Gregory Kielma • November 25, 2024
How can I get my shotguns back in my possession?
Question: My house in CA got raided and 2 of my shotguns were confiscated by police because according to them they were stolen,
but they aren't.
How can I get my shotguns back in my possession?
Gregg Kielma
“Stolen” from who? Next time buy a firearm from a reputable dealer says FFL, Firearms Instructor and Gunsmith Gregg Kielma. Let’s look at this and think this through”
Were you arrested for possession of stolen property?
Let’s go with the first one:
Did you or did you not purchase the firearms from a licensed firearms dealer? If so, then you should be able to locate a receipt or a credit slip or have the credit card issuer send you a copy of your monthly statement that you can then take back to the business and have them provide you with a record of the sale.
If you purchased the firearms from a private party, then things are going to get dicey. Unless you are certain that the private party didn’t steal the weapons, nor bought them stolen, you have no idea about the provenance of those weapons. If that’s the case, you may want to get an attorney, and write off the weapons as they are unlikely to ever be returned to you
Which is it?
As to the second one:
If you weren’t arrested for possession of stolen property, especially firearms, then that’s VERY odd. If, as you claim, your home was “raided” (I assume that you mean that a search warrant was served, and your home was subject to a search defined by the warrant) then even if the weapons weren’t what the police were seeking, your possession of them should have been grounds for you to have been arrested. And the police would have only discovered that the weapons were indeed reported stolen hours or days later when they inventoried and inspected the items seized from your home. They wouldn’t check them while in your home for a host of reasons.
If they did discover that you were in possession of stolen goods, if you escaped arrest after the search warrant, you would be arrested NOW if you are foolish enough to try to reclaim stolen property. Obviously if the weapons have been reported as being stolen, then the person in whose possession they were found is likely a suspect in their theft. It would be unwise to attempt to reclaim the firearms until after you have spoken with an attorney and received advice from him or her.
Unless you bought the firearms new or used from a licensed dealer, then I would suggest writing them off as a loss. You have no proof that they were not stolen at some point; and attempting to retrieve alleged stolen property is going to simply cause you more problems than you already seem to have. Either way, talk with an attorney before you proceed.
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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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