I believe that we can start quoting 10-12 weeks right now. The goal is to be able to quote you 8-10 weeks by the end of this year and to get you into the 6-8 week range in early 2008.

Major thanks to all of you who participated in the website poll about the "Off Duty" and to all of you who called with an opinion. The poll reflected a 71% favorable reaction to the firearm, with the proviso that we reduce the size of the engraving on the slide. We will be in production before this year is over with a "less obnoxious" identifier. Again, thanks to you all!

In the event that I failed to mention it previously, the "USPSA" (USPSA SS, USPSA DS) guns are a recognized "partner" item with the U.S.P.S.A. and a royalty is paid for the use of their trademark.

Well, as usual, I got very limited response to the "what should we get rid of and what should we build new for 2008 question, so here’s my thoughts at this point: 1) We’ll call the "Off Duty" our first new proffering for 2008! 2) Because of the resurgence of speed shooting challenges and the phenomenal performance of the record breakers (using STI guns) at this years’ "Steel Challenge", we’ll have a "steel specific" pistol in production by the end of this year. It’ll probably debut at the SHOT Show and we’ll call it (what else?) the "SteelMaster". Probably 9mm only, designed to run on factory power factored ammo and below. 3) We think that there is still room for one more "pocket pistol" in our lineup and the folks here have come up with some very neat features. Not everything is set in stone yet but its’ OAL should be shorter than the "LS"; it should be narrower than the "Guardian", lighter than the "Escort", and de-horned more than the "Ranger II". I’ll take at least one, personally! 3) No "blowback".380ACP! Maybe another run at a .22LR Model "2011"? (Whad’da ya’ think?)

Good news/bad news………….Good news first: Another year has about gone by and, unlike much of the industry; we’ll be able to transition into 2008 without a price increase on "in-factory" guns! If our volumes continue to hold, we may even be able to knick a couple down a little next year. (I never get tired of announcements like that.) Bad news: The "out source" folks aren’t doing as well. Due to the continued erosion of the U.S. dollar against all other currencies, we’re faced with a cost increase on the "Spartan". Orders currently in house will be honored through December. Price increases to be entered on new orders. Nothing real dramatic, we’re just not used to having to do it. We’re also being advised that the cost to manufacture the "Texican" in Connecticut is rising. I’ll keep you posted as I know something.

Under the heading of "next years planning", we’ll probably be revamping our three year old Preferred Dealer Program. Whatever we do, it will not impact the time remaining on our agreements with our current PDP’s. As it phases in, it should be far simpler to administer than the current program is.

Have fun. Do good. Sell a bunch. Not necessarily in that order!