OUR 1ST NEWSLETTER OF THE TRUE NEW MILLENNIUM...
And keeping with our desire to keep out any kind of writing/reading rut...here is what you will find in this newsletter. Lots of the same column headings, tho with current content, and the ever popular used gun list, known in polite circles as the "pre-owned firearms."
We are starting this year out with a bang so to speak. It has actually been busier this January and February than it was in December thanks to our incredible Wisconsin weather.
NEW PRODUCT NEWS...
From as many as we can think of... First thing you the consumer can appreciate is that the new year did not bring any really scary price increases. Yes, there were some, but nothing like in the past. So in no particular order, here is all the news fit to print...
Browning has big rifle news in their 300 Winchester Small Magnum caliber. Basically, this is a new caliber, for a short action, and with a change in neck angle, the end result was a smaller cartridge that "runs" as well as a regular 300 Magnum, but with quicker feed, and dimensionally a smaller firearm overall. The Browning Buckmark 22 rifles are in stock now and the ones that have "gone away" so far are in rather happy homes. Browning also has a $75 rebate on their 3.5" 12 gauge pumps. And super deals on 24" automatic 3.5" 12 gauges. Ruger has a new stock on their synthetic bolts, no longer the "skeleton" one. And a 480 Revolver to out-do the 454. Their Red Label Over and Unders continue to expand and be even better. Remington of course just had to add two more Ultra Magnums; a 7 and a 375. And there is the new bolt rifle intended to sell for far under $400 with scope. Franchi shows up with a new magnum automatic and a couple of even neater Over and Unders at bargain prices. Stoeger, now shepherded by Benelli has some great side by sides and over and unders. We hope to have these in by mid March. And Benelli themselves, have a 20 gauge pump...just as ugly as the 12 gauge Nova, but smaller. And a recoil reducer is now available for the Automatics. Kimber is out with a center-fire rifle, and a price reduction on their polymer Pistols. Savage just keeps on making more and more different models to more closely meet individuals wants and needs. And in other news, H&R is now a part of Marlin, which is a good thing for both companies. Look for no changes except better wood to metal fit in the H&Rs. More next time on all these...
A TOUCH OF NATIONAL POLITICS...
Always a fun subject to broach, but we have a chance it seems at least 4 years of conditions more conductive to our rights and wants and needs. On one hand nothing is brewing on the legislative front, yet just beyond the light from campfire, lurks the usual host of organizations etc. trying to make changes. Again we reiterate that the "rules" should be written by those who know what the game is. Otherwise you end up with a patchwork of weird and ineffective laws. Sounds a little like the scenario in place. And once again we remind you to vote with a stamp and a few words to your employees, the Senators and Legislators you hired. And even if you didn't vote for your rep, he or she still works for you.
A BIT OF LOCAL POLITICS...
Something of a big change with our new Governor, we saw Scott McCallum when he was much younger and beginning his career in politics. He has become a very effective and capable man. How he will govern the State relative to the wants and needs of the sportsman remains to be seen. But at this point, we truly believe he will be as rational and sensible and sensitive to "use" and he is to the rest of the operations of the State... DNR license system continues to work this year. And you will be thrilled with the designer colors of this years tags.
THE WORLD OF SCOPES/OPTICS...
Compared to the old days, scopes are so much fun for us as well as you due to the reliability factor. And we wait until the time that someone has a real rangefinder IN the scope that is practical. Till' then we just have to use any of the incredibly accurate laser rangefinders available. C'mon in and see us for Nikon, Leopold, Bushnell, Burris, Weaver, Simmons, Zeiss, and once again, we have Redfield.
FISHIN'...
Is back in season at Bills...we have a lot of fun rebuilding this department. Lots of great rods and reels and all the odds and ends that you can not possibly live without. Got some great deals on rod/reel combos and Tackle Boxes in our spring shopping. Deals are passed on to YOU. Come on in and mellow out in ye olde fishin department.
