Gregory Kielma • July 7, 2024

Gun Control News

Gun Control News

Associated Press writers Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Seung Min Kim in Washington and Will Weissert in Landover, Maryland, contributed to this report.

Bill Barrow covers U.S. politics. He is based in Atlanta.

ATLANTA (AP) — Groups pushing tighter gun laws have been building political muscle through multiple elections, boosted by the outcry following mass shootings at schools and other public places, in addition to the nation’s daily gun violence.

Now, gun control advocates and many Democrats see additional openings created by hardline positions of the gun lobby and their most influential champion, former President Donald Trump. They also point to controversies surrounding the National Rifle Association, which has undergone leadership shuffles and membership declines after a key former executive was found to have expensed private jet flights and accepted vacations from group vendors.

At a Washington conference hosted by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund on Tuesday, President Joe Biden rattled off a list of gun-related accomplishments during his administration, prompting huge cheers from the hundreds in the audience. He also called for a ban on assault-style weapons and universal background checks for firearms purchases.

Biden’s speech came as his son Hunter was convicted Tuesday of three charges for lying on a federal gun-purchase form in 2018 when he said he was not a drug user. The president, who has said he loves his son and also would respect the verdict, was leaving from the event to head to Delaware to be with his son and family. He did not mention his son during his address.

“We need you,” Biden told the enthusiastic crowd members, whom he repeatedly praised for their advocacy. “We need you to overcome the unrelenting opposition of the gun lobby.”

Biden’s campaign says gun control could be a motivating issue for suburban college-educated women who may be decisive in several key battlegrounds this fall. The Democratic campaign and its allies have already circulated clips of Trump, a Republican, saying, “We have to get over it,” after an Iowa school shooting in January and then telling NRA members in May that he “did nothing” on guns during his presidency.
There have been 15 mass killings so far in 2024, according to data tracked by The Associated Press. A mass killing is defined as an attack in which four or more people have died, not including the perpetrator, within a 24-hour period.

Asked for comment, the Trump campaign pointed to the former president’s previous statements promising no new gun regulations if he returns to the White House.

Trump has spoken twice this year at NRA events and was endorsed by the group in May. He alleged that Biden “has a 40-year record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.” His campaign and the Republican National Committee also announced the creation of a “Gun Owners for Trump” coalition that includes gun-rights activists and those who work in the firearms industry.

About 7 in 10 suburban college-educated women who voted in the 2022 midterm elections supported stricter gun control laws, although less than 1 in 10 named it as the top problem facing the country, according to AP VoteCast, a wide-ranging survey of voters.

An AP-NORC poll conducted in August 2023 found that about 6 in 10 independent voters said they wanted stricter gun laws. Only about one-third of Republicans wanted more expansive gun legislation while about 9 in 10 Democrats were in support.

Biden White House gets high marks from gun-control advocates

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris highlight their action on gun policy, notably the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, a compromise brokered after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. The law expanded background checks for the youngest gun buyers, tried to make it harder for domestic abusers to obtain weapons and allocated billions of dollars to programs intended to curb gun violence.

It is the most sweeping federal gun legislation since a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons was signed in 1994; that ban expired a decade later.

Tougher gun laws are also a key pillar of Biden’s anti-crime message. In his speech Tuesday, the president pointed to the more than 500 defendants who have now been charged under the 2022 law for federal gun trafficking and straw purchasing crimes.

Biden also reenergized the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and he’s the first president to establish a White House office devoted to preventing gun violence.

Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, called the Biden White House “the strongest administration we’ve ever seen on this issue.”

The idea of going beyond the 2022 law to enforce background checks on all potential gun buyers has bipartisan support, according to an August 2023 AP-NORC poll, with about 9 in 10 Democrats and about 7 in 10 Republicans in favor. A majority of U.S. adults wanted a nationwide ban on the sale of AR-15-style rifles, which can rapidly fire many rounds and are often used in mass shootings.

