That was the good news for everybody! You've already heard this here once, but just in case it didn't register: Our State Department has imposed a new Export License Fee structure that equates to $250.00 per license. For you "big dogs", it's probably inconsequential. For ya'll whose annual volumes are fairly small, it'll add to your cost of doing business. Maybe you need to increase your volumes so you can better spread the expense. <VBG>

We have no idea what the Obama Presidency will do to us and we are hearing rumors that Mrs. Clinton COULD become Secretary of State. (That would put her in charge of the State Department, obviously, and we know her attitude toward our products.) Having your orders in place and in line may be something you want to consider.

Texicans are continuing to move (hesitantly). Spartans are beginning to flow like water. The first major shipment of GP6's has been received and is almost gone. (It may be mid-first quarter before we are restocked.) The .22 Top End backlog is being reduced rapidly. (Please be advised that 1 out 3 of the 2011 style magazine will allow 11 rounds when major thumb pressure is applied.) The lead time for our internally generated products has come down dramatically! Most things are GOOD!

One thing that would REALLY help is if you folks could give us some type forecast of what quantities of the previous items you think you'll need in 2009. Those estimates may help guarantee that you get the quantities that you need in a timely manner.

If you've looked at the new price list already, you'll notice that we HAVE gone ahead and added new products in advance of the SHOT Show. (Not something that we normally do and NONE of them will be shipped until AFTER the show.) Four of the additions are because you asked us to! The other two are because we want to!

The Four: Three of them are "bring backs" at your request. They will be the "Duty 1", the Sentinel under the new name "Sentry" (same fine gun, just new name), and the IPSC 30th Anniversary Commemorative pistol renamed simply as "IPSC" (same marvelous gun, just new name).

You also asked for a race gun very similar to the "SteelMaster" designed to handle .38Super Major loads. We've done this for you, too, and named it the "MatchMaster". We had to redesign the slide lightening somewhat and increase the compensation some, but we think that you'll be very pleased with the result. We've also "re-dressed" the Lawman. Should have pictures up almost immediately.

The Two: The first is called the "Perfect 10" and is a knock off of a gun that we created for a movie a while back. Pretty big pistol! Think 6" Tactical in 10mm with Unique slide and full length dust cover cut for multiple tactical accessory catches. This is the only pistol that we plan to chamber in 10mm.

The other is the spawn of an idea brought in by Mike from Schuemann Barrels and Derek from Millennium Custom to benefit the USPSA Women's program. For the first part of this program, we'll be building a run of eight (8) 6" hole less Tribrid style pistols with a substantial portion of the proceeds being donated to the aforementioned program. We can afford to do this because Mike is DONATING the barrels and Derek is adding his extensive expertise to their construction free of charge. Be sure and pat these guys on the back when you see them and be sure and support their businesses if you get the chance.

For the second part of this program, we believe that we will be reopening our "Custom Shop" on a limited basis. We're still feeling our way along on the ground rules (so feel free to chime in), but we think that it will go something like this: "You can have it your way" provided that it is 100% STI & Schuemann. Just pick a Schuemann barrel and design a STI pistol around it. Obviously, if you request something that we're not tooled or programmed for, you'll be asked to pay the NRE (Non Recurring Expense) that's necessary to do it your way. We're going to be pretty generous in this regard, though, in that; if it looks like something that we would use again, we'll not impose the charge. If it's just something outlandish or personalized to you, the charge will apply. As I said earlier, we're still feeling our way on the ground rules and are open to suggestion.

We've also added an option to the "5 inch Eagle" package. We will now produce this one in .357SIG as well as its' normal calibers. There are no current plans to tool up to provide 10 round magazines or to provide this caliber in any other pistol.

Absolutely NO PROMISES at this point but, if all goes well, we may yet have other new introductions at this year's shows. Possible new products and, possibly, new technologies.

I think that you all know this but if you need pictures or other information on our products, feel free to contact Rabbit ( mboyett@stiguns.com ) for help. He can provide almost anything you'd need electronically or on a "thumb drive".

FYI: The "VIP" will be the cover gun (with an eight page story, inside) for the March SHOT Show issue of GUNS magazine. We hope all the other "bring backs" will do as well!

If you don't have adequate quantities of GP6's on order, pucker up! We've got seven (7) more stories yet to be published about it. It is also the current "cover gun" for Shooting Industry magazine.

For those of you who have earned your listing spot on our website: You've earned the right to be listed correctly! Please check and make sure that your contact information is correct.

S.H.O.T. Show Booth Number 1223 IWA Booth Number 3-136
Do good. Sell a bunch. Have fun. Not necessarily in that order!