Gregory Kielma • June 30, 2024
Gun Store Etiquette Please Be Careful What You Say To The Staff

Gun Store Etiquette Please Be Careful What You Say To The Staff
Gregg Kielma
Walking into a gun store can be a daunting affair, (not if shop with Tactical K Training and Firearms) whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer. However, the excitement shouldn't overshadow the importance of etiquette and responsibility. Knowing what not to say can save you from trouble. Here are 15 things you should avoid saying in a gun store.
Says FFL and Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, “If you purchase a firearm from me, and ask any of the questions below, you’ll be questioned, relentlessly. My duty to the American people and ATF is to only sell a firearm to #1 can pass the background check, #2 is of sound mental capacity, and #3 if you don’t pass my “smell test” you’ll need to find another FFL to purchase from. Because, I’ll know your name and address, it will be forwarded to the ATF for further investigation. It’s my duty, as a responsible FFL and reasonable person, is to keep everyone safe and to make certain I do my do dalliance to keep firearms out of the criminal element. No debating here. It’s my LAW, my business philosophy.
#1- "What’s the most powerful gun you have?”
Asking for the most high-powered gun immediately raises red flags. It suggests you’re looking for excessive force rather than responsible ownership. Gun stores prioritize safety and apt usage over sheer firepower. Instead, focus on your experience level to get the best advice.
#2- “Can I get a gun without a background check?”
This question will instantly make you shady. Background checks are legally required and crucial for safety, but telling people you intend to bypass them is illegal and highly suspicious. Follow the process to ensure a safe and lawful procurement.
#3- “I need something for hunting people.”
Jokes or unusual comments about harming people are strictly off-limits. These remarks can lead to immediate removal from the store and even dire consequences. Remember, guns are for self-preservation, sport, or hunting animals, not for threatening others. Be mindful of how you phrase your intent.
#4- “I don’t know how to use it, but I’ll figure it out.”
Saying you don’t know how to handle a gun but still plan to buy one is a big no-no. Safety and appropriate usage are paramount when dealing with firearms. Gun store employees expect buyers to undergo training before buying one. Show your commitment by seeking training recommendations.
#5- “Can you recommend a good concealment spot?”
Discussing where to hide a gun can be interpreted in several negative ways. Gun owners recognize the importance of secure storage and safety. Ask about the proper ways to keep or carry one legally and safely instead.
#6- “How many guns can I buy at once?”
While it’s legal to buy multiple guns, a question like this might raise worries about your intentions. Bulk purchases can appear alarming and may require additional scrutiny. It’s preferred that you explain your specific collection interests. Honesty helps build trust with the store staff.
#7-“What’s the easiest gun for a kid to use?”
Firearms and children are a sensitive topic. This inquiry will alarm any gun store employee. If you want to teach a young person about gun safety, ask about beginner courses or models under adult supervision. Education and responsibility should be your goal.
#8- “I need this for protection against the government.”
Talking about armed resistance against the government is a huge red flag. Such statements can give you severe penalties, including law enforcement involvement. Keeping conversations centered on legal and safety aspects is important. Stick to discussing personal protection or sporting requirements.
#9- “What’s the finest gun to impress my friends?”
Choosing a firearm to show off is not a recommended approach. Gun acquisitions should be based on practicality, not on bragging rights. Seek advice on what would fit you, whether it’s for home defense, sport, or hobby shooting. These are the only grounds one should have before thinking about getting a gun.
#10- “I just want to feel powerful.”
These dangerous weapons are not toys for boosting one’s ego. This statement can make you seem reckless and unsafe. Gun stores are there to help you find the right tool for your legitimate needs, not to cater to power fantasies. Anchor your actual reasons and respect the seriousness of gun ownership.
#11- “I lost my last gun. Can I get a discount?”
Admitting you’ve lost any form of artillery raises serious concerns about your duty as a gun owner. It can also lead to questions and potential investigations. Simply discuss what happened responsibly and get their assistance on better securing your firearms in the future. Demonstrating accountability is key.
#12- “Can I modify this to make it automatic?”
Expressing that you intend to convert a firearm to automatic is unlawful and highly inappropriate. Modifications are heavily regulated and often illegal without licensing. Always adhere to the given guidelines and refer to their feedback on permissible changes. Staying within the law ensures everyone’s safety.
#13- “Do you have anything untraceable?”
Requesting an untraceable firearm is a major red flag and likely against the law. Gun stores must comply with laws requiring traceable sales. Respect the legal processes in place to keep them controlled and out of harm’s way. Transparency and legality should guide your questions and purchases.
#14- “How do I get around the waiting period?”
Attempting to skip mandatory waiting periods is felonious and unethical. These periods are designed for safety and responsible possession. Consider the timeframes and use them to learn more about safe handling and proper storage.
#15- “Can you keep this purchase off the record?”
Suggesting an off-the-record purchase is asking the store to commit a crime. Gun sales are meticulously documented for safety and legal concerns. Go through the correct channels and ensure your item is legit and recorded. Upholding the law benefits everyone in the community.