Last Thursday, Vice President Harris helped lead a gathering of health care leaders that West Wing aides highlighted as the first such White House summit to discuss guns as a public health crisis. On Friday, she discussed guns with Students for Biden, continuing a theme of her recent speeches on college campuses around the country.

“It is a false choice to suggest that you have to be in favor of the Second Amendment, or you want to take everyone’s guns away,” Harris said Friday in Maryland, where she spoke as part of a series of White House and campaign events focused on gun violence.

Gun-control advocates cite a potentially wider reach that extends across several parts of the Democrats’ coalition in recent elections: parents of schoolchildren, younger voters who grew up in an era of school shootings and safety drills, and Black and Hispanic voters. Biden’s approval among some of these groups has fallen during his term in the White House.

“The political calculus has changed so dramatically on this issue in a relatively short period of time,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. Legislating on guns, he said, was “an issue that elected officials once ran away from and now they run toward.”

Feinblatt said Everytown’s political arm plans advertising and voter outreach in presidential battleground states starting this summer.

The effort is modeled after Everytown’s strategy in Virginia’s 2023 legislative races, which yielded Democratic majorities. Everytown’s ads in suburban and exurban districts painted Republicans as threats to “public health and public safety.”

A still-powerful NRA

The NRA did not respond to a request for comment. It remains a force in Republican politics despite a series of headwinds. Wayne LaPierre, once one of the nation’s most powerful lobbyists, was found liable in a New York court for spending NRA funds on himself, ultimately stepping down. NRA membership and income dropped.

Ferrell-Zabala of Moms Demand Action labeled the group as “flailing.” She said the disarray has pushed some of the most conservative activists to burgeoning groups like Gun Owners of America. Self-described as “the only no-compromise gun lobby in Washington,” the group opposes essentially any restriction on gun ownership and possession.

Matthew Lacombe, a Case Western Reserve University professor who studies gun politics, said the NRA’s advocacy was a factor in Trump’s 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton. Lacombe said the NRA remains a force and “represents an established base” for Trump.
“It’s part of a broader cultural identity” that goes beyond guns, he said, though he added that dynamics in the wider electorate have shifted.

“There was a time when the NRA successfully branded gun-control advocates as the extremists in this debate,” Lacombe said. “I don’t think most Americans see that idea of gun control as extreme anymore. They see the other side that way.”

This story has been corrected to show it was an AP-NORC poll, not AP Vote Cast data, that found bipartisan support for going beyond the 2022 law to enforce background checks on all potential gun buyers.

Associated Press writers Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Seung Min Kim in Washington and Will Weissert in Landover, Maryland, contributed to this report.


Bill Barrow covers U.S. politics. He is based in Atlanta.

