Posted on 09/14/2009 4:28:39 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
While the U.S. economy remains in a slump, and sales for most products are at a five-year low, there is one industry that is unable to meet the demand for their products. Both guns and ammo are in short supply, and factories are running around the clock to meet the demand for both guns and ammunition.
With gun owners fearing that Obama’s White House will soon restrict their gun rights, they are buying up guns and ammo in a never before seen demand, outstripping the ability of manufacturers to provide suppliers, and leaving many shelves empty. "We can’t stock enough bullets," say most gun shop owners. "As soon we put them out they’re gone."
Most gun owners tend to keep buying more ammo, though they already have more than they’ll ever need, and some stores are now limiting customers to four boxes of ammo per visit. Some people who have never before owned a weapon have seen how many ordinary folks were buying guns and ammunition and got worried about the threat of not being able to buy a gun, and have now purchased arms. Experts say that the nationwide boom can be attributed to last year’s political campaign and the Brady campaign to prevent gun violence.
Increased U.S. military use has also contributed to the shortage of ammo, with millions of rounds a year simply being used for training. The military and law enforcement agencies have first claim on the sale of ammo, and the M-16 and M-4 rifles used by the military are prime users of millions of rounds.
Law enforcement agencies have also been acquiring larger than normal supplies in order to have plenty of ammo in reserve. To exacerbate the situation there is also a shortage of lead, brass and copper; all metals that are necessary in the production of bullets, and the price of these metals is going through the ceiling. Hunters and target shooters -- pardon the pun -- will just have to bite the bullet, and where ammunition is still available, prices have skyrocketed. A wholesale box of .223- caliber ammunition has gone from $2 to $5 in just the last two years.
If there is one thing Americans love more than the automobile it is the owning of firearms, and one would be hard put to find a home without a weapon of some kind. I have personally owned a gun since I was 15 years old, and have spent many an enjoyable day in the field with my brothers and my son, and the thrill of the hunt with my favorite weapon has always been a most enjoyable experience. When treated with respect, guns can be the source of much pleasure, and they are also an excellent means of protection.
I was a teenager during World War II, and was restricted to the amount of ammunition I could purchase for my 16 gauge shotgun because of the demands of the armed services, but I grew up with guns, and they have been a part of my life for many years.
When I entered the Army, I was familiar with the operation of firearms, and I had little trouble mastering the functions of most of the weapons I encountered, but it all started back on the farm where I learned about guns and ammunition.
Though I no longer do a lot of shooting, I still have a love affair with guns and ammo, and I believe that every young man and woman should familiarize themselves with firearms. Our right to do so is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.
Finally found a megapack of.380 UMC today.
I’m 5’ & looking for a nice easy handgun. Anyone have any suggestions?
A 9mm usually offers decent power, but without the recoil (kick) of a 40 or 45.
If you’re a first-time gun buy, I’d recommend something affordable, small, concealable (a multi-purpose firearm), something like a 9mm Taurus.
I'll gladly pay the five dollars. Another "Count the mistakes" endeavor.
.22LR Sturm Ruger Mark II. or Smith and Wesson 22A.
God bless the founding fathers and the 2nd amendment. <sarcasm>How could this possibly have missed being reported in the "mainstream" media?</sarcasm>
Maybe a LadySmith or a Bodyguard or some other “hammerless” revolver. They won’t snag if you have to pull them out fast.
The Taurus model 85 ul(ultra-lite).It is small, light and accurate.And if you get the deluxe version the barrel is “ported”, which will reduce felt recoil by up to 50%. This fine revolver is also +p rated, so you can shoot the “hotter” self defense loads no problem. All taurus firearms have a lifetime warranty,even if you buy one used! I’ve been selling guns six days a week for over 13 years and this is one of the guns I carry in the shop.You will never regret buying one of these.
Thanks for everyone’s suggestions regarding a hand gun. I’m a 62 year old female so I need something that is light and easy to use. I look forward to target shooting!
The problem with a revolver is the statement it’s easy to use. Well, the problem isn’t using. It’s hitting. In a self defense situation, shooting a revolver in double action isn’t as easy as the posters say.
I’m teaching a middle of the road on politics lady and so far, teaching her with anything more than a .22 auto is being problematic. She’s complaining of the weight and the fact all the guns she has looked at are ugly. I took her to the gunshow on Saturday and the only handgun she has started to like is a Sturm Ruger Mark II .22LR. It’s in stainless with the original tapered barrel for weight considerations. Replace the grips with colored panels and she might stop thinking they’re all ugly.
The other thing is she had already told me she has no intention of competing. She missed the point. Competing is exactly like when she invites me to her family’s bowling night. No difference. Besides, IDPA competitions are really fun. Our oldest competitor fought in the Korean War.
Now most Freepers will tell you that the .22 is useless for self defense. That’s entirely true. The difference is if you buy a .22 now, you’ll be on the road to learning to shoot which is a little more difficult for a newbie lady than I had ever admitted to.
Whatever gun I purchase I plan on doing alot of practice. We have a few gun ranges close by & I would never purchase a gun without training & practice. I don’t care if its ugly as long as I can handle it & it does its job if I need it. My younger sister is a top notch hunter (caribou, deer) etc. but she doesn’t use hand guns. In fact I could never hunt as I can’t even stand venison cooking but target shooting would be right down my line.
It sounds as though you would like the Ruger Mark II. It’s durable and you don’t have to worry about reloading cartridges. As far as just being a .22LR, don’t worry about that until you become proficient.
That is what I was thinking.
RE: Shooter 2.5’s comments on the Ruger MKII, you do have to worry about getting ammo. Recommend thousands of rounds at whatever pace is practical. But the things shoot like lasers.
I don’t have a problem finding .22LR. I may not get the brand that I want but it’s everywhere. I also don’t have to reload the empties or pick up the brass. It may not be a good defensive firearm but that comes later when the beginner learns to hit what they’re aiming at under stress. Then they can move to a larger caliber.
Locally, .22LR goes for $69 per 400 round brick. Not that I buy it; I saw this coming years ago. CB Shorts are just starting to reappear. Reloading has become a good thing. And I’m thinking of looking into swaging dies. Hornady got started by stuffing lead into spent .22 cases to create .224 bullets.
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