Wayne County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime Tuesday, December 9, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Randy Price, 52, of Wayne, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2019, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Price in Charleston. Price attempted to flee on foot but was captured. Law enforcement seized a Raven Arms MP-25 .25-caliber pistol from the vehicle. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Price knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas on June 28, 2002. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Negar M. Kordestani prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-97.

Everett Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms Thursday, December 11, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON – An Everett man pleaded guilty today to trafficking more than half a dozen firearms, including AM-15 rifles. Joao Victor Da Silva Soares, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2026. Da Silva Soares was charged by criminal complaint in January 2025 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. Between August and September 2024, Da Silva Soares supplied firearms for sale in Eastern Massachusetts. Specifically, on Aug. 26, 2024, Da Silva Soares delivered two AM-15 rifles and sold them for $6,000 in a parking lot in Malden. On Sept. 11, 2024, Da Silva Soares participated in another sale involving a total of five firearms (consisting of rifles, pistols and a shotgun) outside a residence in Milford. The charges of conspiracy and engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, 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 Malden and Milford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. Updated December 11, 2025

Two Men Arrested In International Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy Wednesday, December 10, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Tyler Corbin (25, Tampa), Edward Noel (26, Canada), Alfredo Santana (32, Miami), Omar Singateth (24, Canada), and Arif Jhuman (39, Canada) with conspiracy to traffic firearms, trafficking in firearms, and dealing firearms with a license. The indictment also charges Corbin with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The indictment was unsealed following the recent arrests of Corbin and Santana. According to the indictment and court hearings, these individuals trafficked, and conspired to traffic, more than 100 firearms from Florida to Canada in 2023 and 2024. Of those firearms, 29 were recovered from Canadian crime scenes, including homicides. One firearm purchased by Corbin was recovered at the scene of a homicide 32 days after Corbin had purchased the firearm. None of these defendants are licensed to deal firearms. These arrests were the result of joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations Miami Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Updated December 10, 2025

TALLAHASSEE MAN 21 YEARS OLD SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOR CONVERTED GLOCK MACHINEGUNS Friday, December 12, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Anthony Lamorris Davis, Jr., 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of possession of a machinegun. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners work hard every day to keep our communities safe from violent criminals like this defendant, and my office will continue to back up those efforts with successful prosecutions. The residents of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe streets and crime-free communities, and that is exactly what my office intends to achieve.” Court documents reflect that on both July 21, 2024, and October 25, 2024, officers of the Tallahassee Police Department caught the defendant in possession of a Glock firearm that had been converted into a machinegun. Davis has five prior felony convictions, including two convictions for aggravated assault with a firearm. The defendant’s prison sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release. “Taking illegal guns out of the hands of convicted felons is essential to making our streets safer. This arrest is another example of the unwavering dedication our officers show in confronting gun violence and reducing the harm it causes in our community,” said Chief Revell. “I am grateful for their commitment to this work and the determination they bring to every investigation. We will continue doing everything we can to reduce gun violence and keep our community safe.” The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Contact United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Florida USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov X: @USAO_NDFL Updated December 12, 2025

Are Glock switches illegal? Gregg Kielma Thoughts from a reader of my blog, Ken B. Let's Take a LOOK. Yes, and why the hell would you WANT ONE???? At a recent event, I tried a fully automatic Glock. Guns were free to rent, but bullets cost $1–$5 each—so firing 50 rounds could be $50 or more, payable by cash or credit. The staff warned me that the fully automatic Glock fired 1200 rounds per minute and recommended a slower gun, but I tried it anyway. As he said, the ammo vanished quickly—even a brief trigger pull fired about 10 shots, making it difficult to avoid emptying the magazine instantly. Even if I was a member of a violent gang and wanted to shoot up a house, I wouldn't use a fully automatic Glock. The bullets just fly out of the gun TOO FAST to hit what you want to shoot. My daughter and I tried several fully automatic guns, spending quite a bit, but we really enjoyed it. Her favorite was a suppressed Uzi, which she shot three times. Although she didn't like guns before, the experience changed her view; now she wants a semi-automatic Glock 9mm so we can visit the pistol range together monthly. Now do I wanna go through the extreme hassle and expense of buying my own fully automatic gun — hell no. Ammo is just too expensive to use it up that fast. One hole in the target per trigger pull is plenty fun enough. If I ever need to shoot in self-defense, I must control every bullet I fire.

