Our preparation for the launch of this product reminds me of the joke whose punchline is “Stand back, Eve, I have no idea how big this thing’s going to get!”
Our anecdotal experience over the past couple of years at trade shows and the like (including the recent NRA-produced CarryGuard Expo in Milwaukee) suggests to me that there is some familiarity with our efforts to reintroduce this product. I’ve seen/heard of a great sense of anticipation (at least amongst our friends in our Message Board community). Resale prices for Ranger I would suggest that the demand will be strong. Only time will tell how the product is received and whether or not it will have legs beyond the initial surge. Assuming we can meet our admittedly premium price point (<$500), I believe this could become the flagship of our product line.
As earlier indicated, we will offer an Early Bird purchase opportunity for Friends of the Factory only, which will be defined as registered members of our Message Board community; simply becoming aware of the program and indicating your interest (on a specific sales order page we will create on our website) will not secure you a place in the line, which will be roughly ordered according to the number of posts you’ve made on our MB. I expect that the ordering window will be open for 30 days. While we have not yet determined the size of the allocation for the EB window, I expect it will approximate a couple/few hundred pieces.
During the EB program, output will be divided between EB participants and our best distributor partners. I expect the early production rate will be maddeningly slow and the time for us to fulfill accepted EB orders could stretch several months. When we receive all of the info we will require, including payment info. and the FFL of the receiving dealer, you will receive a confirmation of acceptance. All accepted orders will receive a Ranger II. As more details become available, we will share them.
To confirm: the Ranger II will be fitted with a magnum cylinder. A second cylinder chambered in LR will be available for the EB and thereafter. I expect that virtually all grips designed for the magnum frame will fit this model. Different barrel lengths will be offered (including a 4” model for our friends in CA) but only the short barrel will be available for the EB.
-Sandy Chisholm