By Gregory Kielma January 15, 2026
AED's For Home and Business Why? Let's Take a LOOK Gregg Kielma January 15, 2026 As someone who is certified to teach CPR and sells Defibrillators, I'm often asked if you should have an AED at home. The answer is yes—during a heart attack, every second counts. Using CPR with an AED can save the precious lives of family friends and loved ones. The cost of home defibrillators is minimal compared to the alternative. Most home AED’s cost $700.00-$1000.00 depending on make and models. Expensive? Not really when lives matter. Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in both your home and business is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect the people who matter most, family, friends, coworkers and customers. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and every minute without intervention dramatically reduces the chance of survival. Emergency responders do incredible work, but even in the best conditions, they may be minutes away and those minutes are critical. During a cardiac event every second counts. An AED bridges that gap by giving everyday people the ability to deliver life‑saving action before help arrives. Modern AEDs are simple, intuitive, and designed for anyone to use, even under stress. For families, having an AED at home means you’re prepared for the unexpected, especially if you have loved ones with heart conditions, active lifestyles, or higher risk factors. For businesses, an AED demonstrates a commitment to employee and customer safety, strengthens your emergency response plan, and can significantly reduce liability by showing you took reasonable steps to safeguard your environment. At Tactical K Training and Firearms, I believe preparedness is more than equipment, it’s a mindset. An AED is not just a device; it’s a life‑preserving tool that empowers you to act decisively when seconds matter. Thank you for reading if you like this article please let me know. Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms
By Gregory Kielma January 14, 2026
Gregg Kielma The Smart Gun Owner: A Model of Responsibility and Preparedness By Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms 01/14/2026 I regularly teach my philosophy, "Always Be Safe," focusing on safe and responsible firearm handling. A smart gun owner is more than someone who simply possesses a firearm. They embody a mindset—one built on responsibility, awareness, and a commitment to safety. In communities across America, smart gun owners play a vital role in promoting safe practices, protecting their families, and setting a positive example for others. Their approach to firearm ownership reflects maturity, discipline, and respect for the tools they carry. Knowledge First, Always: Smart gun owners understand that education is the foundation of safe firearm ownership. They seek out training, stay informed about current laws, and continuously refine their skills. Whether it’s mastering safe handling, improving marksmanship, or learning about situational awareness, they recognize that knowledge is their most valuable asset. Safety as a Way of Life: For the smart gun owner, safety isn’t a checklist, it’s a lifestyle. They store their firearms securely, handle them with care, and follow established safety rules every time. Their habits reduce risks, prevent accidents, and set a standard for others to follow. By modeling safe behavior, they help create a culture where responsibility is the norm. Protecting What Matters Most: Many people choose to own firearms for personal and home defense. Smart gun owners take this responsibility seriously. They understand that a firearm is a tool of last resort, used only when escape or avoidance is impossible. Their focus is on protecting loved ones, not seeking conflict. This mindset reinforces the true purpose of responsible ownership: preserving life. Commitment to Skill and Discipline: Smart gun owners know that proficiency doesn’t happen by accident. They practice regularly, maintain their equipment, and stay sharp. Their discipline extends beyond the range—into how they think, plan, and prepare. This dedication ensures they are capable, confident, and ready to act responsibly if the need ever arises. Leaders in Their Community: By sharing knowledge, encouraging safe practices, and supporting others, smart gun owners strengthen their communities. They help dispel myths, promote responsible behavior, and demonstrate that firearm ownership—when paired with education and respect—can be a positive force. Their leadership inspires others to follow the same path of responsibility. Kielma’s Parting Shot: A smart gun owner is defined not by what they carry, but by how they think and act. Their commitment to safety, education, and responsibility sets them apart. They are protectors, learners, and role models—individuals who understand that owning a firearm is both a right and a profound responsibility. Gregg Kielma
By Gregory Kielma January 14, 2026
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By Gregory Kielma January 11, 2026
