DICK'S Expelled from NSSF, Continues to make Anti-Gun Decisions and Policies...

Dick's sporting goods goes farther toward being "anti-gun," is expelled from the NSSF 

One has to wonder what is on the mind of Dick's executives and officers.
At a time when they are experiencing lower share prices, lower sales, and a trying economy for "Brick-And-Mortar" businesses in the retail space.

Now, their actions have drawn the ire of the National Shooting Sports Foundation- the main trade organization for the firearms business.

What Dick's seems to be forgetting is that MANY of their patrons that own and buy guns also buy sporting equipment, shoes, apparel, fishing gear and other products that they sell.

Below is a quote from a recent NRA/ILA Bulletin.

"This industry pressure on Dick’s comes at a sensitive time for the company. Its shares took a steep 6.3% dive in March, amid what analysts described as a “downbeat outlook.” Indeed, its own CEO Edward Stack admitted his new investment in gun control “is not going to be positive from a traffic standpoint and a sales standpoint.”

How that assessment squares with his own obligations to the company and its shareholders is unclear. Profits, after all, are where the rubber meets the road in any business enterprise.

What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Dick’s has inserted itself into a tight spot from which it might not emerge unscathed, if it manages to survive at all. Its business with Second Amendment supporters in particular may well grind to a halt.

Should that happen, Dick’s will have no one to blame but itself, and especially Mr. Stack. Dick’s example should serve as a warning for other businesses in the firearm sector that would hope to find common cause with activists who are seeking nothing so much as to put gun sellers out of business for good."

Not all gun owners are NRA members, but most gun owners believe in the right to keep and bear arms and that right includes the right to own effective, semi-automatic weapons like AR-15's and other, similar platforms that differ only cosmetically from their sporting and hunting brethren.

You can read the entire article HERE.

What are your thoughts on Dick's latest decision?
Feel free to post your comments in the area below.

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Who is Ace Luciano? 
That depends on whom you ask. 
Ask anyone in the outdoor world, and they'll tell you that Ace is a big game hunter and adventurer that has a great deal of sales knowledge that seems to be everywhere and knows everyone. 
Ask someone in the “corporate world” and they might tell you that Ace is the guy that smashes and sets sales records that may have stood for decades-regardless of the industry…but there is so much more. 
Hunter. Fisherman. Outdoorsman. Youth Mentor. Writer. Best-selling author. Entrepreneur. Sales Executive. Marketing Expert. Seminar speaker. Fundraising Professional. These phrases and more have all been used to describe this dynamic outdoor personality and all around "good-guy." A self-described outdoor "generalist" who is a jack of many trades, and a Master of several, Ace is often described as "that guy..."

Ace's passion for youth mentoring has led directly to the introduction of THOUSANDS of new hunters and shooters to the sport.

When it comes to business, Ace is all business. He is a recipient of numerous sales and performance awards, has advised and improved on sales processes for numerous multimillion to multibillion dollar corporations, writes and speaks with an authoritative yet upbeat and entertaining style, and still is able to make time to be a dedicated husband and proud father of four fantastic kids. To learn more about or to reach Ace, visit: www.AceLuciano.com

Why You as a Firearm Owner, Should Never Shop at Dick's Again

Why Dick’s Has Lost Gun Owner’s Support

I have only written a few of articles like this in my entire life.

 I also feel that it is a shame that I must do so.
My most recent came after under armour chose to abandon hunters and legal hunting by taking the side of anti-hunters against lawful hunting practices.
 This article now comes after Dicks sporting goods comes out against the Second Amendment and states that not only will they not sell what they incorrectly categorized as "assault style" weapons (a false and misleading name), but they will no longer carry any "high capacity”(open to “interpretation”) magazines,  and will no longer sell firearms to anybody under the age of 21.

