Well, we're back from IWA and other assorted adventures between Amsterdam and Nuremberg.

THE CUSTOM SHOP IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!!

Sorry folks, but if we are going to be able to meet our production commitments to you guys and your customers we just don't have a choice. We'll let you know when it opens back up. I hope that you understand.

Between the new "Preferred Dealer Program”, the new guns, the marvelous job that the entire STI Sales group (and volunteers Roger Sigman, Michael Voigt, and Sam Conway) did at the SHOT Show, and the fantastic job that Herr's Schumacher and Prommersberger did at IWA, we are now stacked up for about four (4) months.

Comment from the last couple of times: " During the first quarter of '04 we will be adding people………… Probably as many as a dozen, total.” We added fourteen (14)! And another large CNC vertical machining center. And other small machines. Be patient, we're trying!

Please read SkinnErgram #63 again because it's all true. Also saves me a lot of (slow) typing.

Welcome aboard to Kristian Erickson of "Top Gun” in Scandinavia . That firm will be handling Denmark , Sweden , and Norway as a Stocking Distributor to service the Dealers in those countries. And welcome back to "Libuse Martinkova-LM” who will once again cover the Czech Republic . You are in EXCELLENT company.

Most of you should have the new Price List by now. If you don't, please let us know.

Due to the restructuring in manufacturing that we have just done in order to accommodate the number of guns on order, slide to frame fits and shortblocks may now be taking their place in line just like new gun orders. Parts are not to that point yet, but it may happen. Our old order ratio of 35% guns and 65% parts has gone to 85% guns and 15% parts. Parts aren't down, guns have simply mushroomed. This sudden transition has become a novel challenge.

While we understand that you all have concerns as to the delivery dates on your products and we want to provide you with as much information as possible, we ask you at this time to please not call your STI Sales Contact to check order status. Until the total system is fully functional, they have no way to determine a specific date during a phone conversation. It costs you money to call us and it costs us money to call you back. FAX or Email your inquiries. You won't be ignored and your answers will be more complete and accurate.

Due to lack of interest, we will cease offering guns chambered in .357SIG. When our stock of 120mm magazines for this caliber is exhausted, we are out of that business.

Some of you seem to be surprised when you call for a slide with specific cuts that it's not in stock, just like you want it. Since we discontinued Stainless slides, we only offer them in 428 possible combinations. Down, obviously, from 956. Stop being surprised.

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