Why Real Estate Agents Should Prioritize Safety Training Gregg Kielma 01/11/2026 Please stay safe Friends in the Real Estate Business. Here are my thoughts and what I teach. Kielma advises real estate agents spend their days meeting strangers, entering unfamiliar properties, and working alone in unpredictable environments. While the industry focuses heavily on sales skills and market knowledge, personal safety is just as essential. Safety training equips agents with the awareness, confidence, and practical tools they need to protect themselves while serving clients professionally. A High-Risk Profession • Agents often meet clients they’ve never met before, sometimes in vacant or remote locations. • Open houses and showings can attract anyone—including individuals with harmful intentions. • Many incidents involving assaults, robberies, and threats occur during routine real estate activities. Situational Awareness Saves Lives: These skills help agents avoid dangerous situations before they escalate. Safety training teaches agents how to: • Recognize suspicious behavior early • Maintain control of their environment during showings • Use safe positioning and exit strategies • Trust their instincts without feeling unprofessional Professionalism Includes Personal Protection Clients trust agents to guide them through major financial decisions. An agent who prioritizes safety demonstrates responsibility, preparedness, and professionalism. Safety trained agents are more confident, make better decisions under stress, and reduce liability for themselves and their brokerage. Empowerment Through Education: This knowledge benefits them not only in their career but in everyday life. Safety training empowers agents with: • De-escalation techniques • Communication strategies • Legal considerations for self defense • Practical tools for staying safe on the job Kielma’s Parting Shot Real estate agents face unique risks that can’t be ignored. Safety training isn’t optional, it’s a critical investment in personal well-being, professional credibility, and long-term career success. Brokerages that encourage or require safety training show they value their agents and are committed to creating a safer industry.
By Gregory Kielma January 11, 2026
Carjacking: Understanding the Threat and Protecting Yourself and Family Gregg Kielma 01/11/2026 At Tactical K Training and Firearms , students practice live fire simulated carjacking scenarios at our outdoor range. Practice is essential. Kielma continues, carjacking has become one of the most unpredictable and dangerous crimes on the road. It happens fast, often without warning, and can leave victims shaken or seriously harmed. While no one can eliminate risk entirely, informed drivers can dramatically reduce their chances of being targeted—and improve their ability to survive an encounter safely. I emphasize a simple truth: your vehicle is replaceable; your life is not. Avoidance, awareness, and smart decision making are your strongest tools. Understanding these patterns helps you stay ahead of the threat. Let’s Take a LOOK Why Carjackings Happen Carjackers rely on: • Surprise — They strike when drivers are distracted or boxed in. • Opportunity — Unlocked doors, running vehicles, and isolated areas make easy targets. • Speed — Most incidents last seconds, not minutes. Situations Where Carjackings Commonly Occur: These are moments when your attention is divided, and criminals know it. • Gas stations and convenience stores • Parking lots—especially at night or in low visibility areas • Stoplights and traffic jams • Home driveways and garages • When entering or exiting your vehicle • When loading children or gear into the car How to Avoid Becoming a Target 1. Stay Alert and Situationally Aware: Awareness is your first line of defense. • Keep your head up and scan your surroundings. • Avoid sitting in your car while distracted by your phone. • Watch for people loitering near your vehicle or approaching with unusual intent. 2. Control Your Environment: Small habits make a big difference. • Keep doors locked at all times. • Leave enough space between you and the car ahead to maneuver. • Avoid parking next to large vans or vehicles that block visibility. • Park in well lit, populated areas. 3. Be Smart at Stoplights • Keep windows up when possible. • If someone approaches aggressively, drive away if it’s safe. • Avoid getting boxed in—maintain an escape route. 4. Protect Yourself at Gas Stations • Turn off the engine, lock the doors, and take the keys with you. • Stand in a position where you can see your surroundings. • Avoid fueling late at night if possible. 