Former ATF Agent and Official Everytown's: Marianna Mitchem Former ATF Official Now at Everytown Pushes States to Go After Gun Dealers Scott Witner Says Gregg Kielma, as an FFL I'm concerned with the proposed restrictions and the possible laws that may hinder my business and or shut me down. Continues Kielma . I'll have more on this, this weekend. Please TAKE A LOOK at Scott Witner article, its extremely concerning.....for all of us. If you ever wondered what happens when a career ATF bureaucrat lands a soft seat at Everytown, here’s your answer. Marianna Mitchem left ATF in May 2025 and almost immediately surfaced at Everytown for Gun Safety . And she didn’t waste time easing into the role. According to one former ATF colleague, she reached out after leaving and tried to figure out how to target Glock and Glock-style pistols. That alone tells you what direction she was heading. Mitchem just helped roll out a long report titled The Supply Side of Violence How Gun Dealers Fuel Firearm Trafficking. It reads like someone trying to win an award for excess verbiage. The message, though, is simple. The report blames gun dealers for criminal violence and treats FFLs as the core problem rather than the criminals pulling the triggers. Her coauthors, Nick Suplina and Chelsea Parsons, both come from the New York Attorney General’s Office and now sit comfortably at Everytown . Together, the trio spent ample time taking shots at President Donald Trump’s support for gun rights while painting the ATF under President Joe Biden as a model crime-fighting operation. What doesn’t appear anywhere in their narrative are the ATF’s own high-profile failures under Biden, including the killing of Bryan Malinowski and the fabricated case that left Patrick Tate Adamiak serving 20 years on false charges. Those facts don’t fit the script, so they’re ignored. Instead, the authors offer a long list of heavy-handed state requirements that would eliminate most gun dealers. They call it filling a federal void. In reality, it reads like a roadmap to wiping out the retail gun market. Here is their wish list straight from the report: • State licensing stacked on top of federal FFL requirements • Extensive physical security mandates for every shop • Yearly background checks and trafficking training for all employees • Constant state or local inspections • Mandatory reporting of all gun sales plus complete electronic access to dealer records • Automatic suspensions and revocations for a wide range of infractions • Forced handouts on storage suicide and so-called risks of gun ownership • Civil liability if a firearm from a dealer is ever misused • Annual trace-data reporting targeting dealers by name Anyone who’s spent time in a gun shop or on a firing line can see what this really is. None of this stops criminals. It stops dealers. If you can’t ban guns directly, make it impossible for lawful sellers to stay in business.

Tactical K Training and Firearms Gregg Kielma If you are a U.S. Citizen and you own a gun, then the Florida Weapons Permit is the one you want to obtain. This permit is a favorite of military and law enforcement personnel across the country. Exercise your Second Amendment right! Be Safe! Be Prepared! Be Protected! • Who can apply for the Florida CCW Anyone US Citizen 21 or older can apply for the FL Weapons Permit. ** Active Duty U.S. Military can apply at 18 Years of Age • Do you have to live in Florida to apply for a Florida Weapons Permit NO, anyone living in the United States can apply. You must be a U.S. citizen OR legal resident alien residing in the United States OR Active Duty Military residing abroad. Florida Concealed Weapon License License to carry concealed weapons or firearm in the state of Florida. Concealed Carry or Carrying a Concealed Weapon – commonly called (CCW), is the practice of carrying a weapon (such as a handgun, electronic weapon or device, knife, or billie club) in public in a concealed manner. You have questions? We have Answers! • How long does it take to get a FL CCW Permit On average it takes 50 – 55 days from when the FDACS receives your application, but it could take up to 90 days, due to high volume if this highly sought-after permit. • Who issues the Florida Weapons Permit (FL CCW) The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the issuing agency. Contact the FDACS here: (850) 245-5691 • Can I transfer my current permit or license to carry from another State to FL No, licenses are not transferable between States. • Do I have to take a class You must provide a training certificate to apply for the FL Weapons Permit – it can not be an old or previous one. Here are some of the qualifying training courses: o Any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency in another state o Any USCCA or NRA firearms safety or training course o Any firearms safety or training course or class available to the public offered by the USCCA or NRA. (There are others) o Any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security officers, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement o Any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified instructor (Gregg Kielma) or by an instructor certified by the USCCA or National Rifle Association o Documentary evidence of experience with a firearm obtained through participation in organized shooting competition o Active-duty military personnel may submit copies of any of the following documents that confirm your experience with a firearm gained during service: military orders including call to active-duty letter; a statement of military service signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and provides your date of entry for your current active-duty period o Former military personnel can submit a DD Form 214 reflecting honorable discharge from military service Trust this helps answer some of your question!

