We are still assessing the impact that the IWA Show in Nurnberg will have on our lead times but I can tell already that it isn't a pretty picture. We have the plans in place to increase gun output by an additional 50% this year but that will hold our lead times about where they are now. If your Order Entry contact seems reticent to promise a delivery date they are not being evasive, there simply is no formula to determine how fast we can gain on the situation. If your Stocking Orders have not yet been received by us and your place in line established, they'll give you their best guess on new order deliveries but that's the best they can do right now. In fairness to the Sales Department, I'm quoting them a little longer that I really believe that it will take. If you don't want any product ahead of your promised dates, please let them know. On the "Good News" side: First Quarter 2007's gun production over First Quarter 2006 was up 86%. Good start!

I had every intention of taking a close look in December of this year (as I always do) at the sales numbers for each of our firearms with intent to pare a couple that may be under performing. With the huge, and I mean that literally, influx of orders so far this year, I may have to cull some by mid year. Unfortunately, some may have to go that would otherwise have survived but we've got to get a handle on the delivery schedule for the MOST popular models.

Obviously, none of the above applies to the "Spartan" and the "Texican" since they are completed in other facilities. Currently, the Spartan is satisfying all of the demands that you're putting on us but as more and more customers realize its' value, that could change. We'll keep you posted. Believe it or not, it appears that the Texican will start delivery this month after a longer struggle than I had anticipated. It seems, however, to have been worth the effort based on the responses we've gotten as we've shown the preproduction models around. Believe it or not, too, the first two or three month's worth of production is already spoken for.

Now, as they say in show business; "By popular demand", the "Escort" and the "Guardian" product lines are being expanded to include 9mm models. No additional options, just the additional caliber.

Having gone through all of the above for you, this next question may seem strange but here goes anyway: Is the Distributor/Dealer network that STI currently works through ready yet for a polymer framed, DA/SA triggered and safetied gun, suitable for competition or carry, competitive with the foreign made XD's (Croatia) and Glocks (Austria) of the world? This one would take advantage of another factory's manufacturing capability, too. How ‘bout Double Action Only? A "Safe Trigger" style?

A very large part of the preceding question is prompted by the same events that have contributed to your longer lead times. In the past six months we have made large deliveries to, or booked large orders from, militaries in Northern Europe , the United States , and Asia , all for items in our current product line. As we've dealt with these people, the need for either "back up" pistols for the elite units or "less expensive" (and less training required) pistols for the larger organizations has become very apparent. Because we are entertaining opportunities from several other of these governmental groups, we think that they may appreciate "one stop shopping".

We're also finding that, more and more, many governments (including our own) are beginning to recognize the need of individuals to be responsible for their own personal security and are passing or relaxing laws to allow easier civilian ownership and transportation of private firearms. This ever expanding group of buyers seems to prefer "light, cheap, and simple" to "accurate, durable, and elegant". And, as you all well know, more and more "competition shooting groups" are including Divisions to encourage new comers with entry level firearms to join in their sports.

If you subscribe to the "Outdoor Channel", be sure and tune in for the "STI Factory Tour" by Michael Bane that is now showing about three times a week. I haven't seen it yet but I'm told that it's damned well done.

All of you Preferred Dealers and Distributors (especially you recent sign-ons) need to check our website and make sure that we have all of your information correct. Name spelled right, address and phone number correct, link to your website functional, email to the right place, etc. If there any errors or omissions please let your contact know. We'll fix it quick.

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