5. Use Your Home as a Safe Zone • Don’t sit in your driveway with the engine running. • Close your garage door before exiting your vehicle. • Be cautious when returning home—criminals often follow victims to their residence. If a Carjacking Happens to YOU: Your priority is survival—not property. • Comply if threatened with a weapon. A vehicle is not worth your life. • Move slowly and keep your hands visible. • Do not fight over the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger of being kidnapped. • Escape the area as soon as you can and call 911. If you carry a firearm, remember: Training and Practice is Paramount to Surviving a Violent Encounter • You are responsible for every round fired. • Shooting from inside a vehicle is extremely dangerous. • Only draw your firearm if you are facing an imminent threat to life and cannot safely escape. This aligns with my core teaching: Avoid when possible, Escape when you can, Defend only when you must. Additional Protective Measures • Install dash cameras with parking mode. • Use remote start features to keep doors locked while warming up the car. • Keep valuables out of sight. • Consider defensive driving and situational awareness training. Kielma’s Parting Shot Carjackings are fast, violent, and unpredictable—but they are also highly preventable. By staying alert, controlling your environment, and making smart decisions, you significantly reduce your risk. And if the worst happens, prioritizing your life over your vehicle is the key to surviving the encounter.
By Gregory Kielma January 11, 2026
Diane Feinstein God Rest Her sole Why Many Liberal Democrats Oppose the Second Amendment as It Stands Today Gregg Kielma 01/11/2026 These are my thoughts; I truly do not like the politics associated with 2A and the Democratic Party interpretation of 2A and the United States Constitution. Will common ground ever be achieved? Let’s Take a Look: The Second Amendment has been debated for decades, but the divide between conservative and liberal interpretations has grown sharper in recent years. Many liberal Democrats argue that the Amendment, as currently applied, poses risks to public safety and should be significantly restricted or reinterpreted. Understanding their reasoning helps gun owners stay informed, engaged, and prepared to defend their rights responsibly. A Different Interpretation of Constitutional Intent Many liberal Democrats believe the Second Amendment was written for a different era. They argue that the Founders intended it to apply to state militias rather than individual citizens. From this viewpoint, modern firearm ownership—especially of commonly owned defensive firearms—goes beyond what the Constitution originally envisioned. This interpretation leads them to support policies that limit or regulate private ownership more heavily. A Focus on Reducing Gun Violence Through Regulation A central argument from liberal Democrats is that stricter gun laws will reduce violent crime. They often point to countries with heavy firearm restrictions and lower gun related homicide rates as evidence that regulation works. To them, these measures are seen as “common sense,” even though critics argue they disproportionately affect law abiding citizens rather than criminals. Because of this belief, they tend to support: • Mandatory licensing and registration • Assault weapon bans • Magazine capacity limits • Mandatory waiting periods • Expanded background checks • Red flag laws Trust in Government Over Individual Defense Many liberal Democrats place greater trust in government institutions to provide safety and security. They often argue that police, social programs, and community initiatives—not armed citizens—are the proper tools for preventing violence. This worldview naturally leads to skepticism toward the idea of self defense as a primary reason for firearm ownership. A Belief That Fewer Guns Equals Fewer Problems A recurring theme in liberal Democratic messaging is the idea that reducing the number of firearms in circulation will reduce violence. This belief drives support for buyback programs, bans on certain firearm types, and restrictions on concealed carry. Critics counter that criminals do not follow gun laws and that disarming responsible citizens only widens the gap between the law abiding and the lawless. A Cultural Divide Firearm ownership is often tied to tradition, independence, and personal responsibility—values deeply rooted in many conservative and rural communities. Liberal Democrats, especially those in urban areas, tend to have less exposure to firearms and fewer positive experiences with them. This cultural distance can fuel fear, misunderstanding, and support for restrictive policies. A Push Toward Federal Control Many liberal Democrats advocate for nationalized gun laws, believing that state by state differences create loopholes. Proposals like federal licensing, national registries, and universal permitting systems reflect a desire for centralized control over firearm ownership. Opponents argue that such systems could pave the way for future confiscation or political abuse. Why This Matters for Responsible Gun Owners Understanding the motivations behind liberal Democratic opposition to the Second Amendment helps responsible gun owners stay informed and engaged. It highlights the importance of: • Education • Training • Advocacy • Community involvement • Voting with awareness Kielma’s Parting Shot At Tactical K Training and Firearms, Gregg Kielma’s mission of safety, responsibility, and empowerment stands in direct contrast to the idea that ordinary citizens shouldn’t have access to firearms. By teaching avoidance, de-escalation, and lawful self-defense, Kielma demonstrates what responsible gun ownership truly looks like. Gregg Kielma
