Just bits and pieces this time. Nothing like #106!

The GP6 is in the hands of the BATF for approval. They've estimated a mid-May release. All other hurdles have been cleared and guns are being built! We were able to take one to the "Space City Challenge" down around Houston this past weekend. Based on customer response there and the test firings that we've done here, we think we've got a winner. We'll be getting it out for our domestic Distributors to play with over the next couple of weeks.

Texican production is still not keeping up with demand. We may have to postpone different lengths and calibers in deference to the orders we have in backlog.

Spartans will be our first individual model to ever ship 1,000 pieces in a single twelve month period. That's my subtle way of saying that we're running farther behind on that project than anticipated, too, but realize it and are taking all of the proper actions.

Status report: We're now quoting 14 weeks or thereabouts for in house lead times, 16 on hard chrome. This obviously varies a little from product to product but, compared to last year, we're still hangin' in! Everything that you have on order should be close to on schedule at our current rate of production.

In our continuing efforts to streamline our product line in a manner that allows you to get what you want most in an appropriate amount of time, we are again attempting to whittle down the number of models that we offer. Candidates to be discontinued are: the LS40, the Stainless Steel Trojan, the 6" Trojan, the Legacy, and the TruSight. Good guns all! We've just introduced other models that are cutting into their market share. We'll be doing twenty (20) to sixty (60) more of each and then they'll probably be gone for good. First come, first served.

It has come to our attention that some of you folks aren't allowed to possess the tritium sights that come standard on the "Sentinel Premier". We can accommodate you with non-tritium but the price of the firearm will have to remain the same due to the lower volumes.

Our final drawing for a Spartan happened on schedule, March 28. Our latest winner is Jessica Hall from Colorado. She joins Ronnie Hallmark and John Allchin as proud winners of Spartans. Congratulations to all three. If your luck didn't hold during these drawings, keep your eye on our website.

I neglected to mention in the last Sgram that our price for C-More scopes had been increased to us at the SHOT Show by the manufacturer. Not meant as a slam on them at all, this is their first increase to us in the 15 years or so that we've been doing business with them. Bottom line is: all red dot scoped guns (SteelMaster, TruBor, GrandMaster) prices are increased $75.00 at each level effective immediately. Orders currently on the books will be delivered at the agreed upon price.

The Sales Department is currently creating new STI wall posters for Dealers, Ranges, and Distributors. Should be just a couple of months or so until they're available. Don't swamp the switchboard with calls for them, just mention that you'd like to have one the next time you FAX or phone in an order. Your sales contact'll put you on the list. This is a "freebie" and we think you'll be very pleased with it.

You apparently aren't keeping the Sales folks busy enough though. In addition to those posters, they're getting started on an STI video, are hustling more holster makers on your behalf, and still had time to set up a whole new series of STI products for the home, range, and office. Either tap in through our website (just below the "STI Apparel eStore") or visit www.cafepress.com/stiguns.

We're getting more requests for catalogs "in volume" from you guys than we're willing to underwrite. We're still providing you with two for every gun you order and we are still providing catalogs free of charge to domestic individuals who request them. When you request them "in bulk" however, we'll be invoicing you $0.75 each. Also, due to the increased volume of requests for individual overseas mailings of catalogs, we've found it necessary to implement a $5.00 charge to cover postage for those distances. For your ease, order through the "STI Apparel eStore". Remember, it's still available as a "Download" from our website and that the website itself accurately reflects the contents of the catalog.

Out with the old (figuratively speaking) and in with the new (again, figuratively). Mary Ann, from Export Sales, has moved on. Jose Naranjo has moved into that vacancy after a short stint in the gunnery. Go a little easy on ‘im ‘til he settles in and I think you'll be pleased.

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