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.
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Being Prepared for the 2026 Hurricane Season By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training & Firearms The 2026 Hurricane Season is shaping up to be another year where preparation isn’t optional it’s essential. Florida has seen record heat, rising insurance pressures, rapid population growth, and increasingly unpredictable storm behavior. None of that is meant to create fear. It’s meant to reinforce a simple truth: preparedness gives you control, confidence, and options when the weather turns. Whether you’re protecting a home, a business, or a family, the goal is the same build layers of readiness before the first storm forms. Start With Awareness and a Plan Storms don’t give you time to “figure it out later.” Your plan should be written, practiced, and known by everyone in the household or workplace. Key elements of a solid plan: Where will you go if evacuation becomes necessary Multiple routes out of your area A communication plan if cell networks fail A designated out‑of‑state contact A plan for pets, elderly family members, and anyone with medical needs For businesses, include: Who secures the building Who handles digital backups Who communicates closures and reopening A plan removes panic. It replaces it with action. Strengthen Your Home or Business Before the First Storm Florida structures take a beating every year. Small improvements now prevent major losses later. Exterior protection: Inspect your roof for loose shingles or soft spots Clear gutters and drainage paths Trim trees and remove dead limbs Install or test shutters Reinforce garage doors—one of the most common failure points Interior protection: Surge protection for critical electronics Elevate valuables and important documents Know how to shut off water, power, and gas If you own a business, walk your property as if you were a storm: What can break? What can blow away? What can flood? Fix those points now. Build a Realistic, Usable Supply Kit For Your Home or Business A hurricane kit isn’t about stockpiling, it’s about independence. After a major storm, help may take hours or days to reach your area. For homes and families: Water: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3–7 days) Non‑perishable food Medications and medical supplies Flashlights, headlamps, and batteries Battery bank for phones First aid kit Copies of important documents Cash in small bills Tools, gloves, tarps, duct tape For businesses: Backup power for essential systems Printed employee contact lists Hard copies of insurance documents A plan for securing inventory and equipment Preparedness isn’t about fear it’s about not being dependent on luck. Protect Your Digital Life In 2026, digital readiness is just as important as physical readiness. Back up important files to the cloud and an external drive Photograph your home, business, and valuables for insurance Store digital copies of IDs, insurance policies, and receipts Keep chargers, power banks, and a small solar panel if possible When the power goes out, your digital preparation keeps you moving. Understand Post‑Storm Safety Most injuries happen after the storm, not during it. Be cautious with: Downed power lines Flooded roads Carbon monoxide from generators Unstable structures Contaminated water If you evacuated, don’t rush home. Wait for official clearance. Your safety comes first. Mindset: Prepared, Not Paranoid Preparedness is a discipline, not a reaction. It’s the same mindset we teach in every Tactical K class awareness, planning, and responsible action. A hurricane is a natural event. Your response is a choice. When you prepare early, you protect: Your family Your property Your business Your peace of mind And you set an example for your community. Kielma’s Parting Shot The 2026 Hurricane Season will bring challenges, just like every season. But Floridians are resilient, and preparation is part of our way of life. Start now. Strengthen your home, your business, and your plan. Build your layers of safety before the first storm forms. If you need help building a plan, creating a checklist, or preparing your family or business, Tactical K Training is here to support you with practical, real‑world guidance.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking Nine Firearms, Including to Buyer Who Said He Was ‘At War’ Thursday, April 30, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia WASHINGTON - Brandon Smith, 34, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic at least nine firearms to a prohibited buyer over the course of six months, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Brandon Smith was already on supervised probation for a violent felony when he chose to traffic firearms, and he continued even after being told the buyer intended to use them for violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Over the course of six months, he arranged the sale of at least nine guns—including one with an obliterated serial number—to a prohibited individual. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained and deliberate effort to arm someone who could not legally possess firearms. My office remains committed to holding accountable those who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal guns.” On Jan. 9, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty before Judge Howell to conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 108-month prison term. According to court papers, beginning in November 2023, ATF opened an investigation after a confidential source reported that Smith, then on supervised probation for a violent felony, was actively advertising firearms for sale by texting photographs of guns to prospective buyers, including individuals with prior felony convictions. During the next six months, Smith sold or arranged the sale of nine firearms to a buyer on six separate occasions. During the transactions, Smith sold his own personal carry firearm on multiple occasions when a supplier failed to deliver, then purchased a replacement for himself afterward. In early January 2024, as Smith and the buyer discussed an upcoming transaction, the buyer told Smith he needed the firearms because he was “at war” after his cousin had been killed. Smith proceeded with the sale. The buyer had also told Smith he was serving a criminal justice sentence at the time of the transactions. Smith acknowledged that he, too, was “on papers.” Smith arranged a total of six transactions from Nov. 30, 2023, through May 30, 2024, resulting in the sale of nine firearms. At least one of the firearms had its serial number obliterated. On Oct. 26, 2024, MPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the 1600 block of 16th Street SE and found Smith in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Officers observed open containers of alcohol and discovered a satchel at his feet. Inside the satchel, in plain view, was a loaded Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun with a round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The bag also contained a bank card and government-issued identification in Smith’s name. Smith has prior convictions for Simple Assault (2011), Attempted Robbery (2013), and Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (2016), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was serving a term of supervised probation from the 2016 conviction at the time of the firearms trafficking conspiracy. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan. Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking
