situations… he was running on adrenaline and fear. Making sure that the one on the floor was not a threat anymore to him or the 2 women. That elderly pharmacist was sentenced to life in prison. The weird thing is a few months later a guy went on a killing spree. He shot/killed some family members… Shot another guy and stole his truck. Doing all this while video posting on Facebook. The law finally caught up with him. The pickup was put out of service. The guy stepped out of the truck and was shooting at the police while walking towards them. ( This was all recorded from a police helicopter. ) The police shot and killed him. After he fell to the ground 3 lawmen emptied their pistols into him from about 30 feet. With a camera/body cam rolling… the one in front turned and looked into the camera and said… “ We had to make sure he was dead. “ That was law enforcement that did that… Men who are supposed to be trained in handling a situation like that. … “ Just to make sure. “… ( Just like what the pharmacist did. ) They were deemed heroes. From an Anonymous reader.