Greetings from South Africa,

I happened upon this site (and a great one it is!) and was quite surprised to see my name mentioned here in an old posting. If the moderator, and you all, would allow me I have a few comments regarding the statements made and would also like to add in a bit of background. In addition to this I would very much like to receive constructive criticism, comments etc.

• South Africa had a change in our firearm legislation in 2004 and it was a stuff up of magnamamous proportions! We had around 750 licensed dealers in 2003 and now in 2010 there are around 60 active dealers in South Africa, I for one retrenched some 20 people.

• There are 7 licensed civilian and military manufactures in South Africa (including us) unfortunately many have closed e.g. MUSGRAVE, VEKTOR, TRUSITO, etc doing business in South Africa is tough, very tough.

• Why did we start making in line muzzleloaders? Because they do not require a firearm licence (most of them) and it can take up to 5 years (or more) for an individual to get a firearm licence thanks to our new law and inefficient licensing system so BANG went out traditional core market.

• Why did our first in lines have a stamped trigger guard? I was involved in a partnership and the majority vote decided that was the way to go. I am no longer involved in said partnership and can now make guns and rifles as I see fit. Most (all?) of the poor features have been done away with and we think we now have a pretty fine muzzleloader at a competitive price.

• How are they made: Just about everything is made in house including our barrels (.177 to 4 bore) and stocks. All our firearms are hand stocked and checkered so each one is basically a custom made firearm.

• What calibres do we offer our in line in? .31 through to 4 bore the .36, .451, .50 and .72 are the most popular.

• What do they cost? from ZAR 7368.00 excl VAT (approx U.S. $1000.00) which is much the same price as a mass produced Pedersoli Rolling Block here in South Africa.

• Do we make “traditional” muzzleloaders? Yes, but these are special orders only. The market here in South Africa is very immature and price sensitive. We would love to make more beautiful English sporting hammer guns and rifles but unfortunately most of our market is still quite happy with a Spanish made Ardesa or Indian made Delli House.