> the SA-85M in the configuration it was sold in 1986. Back
> then the rifle had a pistol grip or folding stock, a
> bayonet lug with a superb bayonet, flash suppressor; it
> came with 3-30 round mags, etc.
>
> Unfortunately, Bush banned this execution in 1989. We
> altered the gun then and had to eliminate the suppressor,
> pistol grip and bayonet lug. Frankly, we felt fortunate to
> be able to continue to import the rifle, even though we
> were seriously disappointed in having to alter the gun.
>
> Then came the 94' Crime Bill. All of us importers though
> that this was the end of these rifles. Again, quite
> frankly, we were quite surprised and pleased to learn that
> we could continue to import the rifle without any further
> modifications from the Bush ban. (In fact, at that time,
> BATF almost allowed us to eliminate the thumbhole stock and
> revert to the pistol grip. They weren't sure which was the
> controlling law, the Bush ban on pistol grips or the Crime
> Bill ban on two or more "bad" features.) BATF advised us
> that to "be safe", we should stick with the thumbhole
> stock. Not wanting to take an adversarial position with the
> agency that runs our commercial lives, we chose to "be
> safe" and continue with the thumbhole.
>
> Fast forward to 1998, and now it's the Clinton ban. No more
> imports of rifles that could accept a "LCMM" (large
> capacity military magazine). We were devastated. However,
> after much careful deliberation with the manufacturer and
> ATF, we embarked on the project to completely retool the
> receiver to accept a proprietary 10 round magazine, and to
> tool up for the new magazine. We felt that there would
> still be a market in the US for the FEG rifle, even in its
> current "politically correct" configuration. We invested a
> small fortune in this endeavor and hopefully we are right
> and the market will accept this new rifle, or we are wrong
> and we will lose our shirts. We think the jury is still out
> on this issue although we have shipped a good quantity of
> the new guns and most have been well received by
> wholesalers, dealers and consumers.
>
> And, just when we think that it might be smooth sailing
> from here on, we see that US Rep Nadler is trying to attach
> an amendment to the Juvenile Justice Bill being considered
> in the House of Representatives, that would ban our new
> SA-2000M, because it has a thumbhole stock! To add insult
> to injury, Nadler even wants to ban the importation of. 22
> caliber rifles that look like so-called "assault rifles".
>
> Sorry for the long winded history lesson. We just wanted to
> make the point that we love this rifle, always have and
> always will. We are only trying to stay in business by
> modifying again and again to comply with new regulations
> that keep coming our way.
>
> I personally have two of the original 1986 SA-85M rifles
> and they will always be my favorites. However, the SA-2000M
> is a viable alternative if someone wants the superb
> functioning characteristics of an AK type rifle.
>
> Feel free to give us your comments any time. We appreciate
> all feedback, pro or con.
>
> Sincerely, Michael B. Kassnar President K.B.I., Inc.