April, 2001

It's here.

While I had been hoping that a few deliveries of our long-anticipated .380 Guardian would have been made before week's end (F03/30), it was not so. I have been assured, however, that Darvell can retrieve his pistol from the factory as soon as he presents himself on Monday (04/02) and that deliveries to the rest of our Early Birders will begin to be made on a regular, albeit limited basis. Our primary suppliers, such as Kahr, are familiarizing themselves with this project, and deliveries from NAA can be expected to improve over the next several months as our capacity grows. As with any popular (we hope) new product, availability will likely be tight in the early months (please note in the October, 2000 Soapbox our inability to control retail market prices).

F.Y.I. I attach a copy of the letter which is enclosed with each of these first models. I'm looking forward to the feedback. I imagine many of you will hear/see it as soon as I do; stay tuned.

Thank you for your interest in this new pistol offering from North American Arms, and congratulations on your purchase of the .380 Guardian! We feel very confident that you will be happy with your purchase.

You're doubtless aware that these are the very first of these pistols to reach the market ­ beta versions, if you will. As such, we're depending on hearing from you about your experiences. While we've run thousands of rounds through several pistols, we feel that your experiences will be very helpful if we find any 'fine-tuning' is necessary. You, more than most, know that we've tried to build our business/reputation by jumping through hoops, if necessary, to do everything in our power to 'guarantee' your satisfaction with NAA and its products.

We're also counting on your sharing your these experiences ­ good, bad, or otherwise - with others of your friends and acquaintances, either personally or through the 'Net via. our Message Board or rec.guns, for example. While we hope/expect the reviews will generally be 'rave', we're prepared for 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth'.

Thank you for your confidence and enthusiasm to become 'the first on your block' to have this exciting new firearm. Let us know how you like it. I can be reached either at sandy@naaminis.com or at my office in Philadelphia at 610-940-1668. I look forward to hearing from you.

Whazzup with the Message Board.

In my last post to our old board (which you may have missed because it was up so briefly before we transitioned), I shared your anticipation and anxiety about the change in format. I, too, had been very comfortable with the old one, and saw no reason for a change. Notwithstanding, I've been advised that the trade-offs weigh to our (your) advantage, and to deal with it ­ please join me. Please, also, be assured that it's still our space, which should not interrupt the sense of community and familiarity to which we've become accustomed.

Anyway, I'm planning to join Ken and Bob in Germany later this week. I'm scheduled to leave Phila. Tomorrow (Mon.) afternoon ­ think that's going to happen?!@#%

Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) checks out the latest edition of the North American Arms catalog. He mentioned that he regularly carries two of the firm's firearm products after receiving death threats several years ago. ASSC's 1996 Congressional Leader of the Year Award was presented to Sen. Hatch "in appreciation of his leadership and commitment in defense of our heritage, our industry and our life"


Photo & caption by Robert M. Hausman - used with permission.