Hi Guys,

The GP6 has been approved by the BATF&E,

AND the Import Permit has been approved! That was the good news. The "other kind'a news" is that the first shipment to the U.S. (and it’s not a small one) is sold out! We’ve got another large lot in-process that is, as yet, unspoken for. As in all good things, it’ll be first come, first served! It should be interesting to see how these fare in the "Production" division at USPSA. If their European successes are any indicator; we expect them to quickly make a name for themselves.

Texican production is still very slow. We’re filling your orders as fast as we can get them, as you would expect, in order date sequence. Please be patient- they really are worth the wait!

Spartans are flowing marvelously! In and out! Our supplier is doing a great job, but so are you guys. Most of your orders will be filled on schedule during the second quarter. Expect your lead times to be a little longer in the third quarter, but back on track in the fourth. Serious comment: If you expect your needed quantities to increase significantly near the end of the year, please get your orders in now and we’ll get your delivery dates scheduled. On Spartans, the order date has to carry more weight than the requested delivery date.

Our Gun Gnomes in the back, the guys who emerge from the smoky, shadowy depths of the STI gunsmithing underworld, reeking of burnt powder and sweat and emitting maniacal screams of delight at the end of the day, are gaining on it. (I’m sorry! I asked them how they would prefer to be alluded to. This was the only phrase among many that I could comfortably print in a public document.) As promised, it looks like almost all of your orders will be current by the end of the first half of this year, plus or minus a couple of weeks. We should be able to give you decent lead times for a period thereafter but I think the days of 6-8 week leads are gone forever. It’s like the Spartans, "the order date has to carry more weight than the requested delivery date".

All of the new guns (and most of the old ones) are selling very well, especially the three inch (3") ones. I guess that’s what happens when our 3" guns run and most other folks’ don’t. Ours’ are pretty damn accurate for "belly guns", too!

All remaining Stainless Trojans and all remaining LS40’s have been spoken for. They will not be in the new catalog. Those models have been discontinued. Still on the edge of oblivion are the 6" Trojan, the Legacy, and the TruSight. Unless there is a huge up swell in demand for them, all three will be gone by the end of the year.

The Sales Department is currently creating new STI wall posters for all of you Dealers and other folk who cater to the "walk in" trade. They’ve got a pretty neat one at the printers’ now and are making noises about wanting to do other posters and, maybe, banners of some sort. Do you guys have enough wall space to accommodate more than one? Would you put them up if we provided them? Please respond to your normal contact.

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