 Dicks, like under armour and their foolish decision to abandon a large number of their base, has every right to do these things as they are a private business entity and dictate what they can and will sell in their stores.
 That doesn't mean that I have to buy anything from them ever again – nor does it mean that I have to accept what they are doing as right and not spread the word to my entire network and all gun owners in the country that what Dicks has actually done is leap over a very large "line in the sand."

 Many people against the Second Amendment use excuses to violate people’s rights.
The way you determine a violation is easy.
There is a very effective litmus test to determine whether something passes constitutional muster. That test is to apply that regulation or restriction against any other constitutional right and see if it would be OK to do so.

For example, would it be OK to require "training" or to require a "license" in order to vote?

Would it be OK if we made someone pass a background test in order to freely practice their own religion?

 What about banning just "certain parts" of religion? Like, what if we said Christianity was OK, but the practice of the Muslim religion or the Jewish religion was not… Would that be OK?
Would that be a violation of someone's rights?

Why is it that we are OK with such blatant violations  of another constitutional right?

 The answer is very simple… Many people in the general public have been "conditioned" by false, misleading, and leading fake news and fake journalism - up to and including the most recent re-categorization of a firearm as a "full semi automatic."
There are those in power that wish to see all of us in this country under their “rule.”
They speak of “fair” and “equitable” and what is right and just for “the majority.”
…But that isn’t what our country and constitution is about.
We are and have always been about the rights of the INDIVIDUAL over those of the MAJORITY.
Equal OPPORTUNITY- not equal OUTCOMES.

This book solves a lot of today's gun violence problems

 A much more effective solution to the problem of school shootings is to use the principles found in the book "Guns the Right Way" – the definitive guide to introducing youth and children to firearms (and, not coincidentally, written by YOURS TRULY) – and  to take seriously things like bullying, isolated individuals, and people that have been reported to the police and the FBI on numerous occasions that have been ignored - and should be ignored no longer. To learn more about kids, guns and Ace, you can visit my website. Want a copy of the book?  You can order it on Amazon or HERE.

 I urge each and every one of you that owns a firearm  and believes that the Second Amendment is a God-given right to that shall not be infringed to do several things starting TODAY:

1.  Share and like this post, and others like it, throughout your social networks to demonstrate the unity and numbers we truly have.
2. JOIN THE NRA.   There is one organization that has constantly and consistently been the protector of Second Amendment rights in the United States – it also happens to be the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the entire world. It is the National Rifle Association, and if you aren't a member and own a gun, then shame on you.
3.  Write letters. Write a letter to your congressman. Your members of the Senate. Write a letter to the president. Write a letter to the mayor of the largest city in your area. Write letters to the editors of your local and regional newspapers. Take the time to write two paragraphs. You can then address the same letter to multiple people.
4.  Support the people that support you and your beliefs, and withdraw your support as well as pontificate against supporting those that don't.
Under Armour  Learned the hard way that people that hunt also buy things like baseball, soccer, football, and hockey equipment. They buy running shoes and athletic apparel. Now they just don't buy any of it from under armor. With their profits down almost 80% year-over-year, it's not a coincidence that their downfall coincided with their  Choice to support anti-hunters.

 We are all in this together and, now, more than ever, are in the fight of our lives to maintain our rights and our way of life.
 Don't let a group of politicians that believe they "know what's best for you" as well as large numbers of feeble minded, easily lead individuals that simply scream loudly to decide your fate.

Who is Jerry "Ace" Luciano? 
That depends on whom you ask. 
Ask anyone in the outdoor world, and they'll tell you that Ace is a big game hunter and adventurer that has a great deal of sales knowledge. 
Ask someone in the corporate world and they might tell you that Ace is the guy that smashes and sets sales records that may have stood for decades. 
Hunter. Fisherman. Outdoorsman. Youth Mentor. Writer. Best-selling author. Entrepreneur. Sales Executive. Seminar speaker. Fundraising Professional. These phrases and more have all been used to describe this dynamic outdoor personality and all around "good-guy." A self-described outdoor "generalist" who is a jack of many trades, and a Master of several, Ace is often described as "that guy..." To learn more bout Ace, visit www.aceluciano.com. 