26-year-old Bradenton Florida Felon: Exzavion Richardson 9-time convicted felon opens fire on man, woman outside Florida home; he allegedly was after money owed to him From The Blaze December 09, 2025 'Lock up the judges that released him as accomplices to the crime.' A convicted felon opened fire on a man and woman outside a Florida home early Sunday morning, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies responded around 2:15 a.m. to a report of two people who had been shot in the 3100 block of 11th Street Court East in Bradenton, officials said. 'The title of this video is exactly what is wrong with our country: "9-time convicted felon." There should’ve never been a second time.' When deputies arrived, they found a 32-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her face and a 41-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his chest, officials said. Both victims were taken to a hospital, officials said. The woman was later listed in stable condition, and the man's injury was determined to be minor, officials said, adding that he has since been released. Sign up for the Blaze newsletter An investigation identified the suspect as 26-year-old Exzavion Richardson, officials said, adding that he was located in a vehicle several blocks away and detained during a traffic stop. Multiple witnesses positively identified Richardson as the man who came to the residence looking for someone he claimed owed him money, officials said. Witnesses reported that Richardson shot the male victim and then shot the female victim who also was standing outside the residence, officials said. Richardson is charged with two counts of attempted murder, home invasion robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, officials said. Jail records indicate he's being held with no bond. As for his criminal history, court records indicate Richardson has at least two battery convictions and multiple convictions for lewd and lascivious behavior, WFLA-TV reported. Jail records indicate Richardson stands 6'3'' and weighs 205 pounds. Commenters under WFLA's video report about the shooting were not happy the suspect was back on the streets after so many run-ins with the law: • "Lock up the judges that released him as accomplices to the crime," one commenter wrote. • "The title of this video is exactly what is wrong with our country: '9-time convicted felon.' There should’ve never been a second time," another commenter noted. • "Where's Vlad the Impaler when you need him," another commenter wondered. • "Only nine times; that's practically a clean record," another commenter stated sarcastically. "I mean, he didn't kill the woman — just shot her in the face. Give him probation. 10th time is a charm, right[?] He will change smh." • "This dude either has a huge growth on his 4head or someone hit a Grand Slam on it," another commenter observed. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Asto "Nut" Mark Kelley So, That’s Why ‘Seditious’ U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly Wants So Badly To Ban Firearm Ownership Mark Chesnut - December 5, 2025 Mark Kelly video accused of seditious message What does it take to overturn a country? First, take away guns from citizens, especially those who might have a favorable view of the country’s current leadership. Next, turn the country’s military against its leadership. Accomplish those two things, and the stage is set. Of course, that’s greatly simplified, but you get the picture. Which brings us to U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, and explains why he has worked so hard over the past several decades to try to ban civilian gun ownership—especially of so-called “military-grade” firearms. Sen. Kelly and five associates have been in the news recently for an advertisement suggesting that military members disobey their orders. YES you read that right. Mark Kelly is a seditious member of the democratic Senate. He needs to go NOW! “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens,” Sen. Kelly and his cronies say in the video. “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. Refuse illegal orders.” Aside from putting rank-and-file service members in a delicate situation with their suggestion, many saw the advertisement as a call for insurrection. President Donald Trump even called the video “seditious behavior.”

U.S. Minnesota Representative "Somalian" Ilhan Omar Rep. Omar Calls For Federal Gun ‘Buyback’ Mark Chesnut - I’m a big fan of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Somali congresswoman who always speaks her mind. Of course, I’m not a fan because I like her politics. But I do like the fact that nearly every time she speaks out in public, it serves as a warning for freedom-loving Americans that a true threat exists within our own federal lawmaking body. Such was the case recently when Rep. Omar was caught on camera weighing in on a critical issue that many of us haven’t thought about for a while. In a video reposted on the Texas Gun Rights X page, Rep. Omar enthusiastically shared her views on registration and what always follows registration—confiscation. “We have more guns in this country than we have humans,” she said in the video. “So, one of the things that is going to be important is to create a registry so we know where the guns are. We know when they go into the wrong hands when they’re stolen. And we can actually start a buyback program. I know that some of the Minnesota legislators have had that legislation, and that’s something that we should be thinking about on a federal level.” It’s interesting that Rep. Omar would mention a “gun buyback” in the same breath as gun registration. Pro-gun advocates have warned for years that registration always leads to confiscation wherever it has been tried. Thus, anti-gun Democrats have avoided lumping the topics together. As we’ve chronicled a number of times on TTAG, there are numerous other problems with gun “buybacks” besides the elephant in the room—eventual confiscation. First, they can’t be “buybacks” because the government never owned the firearms they are confiscating through compensation.












