In Wake of Las Vegas Shooting, We Need Actions To Get Rid of EVIL, Not GUNS...

 Last night, after a rather relaxing day spent with family at the shooting range and then in our backyard pool, I went to bed and received a well deserved good nights rest. 

 What I woke to was a nightmare. 

58 People were killed, and over 400 Wounded. Photo Courtesy of ABC News

 When I woke up at 5 AM this morning every one of my newswires were LIT UP. 

At that time, reports were coming in that they thought 20 to 30 people had been killed and several hundred wounded. That turned out to be almost 60 people dead with OVER 400 people wounded by an evil, maniacal gunman that opened fire on a concert crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. 

 There are many hypotheses and theories as to why and how this person chose his location, why he wanted to kill a bunch of people, and if this evil could've been avoided. 

 The bad news is, it CAN'T. 

 Unless we, as Americans, are willing to give up many, many of our freedoms in exchange for a fleeting sense of "security," there is little we can do to prevent events such as this from happening. 

 One of the top and most effective ways of saving more lives from evil like this is to expand and allow citizens to carry firearms in order to protect themselves, their families, and their friends. 

Another is to study and observe mentally ill people and monitor them for signs of violence or further illness. 

 Ironically, whenever there is a situation such as this, the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is the first one that many pundits are quick to attack- Such as "if guns like this were not available, mentally ill, criminals, and terrorists would not be able to get them." 

 Politicians respond with sensationalizing quotes, texts, and tweets such as "We MUST do something about assault weapons" or "When will we learn that guns are the problem?"

 The wildly liberal publication, GQ, was quick to publish an article by Jay Willis entitled "Why we are losing the war against gun violence."

 The author, mistakenly, goes after the NRA and America's lawful gun owners as part of the problem – even going so far as to state that "  The entity that still bills itself as the world's "premier firearms education organization" is, in fact, one of the loudest and most influential voices in American politics. At this point, even gun owners aren't so sure that the NRA is honestly representing them as recreational hunters. It doesn't matter, though. Although some of that cash comes from selling individual memberships, a lot of it's money flow street from gun manufacturers, who have savvily disguised their would-be marketing efforts as the patriotic defense of your bedrock constitutional rights. Gun companies place their employees on the NRA's Board of Directors and buy expensive advertisements in their various publications. Last year alone, Ruger donated two dollars to the NRA for every firearm the company sold. "

 I don't even know where to begin to explain the reality of our rights as Americans to this mislead, misleading and constitutionally and economically illiterate voice of the left. 

 We can start with some very simple truths – the first being that the second amendment to the constitution of the United States has absolutely nothing to do with hunting or recreational shooting. Hunting and recreational shooting or mentioned nowhere in the entire constitution. 

 This is simply a "talking point" that helps political and media elites to gain greater control over you, your freedom, and your mind with what they deem as "simple" and "commonsense" regulations that, in bits and pieces, TAKE AWAY YOUR RIGHTS. 

 Second, in any industry, it is not only common but EXPECTED that business and businesses in that industry will have representatives that assist and direct whatever association or group that represents their  Business interests. 

 Were it not for companies like Ruger and the immense membership and lobbying power of the national rifle Association, many of our rights, not just those related to firearms, would most likely already be gone. 

 As of right now, we don't know the exact motive that Stephen Paddock  had for committing terror and mass murder. 

 What we do know is that "normal" people and every day citizens don't do these things. 

Whether he was mentally ill, was affiliated with, as many news outlets are now reporting, ISIS or the Muslim brotherhood,  or wanted revenge for some sort of wrong he felt was done to him, we may never know. 

 What we do know is that what he did was pure evil. 

 Guns are NOT the problem. EVIL is the problem. 

 More to come as news and events come to light. 

These Times, They Are A Changing...

Last week, I was fortunate to, once again, attend the NRA Annual Meetings, held this year in Atlanta, GA. 

While there was quite a bit of apprehension in the opening few days of SHOT Show this year, there was a palpable sense of relief in the convention hall, the press room, and various other places where people were gathered. 