By Gregory Kielma January 9, 2026
Glock Switch and FRT’s: What’s The Difference? Gregg Kielma 01/09/2026 Will FRTs Go the Same Way as Glock Switches? Kielma’s say’s; Short answer: No — at least not right now. Legally, FRTs and Glock switches are in very different places at the Federal Level. Here’s the Breakdown Kielma say’s “Let’s Take A LOOK” 1. Federal Status: FRTs vs. Glock Switches Glock Switch (Auto Sear) • Always classified as a machine gun under federal law. • Possession = felony, even if not installed. • No court rulings have changed that. Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) • As of the May 2025 DOJ settlement, FRTs are NOT classified as machine guns under federal law because each shot still requires a separate trigger pull. • Federal courts agreed that FRTs do not meet the NFA machine gun definition. • ATF has even begun returning seized FRTs to owners. So federally, FRTs are not in the same category as Glock switches. 2. State-Level Reality This is where things get messy. Even though FRTs are federally legal: • Several states still ban them outright (CA, CT, HI, MD, NJ, etc.). • Sixteen states are actively challenging the federal settlement in court. So while Glock switches are universally illegal, FRTs are in a patchwork legal environment. 3. Could FRTs Be Reclassified Later? It’s possible — but not guaranteed. Factors: • Ongoing appeals in the Fifth Circuit. • Potential Supreme Court involvement. • Political pressure from states arguing FRTs increase rate of fire. But right now, the legal trend is moving in the opposite direction of Glock switches — toward less federal restriction, not more. Kielma’s Parting Shot: FRTs are not on the same legal trajectory as Glock switches. Glock switches = always illegal machine guns. FRTs = currently federally legal, but with state bans and ongoing litigation.
By Gregory Kielma January 9, 2026
Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs): What Responsible Gun Owners Should Know in 2026 Gregg Kielma By Tactical K Training & Firearms – Parrish, Florida The conversation around Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) has grown louder over the past few years, and many gun owners are still unsure where these devices stand today. At Tactical K Training and Firearms , our mission is to help Florida gun owners stay informed, stay safe, and stay on the right side of the law. This post breaks down what FRTs are, how they function, and what their current legal status means for responsible firearm owners. What Exactly Is an FRT? A Forced Reset Trigger is an aftermarket trigger system—mostly used in AR 15 pattern rifles—that mechanically forces the trigger forward after each shot. Unlike a standard semi automatic trigger, which resets only when the shooter releases it, an FRT uses the firearm’s cycling energy to push the trigger forward more aggressively. The important part: The shooter must still pull the trigger for every shot. The design simply allows for faster follow up shots due to the rapid mechanical reset. Why FRTs Became a Legal Battleground FRTs entered the national spotlight when federal agencies argued that certain models functioned like machineguns. Their position was that maintaining pressure on the trigger could allow multiple shots during a “single continuous pull.” However, federal courts later ruled that because the trigger physically resets between shots—and because the shooter must apply pressure each time—FRTs do not meet the statutory definition of a machinegun. This led to major legal reversals, including the end of federal enforcement actions against manufacturers. That said, the legal landscape is still evolving, and responsible gun owners should stay alert to changes. Federal vs. State Law: Know the Difference As of 2026: • Federal law does not classify FRTs as machineguns. • Some states still ban or heavily restrict FRTs, often under “rapid-fire trigger activator” laws. • Florida does not currently ban FRTs, but owners should remain aware of ongoing national litigation and potential legislative changes. If you travel with firearms, especially across state lines, it’s essential to understand the laws of the states you’re entering. Federal legality does not override state-level restrictions. Why This Matters for Florida Gun Owners At Tactical K Training and Firearms , we emphasize three pillars: Avoid. Escape. Defend. Owning specialized equipment—whether it’s an FRT, a red-dot optic, or a defensive handgun—comes with the responsibility to understand both the mechanics and the law. For FRT owners, that means: • Keeping documentation and proof of purchase • Staying updated on legal developments • Using the equipment safely and responsibly • Never relying on internet rumors for legal guidance Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that protect your rights and your future. Safety First: The Tactical K Training and Firearms Approach Regardless of trigger type, the fundamentals never change: • Know your target and what’s beyond it • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire • Understand your equipment before using it • Train regularly with qualified instructors A faster trigger does not replace skill, judgment, or safe handling. It’s simply a tool—and tools are only as safe as the person using them. Kielma's Parting Shot; Tactical K Training and Firearms Final Thoughts Forced Reset Triggers are a perfect example of how quickly the legal and technical landscape can shift. While federal courts have clarified their position, the conversation is far from over. As always, Tactical K Training and Firearms will continue to provide clear, responsible, and up to date information to help Florida gun owners stay educated and empowered.
