ihmsa forums

Just had a long phone conversation with Marty Ebbinghaus at HausOfArms about the new SSK-50 Contender frames. I placed an order for one back in November and he called to give me the latest status.
He has just returned from the Shot Show and was still unpacking as we talked on the phone.
Originally this new frame was scheduled for release this month. Apparently there has been some issues with the foundry that is producing these frames but that has now been corrected.
Marty said they now expect the first batch of frames to be ready about 1 April.
He said they already have orders for almost 400 frames so I would suggest anyone interested in this new frame to go to the HausOfArms website and place their order now.
He said there was a lot of excitement at the shot show for this new frame and he even talked to some silhouette shooters about this frame.
Also check out their website for lots of replacement parts for Contenders.
This new frame is a direct copy of the easy open Contender so now what we normally pay for a used Contender frame will now get you a brand new CNCed frame.
I plan to bring mine to our LHA matches this year so our local shooters can get a good look at it.
Just wanted to give an update.

I ordered one direct from Lehigh Defense. The actually cancelled my order for now. Said they would email and ask if I still wanted one when they became available.

Greg,
When the foundry problem popped up HoA, SSK and maybe Lehigh got concerned about new orders piling up.
Marty said they were offering to return money to the people who did not want to wait and maybe were cancelling order too.
Marty asked if I wanted my money back but I said no to save my place in line for getting a frame.
If you still wanted to order one I would suggest you go to HoA and order one. They are $10 cheaper there than SSK. Don't know what LD was charging.
I was also told they expect these to really be great selling items once they get them into the public. They had lots of great feedback at the Shot Show from some of the long range single shot shooters.
I'm willing to stay with them a while longer unless some major problem pops up later.