 Donald Trump  became the first president since 1983 to address the membership. His speech was full of enthusiasm and shined a light of hope after eight years of  apprehension and fear. 

... which brings me to my next point. 

 The industry has changed. 

No longer do we have a "fear-based market."

 As recently as a year ago and excellent deal on an AR 15 platform might be in the $700 range. Today, there a half a dozen for under $400. 

Several manufacturers lamented canceled firearm orders-  One that was in the millions of dollars. 

Yet, NICS Checks for March 2017 are up more than 5%. 

SOMEBODY is clearly buying SOMETHING... 

From Breitbart:

"In a press release sent to Breitbart News, NSSF reports the number of NICS checks for March 2017 was 2,422,749. But after adjusting checks–eliminating those that were not the result of sales–the figure was 1,356,929. The number of NSSF-adjusted NICS checks for March 2016 was 1,289,670. This means the number of checks actually connected to gun sales increased 5.2 percent in March 2017.

The number of NICS checks–including NSSF-adjusted checks–is not a precise indicator of the number of guns sold, as checks are conducted on buyers rather than guns bought. Moreover, each buyer may legally purchase multiple guns after passing a background check, which means an adjusted figure of 1,36,929 checks may not even come close to representing the number of guns sold."

When markets change, businesses must change with them. 

While many tactical based manufacturers are seeing lower sales, some custom manufacturers in the same space are seeing an uptick in their sales. 

Optics manufacturers are having a banner year. Companies that make accessories for AR 15's (and other weapons) are off to a great 2017. 

 Hunting rifle and high end shot gun sales are up. 

 This, of course, makes perfect sense when you realize that people are no longer afraid that they have to have 10,000 rounds of ammunition, a tactical weapon or two, and a pile of high-capacity magazines before they are banned.

 That budget can now go back "into the system" to purchase things like accessories,  as well as hunting and sporting weapons. 

What this also means is that many small and medium size businesses in the industry have an unprecedented opportunity. 

That opportunity is to take market share from some of the "big players" who, foolishly, will look at the economy and surmise that they have to "cut their budgets" for marketing and advertising. 

You see, many large companies both in and out of the firearm industry, are run by "boards of directors" and CEOs that are accountable to "shareholders."

 All those shareholders care about is the bottom line.

 They will take that short term increase to the bottom line, completely ignoring the long-term consequence to the overall business. 

 Quite frankly, they can afford it. 

If you are a small or medium size business, you can't.  

Or at least you shouldn't.  

Obviously, you can't afford to waste a single penny– especially in the "new gun economy."

Even BIG companies shouldn't waste marketing dollars, yet many do. 

The outdoor industry is approximately ten years behind in most marketing methods. 

I'm hearing from more than a few companies that they are "pulling more out of print" and "putting more into digital." 

Some are "wowed" by Facebook. 

That's all good- but the MOST important thing to know is DOES IT WORK? 

The truth is, it does. 

Yes, even print (though for how much longer is uncertain) works and can give great ROI. 

The important thing is that you can TRACK it. 

So, what SHOULD you do? 

I'm glad you asked!

You can take a portion of those dollars you would spend on "traditional" marketing (Magazines, TV shows, etc.) and put them in front of over 3 million PROVEN BUYERS of Outdoor, Firearm, Hunting and Fishing products. 

100% Trackable, and in whatever amounts or frequencies you like. 

If that interests you, reach out or comment below. 

Regardless of what you do, remember- 

"Keep it the same" should not be an option this year. 

Be OFFENSIVE...

It's time for the firearm industry and those of us in it to be "Offensive." 

That's right… It's time to be offensive. 

No, I don't mean vulgar, crude, or injecting yourself into someone's "safe space" such that they break down. 

 I mean that it is time for us  in the hunting, firearms, and shooting world  to go on OFFENSE. 

I have just returned from the 39th annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, and the mood there was one of almost giddy euphoria- after a collective sigh of relief. 

 For the better part of  three different president's respective terms, and certainly most of the last decade, we have had to entirely play DEFENSE.