The Weatherby 6.5-300 Vanguard- Ferrari Speed in an SUV Package

With this week’s launch of Weatherby’s 6.5-300 in the Vanguard line, everyone can afford a Weatherby!

Ace outside of Weatherby HQ

The plan was to take my wife on a romantic getaway up the coast of California.
Mother nature had other plans, though.
A rock slide consisting  of millions of cubic feet of mountain had not only covered US Highway 1, but added over 15 acres to the California coastline by filling in the ocean!
What to do?
Looking on the map, I noted that a detoured route would take us right through Paso Robles, California- home of the last and arguably most storied firearm manufacturer in the state, Weatherby Rifles.
A quick call to the factory set up my visit.


Open Country
 Less than 100 yards from Weatherby headquarters is open pasture and hills as far as can be seen… Wide open country where an accurate, flat shooting rifle would be of great value to the sportsman.
 It is easy to see where at least part of the genius of Roy Weatherby came from.

The open terrain surrounding Weatherby headquarters shows where Roy W. got his inspiration from

 A name revered in the minds of many big game hunters and rifleman for the past 70 years or so, Weatherby's motto is "Nothing  shoots flatter, hits harder, or is more accurate." I have always been a fan of Weatherby rifles and, after my visit to their factory, I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree!
"Back in the day," the success and performance of a bullet on wild game was largely a part of two factors. Size and speed. Most bullets were made of lead, therefore, the larger bullet you could shoot at a faster rate equaled more success on game – and especially so against large and/or dangerous game.
 There came a point, however, where the increased velocity was such that the lead bullet was propelled at such velocity it would "skip the lands" or fragment  – at best, it was a decreasing performance as velocity increased  beyond a certain point.
 With the advent of smokeless powders allowing substantially increased velocity, there was quite the dilemma in projectile performance.
The invention of the jacketed bullet by the Swiss in the late 1880s helped to solve this problem.
 By placing a jacket of copper to a lead core, both velocity and overall accuracy of firearms increased. The process and development of bullets entered a steep curve of improvements, with “bonding” processes and new chemicals and alloys producing the most durable bullets ever seen. This led to great advancements in rifle performance and accuracy.

Weatherby didn't make calibers- he made existing calibers better

Roy Weatherby, however, took rifle performance to a much higher level. 
 One of Roy's favorite things to do was to wildcat cartridges. He would take an existing cartridge, change the dimensions, use a smaller bullet in a larger case, and see what results he could produce.  In the beginning, the .300 H&H was the parent case and modified to become the .300 and.375 Weatherby Magnums. The now slightly shortened .300 Weatherby case with smaller bullets became the the.257,.270 and 7mm  Weatherbys were next.  The last caliber to use that casing was the .340 Weatherby Magnum. As history progressed, Weatherby added the.224,.240,.378 and .460 Weatherby Magnums. Around the early 1960’s, Roy began tinkering with a 6.5mm bullet. More on that later.
Finally, after Roy Weatherby had passed, under the leadership of his son, Roy E.Weatherby,  The.416 Weatherby Magnum, the.30–.378 and.33–.378 Weatherby Magnums came to be,  despite  having been "in development" for years. In the case of the .30–378, since 1959 and the .33-.378 in 1960, with "official" factory ammo launches in 1995 and 1998.
 It would be almost 20 years before the next caliber product launch.
The 6.5 Creedmoor
 In 2007, Hornady released the 6.5 Creedmoor- A new take on an old caliber that proved to have tremendous accuracy due to its relatively high sectional density and high ballistic coefficients. 
 In short order, the Creedmoor was winning long-range accuracy competitions and became widely adopted within a few years.  It was an easy move into the hunting world where yet has carved out its own niche on deer and other big game hunters.