BOW-HUNTING...
As this profound tome is being misspelled on the computer, early riser Paul is unpacking and figuring out all the new state of the art archery stuff for this year. And it seems that these companies are working to make things a lot easier to adjust and use with even greater effectiveness.
BOOT WORLD...
As of this writing, we aren't sure what changes are in store for LaCrosse. But they will continue to exist and have a great boot line. Georgia and Browning lineups are announced and either here or on their way. General changes are the streamlining of the 1000 and 2000 gram boots as well as new soles on all weights. The new soles are best described as being a little better at keeping the lugs clean. This isn't brain surgery but its still a nice improvement.
SPORTSWEAR (ALSO KNOWN AS HUNTIN', SHOOTIN', WALKIN' STUFF...
It's in and on the racks in every fashion camouflage and color imaginable. Not to mention sizes also. Something else that we have a lot of done with. Not to mention the suspense of trying to guess correct sizes, colors, styles and so on.
GUN CLUBS...
We are still trying to get a complete listing of every club and its facilities for publishing. Gun Clubs, there are a lot of people out there who would love to become involved with you, and would be great members. Shooters, there are plenty of great gun clubs out there that would meet your needs and are incredible bargains. And remember that supporting your Club or Clubs is also serving to insure the future for us all as well as those to come.
GUN SAFES...
We still have these and as a matter of fact, have another "load" coming off the truck, probably as you are reading this. If we don't have the perfect one for you, we can probably get it for you quickly.
HOURS OF OPERATION...
We are open from 9 to 9, Monday through Friday, all the time. And 9 to 5 on Saturday. We are closed Sundays and Holidays. This year, like last, we will close on Memorial and Labor Day Weekends for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
SMITH & WESSON...
Remember all the headlines and controversy of the year past? Well campers, here is the situation as of now as far as we know. The issue does not exist. We were waiting to see what our 2001 dealer agreement would be, when all the onerous conditions would take effect. We think that S&W was indeed coerced into that agreement, and that it was contingent on other companies becoming involved. When that did not occur, plus the change in Political Administration, all that was to be is not. and Colt Firearms??? This is a bit more sad, for though Colt still exists, their lineup of models is really short, and delivery of the same is even leaner. And since Bushmaster is now supposedly the official AR-15 maker to the government, Colt AR's are much more readily available at rather reasonable prices. BUT, suddenly the Bushmaster Company looks more legitimate to you as well as us.
NEWSLETTER INTENTIONS (BEST OF)...
We got four of these gems out last year. So now we are in year three. We will get at least four of these out to your smiling mailboxes this year. Hopefully more, including a somewhat unusual one that will be focused on just one maker. Browning. And a little like this premier issue of 2001 that has the coupons and One Day Sale things, we will see how that goes. And continue to have a good time with this, and sincerely hope that you do to!!!
CROW NEWS...
And now the news from what is, as you all agree, the last true sport left in America. Seems as though the Crow hunting this season so far has been just mediocre. Not good or bad, just ok. Perhaps the great season for Coyote and what seemed to be a real good time for getting some fox was a factor. We were going to have a best recipe contest, but don't have adequate ventilation for the testing.
LOMIRA HEADLINES...
Despite the ugly rumors, trust me it isn't true that there are parking meters in the sparkling village. Yes we do have the spanky new traffic lights, but not one single meter. And we do so look forward to spring, when there is no ice on ye olde hill. We worked through this winter on making a number of improvements to the Bills environment. Looking forward to some more as spring blooms. We'll keep you posted or you could meander in and see for yourself. We still think you are the most important thing in our store!!! And we look forward to continuing to serve you!!!
HAPPY TRAILS...
From all of us here on ye olde hill in Lomira, thanks again for your patronage. We look forward to seeing you again and again.
Sincerely... Ken, Paul, Dan, Kathy, Andy, Old Dick, Older Dick, Diane, Al, and Joe