 One could argue that for several years under the previous Republican administration we had to constantly play defense with a democratic controlled house and senate. 

 Every time there was a tragedy, we had to fight. We had to be constantly reactive instead of proactive. The tragedy of Columbine high school caused the flurry of new gun control bills across the country, and I'll cry from many people that had previously been "on the fence" to allow  for what had come to be one of the left's favorite terms – "common sense" gun control. 

 As with many things in politics, this deliberate misnomer was used to lead the low-information voter and uninformed general public down a clearly defined path of oppression, registration, and confiscation. 

 The only thing "common sense" about gun control is that it is an entirely ridiculous concept.

Ace Believes that gun control is a foolish concept devised by weak people

 You do not need to petition the government for a speedy trial. You do not need to petition the government or get a permit before you are allowed to keep silent. 

 Our founding fathers were very clear when they added the terminology "shall not be infringed" at the end of the second amendment. They were great discussions about the wording of the Second Amendment and what they meant regarding "the people" and what the term "militia" meant. 

 The entire theory of gun control is predicated upon the fact that criminals, who, by definition, do not obey laws, will all of a sudden decide to obey laws because they are now written regarding guns.
Even worse are what I refer to as the "Double-Dog-Laws" 

What's this? 

It's when some weak politician gets up on a stage using some recent tragedy as a platform for their firearm control agenda and repeats rhetoric such as "Criminals shouldn't be able to have guns," or, "People who are mentally unstable should not be allowed to possess guns." - both of which are ALREADY ILLEGAL- so we, therefore, must now make them "Double-Dog-Illegal" because THAT will change things and we REALLY MEAN ILLEGAL!!

 This past November there was a clear rejection of the policies, politics, and ideals of the most recent presidential administration. 

 For the first time in many years the presidency, house, and senate are all under Republican majority control. 

 Now is the time to be OFFENSIVE. 

We need a clear, decisive and rapid plan for the RESTORATION (no-not EXPANSION- they are OUR RIGHTS that have been taken away)  of our rights. 

Here are a few to start: 

1. Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity. 

We do this already with things like driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, etc. that are privileges rather than rights.My right to protection and self-preservation should certainly not end at state lines. 

2. Removal of Short Barreled Rifle and Suppression devices from the registration list, and elimination of the "tax stamp" in general.
Only the government could come up with these ones- that guns must be loud enough to damage hearing for all and that a large handgun possessed and fired from the hand or two hands is legal- but to fire that same gun from the shoulder is not. 

3. Nationwide transportation standards 

This one is a doozy. The standard for safe transportation of weapons should be just that- STANDARD.

 We once had a client fly through New York once on an African Safari. He had to grab his luggage and proceed through customs. This client is also a smoker, so, after taking his cased, locked, unloaded firearms case off of the conveyor belt, he stepped outside to have a cigarette. 

BIG MISTAKE. 

One of New York's "Less-Than-Finest" came over and engaged him in conversation, asked him where he was going, and what was in the case.
The short story- He was ARRESTED, his rifles and a shot gun CONFISCATED, jailed and missed his flight. The ensuing legal process was actually rather simple- go to New York and fight or pay a massive fine for an "ordinance violation" and another massive "Processing fee" to get his guns back. The best part- there was NO STANDARD set or way to address this situation. 

If my car is legal in Arizona, I don't have to register or do anything different with it when I cross the border into any other state- including CALIFORNIA. This should be the same with guns. 

4. Withdrawal of federal funds for cities that infringe on the rights of their citizens to keep and bear arms.
See: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York. 

Enough said. 

Will the incoming administration hold to their promise of "gun rights" and protection of the Second Amendment? 

Time will tell, but things look good so far. 

So, what do YOU think?
Is it time to "be offensive?"
Let Ace know in the comments below!


"Ace" Luciano is a Hunter, Fisherman, Outdoorsman, Sales Executive, Author, Writer, and, perhaps most importantly, husband and father to 4 great kids.
Learn more about Ace through his website, www.AceLuciano.com