The 6.5-.300 Weatherby
 In 2016, and in typical Weatherby fashion, the company looked at some of the existing calibers on the marketplace and determined they could now introduce a cartridge that had been in development by Roy Weatherby since the early 1960s – the 6.5-.300 Weatherby Magnum.
This caliber, quite simply, does everything that the 6.5 Creedmoor does, and does it better. An increase in speed of over 500fps is just the start.
At the other end of the shot, the 6.5-.300 produces OVER 1000 ft•lb more of downrange energy- all while  maintaining the sub-MOA accuracy that Weatherbys are noted for.
Originally chambered in the Mark V series of rifles, today Weatherby announces the 6.5-.300 in the VANGUARD SERIES.

The Weatherby Vanguard
 Original rifles that were produced by Roy Weatherby when he found his company were built on Mauser actions from several European manufacturers. In 1958, the Mark V bolt action was developed and built entirely in-house but moved again offshore for a time. While Weatherby was making an excellent case for producing the finest hunting rifles in the world, the Mark V was out of reach of many hunters because of its premium price tag.
 In 1970, Weatherby announced the production of the "new" Vanguard – a Weatherby rifle built around an action based on the Howa 1500 action and produced in Japan. This provided a Weatherby alternative to buyers in the market for a Winchester model 70 or Remington model 700.
Through the entirety of its production and until recently the Vanguard was only offered in "standard" calibers.
Starting today, it will be chambered for the fastest, hardest hitting, and most accurate 6.5 mm caliber on the market and is well within the reach of most shooters.
The line forms behind me.

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. 

Pick 6

Six Calibers That CAN'T MISS

I am often asked what are the essential hunting calibers. It is an interesting question and after much thought I have narrowed it down to six different calibers and specific types of weapons that will cover just about every hunting possibility you could imagine. The following are my choices based on both extensive personal experience and queries of some very serious shooters and hunters. They are listed by the lowest-to-highest caliber.


1.  A 22-caliber rifle with scope.

There are many reasons why every shooter should own a .22 – the number one being they are cheap to use for practice, and practice, as we all know, increases shooting proficiency. They are great guns to start kids on, and they can be used for a variety of small game hunting. Squirrels, rabbits, and even varmints up to the size of coyotes have fallen to this diminutive little caliber. There are a lot of great .22 rifles out there, and some really nice ones for not a lot of money. If you want to help your shooting tremendously, buy a bolt-action that is closest to the size and weight of your hunting rifle.

2.  A bolt-action .223 rifle.

This caliber effectively “spans the gap” between small and large rifles. I chose this caliber over the .22-250 because .223-ammunition tends to be more widely available, and is also a lot more reasonably priced. For around 100 fps difference, you can save about 75 percent buying off-the-shelf ammo. Plus, if you upgrade to one of the AR platforms later on, you’ll already have an ammo supply. Top this with a high-quality scope from Leupold, preferably in a varmint-style reticle, and you’ll have a serious varmint rifle for up to 400+yards.

3.  A .30-06-caliber rifle.

If you have read any of my previous columns, you know my affinity for this caliber. There is darned little that you cannot do with it, and if you do not travel beyond the continent, you will never need another rifle. My advice here – spend a little more than you can afford on both the rifle and scope. Amortize that over the next 30 years and you’ll realize it’s really not that much money- plus you’ll be happier with your purchase!

4.  A bolt-action .375 H&H magnum rifle.

If you ever decide to travel beyond the continental U.S. borders, you will need a larger caliber for big and dangerous game, quite often as a result of local law. .375 is the minimum requirement for all dangerous game in Africa. The new .375 Ruger is a fantastic caliber and Ruger makes some great rifles, but I’m an advocate of shooting guns that have readily available ammo. Maybe someday Ruger will match the Holland & Holland, but that day is a long way off. It just so happens that the .375 is also excellent medicine for grizzlies and larger game such as elk or moose in North America as well.

