September, 2003

Well, summer's over and it's time to get back to work.

I want to acknowledge and thank the tens of thousands (actually, a few dozen) of you who were kind enough to respond to my inquiry about Soapbox readership. All of the comments I received were favorable/flattering, no doubt prompted by the bribe of an NAA trinket.

I'm happy to report that practice-grade .32NAA ammunition is now available from Cor-Bon, either directly from the factory (www.corbon.com (though at this writing I haven't seen it posted on their site) or 605-347-4544) or from the network of distributors who ordinarily handle Cor-Bon product. It is somewhat less expensive and appreciably less powerful, to allow for extended range time (71 gr. FMJ, 1000 f.p.s., 50 ea. = $23 MSRP, I'm told). Conversely, I'm sorry to report little apparent progress with the .25NAA round, as the brass manufacturer is delayed in meeting our requests.

Similarly, we have little to show (so far) for our efforts in the development of a .22 caliber Guardian. We have no in-house design capability for this project and so rely on attracting the time and attention of those on whom we depend for assistance. We expect to go forward, though our timetable here continues to slip as well.

We have received reinforced faux mother-of-pearl grips in black and white from our grip supplier, Hogue; these have been designed to better withstand the forces of shooting and will not crack from recoil.

Please note the link on our home page which identifies several iterations of pre-customized Guardians, each of which is available only from the specified distributor ­ tell your dealer where to find them!

Once again, I ask for your attention and efforts to assist in the passage of SB 659 (click for how to help), the proposed federal statute which would preclude the filing of lawsuits against manufacturers, such as NAA, because of the criminal misuse of our products. Passage depends on an affirmative vote in the US Senate. The bill enjoys a majority of co-sponsoring senators, but one which is not yet "fillibusterproof" (ie. 60+). Your voices, particularly from those in states whose senators have not yet come on board, are critical.

In that same vein, and highlighting the need for such legislation:

despite the recent conclusion of a 4+ year federal trial, conducted by the most Brady-supportive judge that could be found, which cost the industry in excess of $10 million to defend, and whose defendants were overwhelming found not guilty/negligent/liable ­ is anyone surprised that an appeal has been filed? Who will stop the madness? When? I'm pissed; how 'bout you? Tell someone.

Sandy

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.