By Gregory Kielma January 9, 2026
What Ammo Shooters Must Bring in 2026 Gregg Kielma 01/09/2026 1. Factory New, Brass Cased Ammunition Most ranges now require: • Brass cases only • No steel case • No steel core • No bi metal jackets Expect more magnet checks at the firing line. If a round sticks to a magnet, it’s likely not allowed. 2. Ammunition Within Posted Velocity Limits Ranges are increasingly enforcing: • No “hot” loads • No +P+ in certain calibers • No magnum rifle rounds unless the range is rated for them This protects berm integrity and reduces noise impact on surrounding communities. 3. No Tracer, Incendiary, or Armor Piercing Rounds Outdoor ranges — even those historically more flexible — are now banning: • Tracers • Incendiary rounds • Armor piercing projectiles These rounds pose fire risks and can penetrate berms beyond safe limits. 4. Original Packaging Required Shooters should bring: • Factory boxes • Visible labeling • Lot numbers This allows RSOs to verify ammo type quickly and prevents unsafe reloads from being passed off as factory rounds. 5. Reloads Only If Approved Some ranges still allow reloads, but with strict conditions: • They must be your own • They must be brass and non magnetic • They must meet posted velocity limits Many facilities, however, are moving to factory only policies for liability reasons. What This Means for Outdoor Ranges Outdoor ranges traditionally allowed: • Steel case • Bi metal • Higher velocity rifle rounds But in 2026, many are adopting rules similar to indoor facilities. Expect: • Brass only • Non magnetic bullets • No tracers • Velocity caps • Factory new only This shift ensures safer training environments and reduces the risk of fires, ricochets, and berm damage. How Tactical K Training and Firearms Helps You Stay Compliant At Tactical K Training, we stay ahead of regulatory and industry changes so our students don’t have to guess. Whether you’re attending a concealed carry class, a defensive pistol course, or a private training session, we’ll always provide clear guidance on: • Approved ammunition • Range specific requirements • Equipment checks • Safety protocols Kielma’s Parting Shot Our goal is simple: empower responsible gun owners with the knowledge and skills to train safely and confidently.
By Gregory Kielma January 8, 2026
Ghost Guns: What Are They, and Are They Legal? Gregg Kielma 01/08/2026 My thoughts. I will not look at or deal with a firearm that do not have a serial number. I suggest to these clients you need to call the ATF for guidance. I do not and will not work with clients with GHOST Guns. The process is difficult. My policy. If it offends someone so, be it. Let’s Take a LOOK Privately made firearms—often called ghost guns—are weapons assembled by individuals from unfinished parts, kits, or 3D printed components. Traditionally, these firearms did not carry serial numbers and could be built without a background check, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace. This lack of traceability is what earned them the nickname “ghost guns.” In recent years, the federal government has taken significant steps to regulate these firearms. According to multiple legal analyses and Supreme Court updates, ghost guns are now treated much more like commercially manufactured firearms under federal law. The Supreme Court upheld an ATF rule requiring that key components—such as frames and receivers sold in kit form—must have serial numbers and can only be sold by licensed dealers who conduct background checks. This means that while it is still legal for individuals to build their own firearms for personal use, the parts and kits used to make them are now regulated. Purchasing a kit that can be “readily converted” into a functional firearm generally requires the same legal steps as buying a complete gun. In short: • Building your own firearm is still legal under federal law, as long as you are not prohibited from owning a firearm. • Ghost gun kits and unfinished receivers are now regulated, requiring serialization, licensed sales, and background checks. • State laws vary, and some states impose additional restrictions. Kielma's Parting Shot: For responsible gun owners, the key is to stay informed. As regulations evolve, understanding the legal landscape ensures you remain compliant while exercising your rights safely and responsibly. Gregg Kielma