5.  A 12-gauge 3.5 inch magnum.

Ace is a fan of semi-automatic actions when choosing a 12 Gauge

This choice is all about versatility.

You can shoot any size load for 12 gauge in this chambering, from light target loads to the heaviest waterfowl loads. My recommendation? Spend a little extra and buy a semiautomatic shotgun. Your shoulder and face will thank you if you ever have to do some serious shooting. If that’s not possible, make sure to install a gel-type recoil pad made by Sims or Pachmayr. Trust me, they help a lot.

6.  A .50 caliber, in-line muzzleloader.

Today’s muzzleloaders are clean, easy to shoot, and deadly accurate. You can extend your season by several months in many states. Most shotgun-only areas (like Illinois and Iowa) will allow a muzzleloader during that season. With today’s optics and powders, these are legitimate 200+yard weapons.

There you have it. If there are some holes in your collection, start saving and fill accordingly!

I welcome your additional caliber suggestions in the comments area below.

For more information on Ace and his adventures, visit www.AceLuciano.com

National Rifle Association Removes US Concealed Carry Association From Annual Convention

Ace Luciano is perplexed by the recent NRA/USCCA issue

I have to say that I'm a little perplexed by the following press release.
The NRA has not given any announcement nor insight into this as of today.

Many are hypothesizing that they do not feel it "appropriate" as the NRA now offers products that are in direct competition with the USCCA's product.

Guess we'll find out.

Disclaimer: I am an Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association and have been a LIFE MEMBER from the time I was 16 Years old. 
I was a member of the USCCA for one year and then changed to another protective service that I felt better suited my needs- but still feel they are a quality organization with a quality product. . 

The following press release was sent by the USCCA, and also a letter from USCCA President and founder, Tim Schmidt.

The National Rifle Association Disinvites US Concealed Carry Association from Annual Meeting and Exhibits

USCCA Will Continue to Support NRA’s Mission

West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) today announced that the National Rifle Association (NRA) has disinvited the organization from its 2017 Annual Meetings & Exhibits and the 2018 Great American Outdoor Show because of “concerns regarding its programs.”

The move shocked the leadership of the USCCA because they were given less than two weeks notice that they had been banned from the annual show, even though they had attended for the past several years.  This decision also came as a surprise because over the past two months, the leadership from the NRA and the USCCA met twice to discuss the shared goal of the two organizations in support of the Second Amendment.

In a note sent to millions of USCCA supporters, Founder and President Tim Schmidt said that even though the NRA might be fearing the competition, USCCA will still support the NRA’s efforts to protect the Second Amendment.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little perplexed myself.  The truth is, I don’t really know the motive behind the NRA’s move. I mean, the USCCA has ALWAYS had a great relationship with the NRA. And the way I see it, we’re all in this together,” Schmidt said.

“If I had to guess, I’d say that perhaps this is a strategic business maneuver,” added Schmidt. “I mean, the concealed carry market has really exploded over the last decade — just look at how long the USCCA has been around! Maybe the NRA recognizes us as the frontrunner in providing the absolute best education, training and self-defense insurance in the industry. And perhaps they’re starting to see us less as a partner and more as a competitor.”

“As much as it sort of stings that we got ‘booted’ from the NRA Show, I believe that this sort of competition is a good, healthy and even exciting thing — especially from a goliath like the NRA.”

“Whether or not the NRA supports us, we will continue to support them,” Schmidt said. “We will continue to believe in their mission. We will continue to respect the historical significance of what they have done to preserve and protect our God-given rights. And we will always support their legislative and lobbying efforts. I personally will continue to donate to the NRA as a proud Lifetime Member.”

About The USCCA:
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides education, training and self-defense insurance to responsible American gun owners. Headquartered in West Bend, WI, the USCCA is the largest and fastest-growing, member-owned, private association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American.

For more information, please contact Ryan@BonjeanCompany.com or call 224-723-8688.