Hi Guys,

We're back "in country", but will be "out of pocket" from the 11th - 27th. Just a few reminders and a couple of new items.

I mentioned John Kestel (will be covering for Pauletta) in Sgram #69. John is a recent STI addition in the Sales Dept. New to us, but not new to the industry. John started life as a graphics kinda' guy. Worked for another "modular firearms manufacturer" for a while, left to create and own his own firearms company, successfully sold it, and has joined us. He's a shooter with better than average customer service experience. If your "contact of choice" is not available, you'll be in good hands with John.

For you Europeans: We had a great time at the European Championships! Very much enjoyed seeing those of you who came by to visit. Saw a lot of old friends. Made a lot of new ones. We're looking forward to '06! We really appreciate those of you who brought people by from countries that have just joined the European Union. We anticipate good business with those people.

For you Domestics, we'll be at the USPSA and PPC Nationals this month. Looking forward to seeing you all!

For you Asians and Aussies, we'll be in Bali and Thailand in November. While we are unable (State Dept. permits) to ship product to Indonesia, we anticipate meeting with new potential Dealer/Distributors at the Level III match in Cholburi, Thailand.

As an early prediction on this quarters growth over 2003, I'll guess that it will be around 40-44%. We really are gaining on you. Average lead-time is down to about 10 weeks.

At this point, I've got to assume that the U.S. "Assault Weapons Ban" will Sunset on Sept. 13. That means that we go back to making normal capacity guns and magazines. Any stamped magazines that you have in inventory can then be sold to anyone, with or without the stamp. Guns shipped to you after that time will ship with 126mm (butt flush) normal capacity magazines and may or may not be stamped. If you live in a state that still bans these items, please let your sales contact know. We'll happily swap you out for a 10 rounder at gun shipping time. Replacement parts will still be available, including spring (star) plates.

On the subject of magazines, we are changing our finishing method. Your newest ones should be a little slicker and more rust resistant. They are easily identified by a slightly darker color. We'll bring a couple of samples to the USPSA Nationals.

It's that time of year! NASGW is approaching! SHOT Show is approaching. IWA is approaching! NRA ain't far off! What do you want us to look at as far as new products are concerned? What do you think that we should discontinue? We realize that we haven't done much marketing on the "Wasp" or the "Hornet". Much of that is my personal prejudices' coming to the fore. What is you guy's opinion as to the future for these two?

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