We've been getting some disappointed feedback about the discontinuation of the “BLS”. I'm sorry, but it does not make business sense to pour resources at a “specialty” gun when those efforts can be directed at “mainstream” product. If the volumes had been better, it would still be in production. The “LS” and the “ Model 2200” are “on the bubble” but we're going to give them at least one more year to justify their position in our line-up. If you think that you'll want some, it's time to decide.

How ‘bout that “Legacy”? It's building both adherents and backlog! It will soon be on the cover of Guns & Ammo magazine, accompanied by a several page article. Also, Shooting USA will be airing a segment on the Legacy so we expect further acceptance. You Dealers and Distributors may want to prepare. (i.e. get your orders in place)

Speaking of Shooting USA ; Over the next few months, expect several segments highlighting STI firearms. The segments will be posted on our web site for those of you who miss the shows. The Segment on the “ Edge” , “IPSC 30th” , and “Lawman” , which aired last month, will be posted in the next few weeks. This should help your customers to get a preview of firearms offered by STI.

I failed to address a subject in Sgram #82! The STI “Tactical Adjustable Sight” will be sold separately. Limited quantities of it, as well as the night sight version, are now available.

‘Tis the season when we all start preparing for those industry showcases, the SHOT and the IWA shows. This year we'll be in our new, enlarged location at the SHOT Show, Booth #5887 . It's a little farther back than we normally get, but it was the only way to get the additional exposure that we wanted. You've got the number and you'll get a map when you get there. Find us, it'll be worth your while.

At the IWA Exhibition, we'll be in our regular spot in Building #3 with Mr. Prommersberger. Just through the door and turn right. You can't miss us! Karl will have this year's new models on display and we will be showing off STI's new “tag team” in Sales and Marketing, John and Lori Kestel. I expect you all to make them feel as welcome on the Continent as you have made Pauletta and I feel. John is the MAIN reason that we'll have some really great new catalogs for you and handles most new inquires. Lori normally handles our “Domestic Distributors” and many of our “Domestic Preferred Dealers”. Let's chalk it up to “cross training”.

I forewarned you in the last missive about increasing lead-times due to increased sales. From your point of view, the bad news is that orders HAVE increased and ARE pushing lead-times out somewhat. The good news, again from your viewpoint, is that the new machines, new people, new building, new processes, night shift, and additional gunsmiths are beginning to have a positive impact earlier than I anticipated. Maybe the lead-times won't get as bad as I expected.

With great apologies to our Asian friends: Business has been just too great to allow time for either Mike Voigt or myself to attend any of the November/December events in your area of the world this year. If you'd like to try to prearrange something for next year, Mike will be in-plant here from the 12 th ‘til the 22 nd of this month. If you'll contact us here, maybe we can work something out WELL in advance for 2006.

For you Domestics: With USPSA recognizing a “Single Stack Division” as of Jan. 1st , do any of you have a feel for potential quantity increases that will require us to adjust our Min/Max numbers for 2006? This will probably impact the “Trojan”, the “Lawman”, and the “Legacy” most.

If the year coasts on out the way it appears that it will, we will end up with an annual business increase of 15-16%. That's in the range that we have become used to, but that percentage of large numbers is a whole lot harder to keep up with than that percentage of smaller numbers were. With what we are currently seeing in South America and Asia (especially the Philippines ) I intend to attempt to hold Domestic growth to about 9% next year. Wish us luck.

Pending unusual circumstances, this should be your last Sgram of 2005. All of you please accept our gratitude for a very good year and our very best wishes that you all have good health, good business, and a good time for the balance of this year and all of next.

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