Posted on 01/30/2013 5:46:49 AM PST by thackney
... "This is usually full of .22 up here. .45 and .40...
"We used to sell 30,000 rounds a month of ammo and we’ve done that in a week, and sometimes even a day in ammo," James said.
What little they do have is generally high end and there is a limit on all purchases: a three-box max or 150 rounds at a time. That’s for all types and all sizes.
It’s not just one store.
Ron Casady has been shopping for weeks.
"I noticed online and everything is out of stock. Click add to cart. Sorry we are out of stock." Casady said.
When it comes to ammunition, there is pressure on everybody from the manufacturers to the distributors to those that resell that ammunition and it is not getting better anytime soon.
Several manufacturers have back orders of 14 months, some as long as two years.
James said, "Most of the manufacturers I have talked to have gone to round-the-clock production."
It is not just gun stores and recreational shooters scrambling, area police departments are starting to feel the impact.
Several departments KHOU 11 News talked to are putting limits on ammo that can be used for training on non-duty weapons.
So far, there are no outright shortages in our area, but plenty of departments are worried about their orders for next year, both in the ability to get the ammunition and what it will likely cost.
It takes plenty of ammo to train police officers.
One law enforcement rifle instructor said it takes between 800 and 1200 rounds to get certified on a police rifle, and that's for one officer on one gun.
It’s the political climate most believe is fueling the run on guns and ammo, and it seems that is not calming either.
(Excerpt) Read more at khou.com ...
I can keep a secret ... I can’t vouch for the people I tell.
Handloaders don’t own any any guns.
We own bullet pullers just so we can get the brass.
With these prices, I'll aim a little better when I shoot at the bad guys - can't afford to miss.
My Dad grew up on a farm in the Midwest during the depression. He would go hunting for rabbits with a .22 and would get in trouble if he used more than one round per rabbit. Needless to say, he became a pretty good shot.
There is no doubt, most sellers in guns and ammo could be making more money if they could get supply. But the situation is not going to last forever.
The market will likely stabilize at point higher than what it was, but eventually, buyers like myself who used to keep several months supply at home will settle out at a few years supply. But my consumption of ammo is not going to keep up with my current purchasing rate. I am going to reach a balance point.
Now I know a few that had a casual interest in guns that are currently taking it more serious, spending more than they should to buy a gun or two now and going to a range for the first time in years. But that demand, while it may settle higher, is still going to settle and not continue to grow at the current rate.
While you are laffing, it will be sold out.
It’s a lost sale for that day because the sale was made the previous day, so overall it’s not a lost sale.
Was in one of my local Wallyworlds yesterday to pick up a couple boxes of .308’s and noticed that the shelves virtually bare. 95% of all ammo gone.
People are scared and hoarding based on my many conversations at many different locals.
The fact stores are limiting purchases now seems to be helping. A little for everyone is better than none at all.
The consensus from folks I talk to is that this is the worst they’ve ever seen it but, they expect it to recover in due time.
Prayers up for that.
I have gotten to the point of buying anything I might need, simply because the supply is not there. I just placed an order for more 45 ACP bullets for reloading even though I am pretty well stocked. I will pick up .22 and .223 when possible. This feeds on itself, as everyone is doing the same thing I am doing.
ExpatGator just brought this up on another thread.
“...With nothing to stock, what will they be selling to pay the bills?...”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2983593/posts#26
Also of concern is the period of time, assuming that we are not engaged in a civil war, when this bubble pops.
Gun manufacturers may find that they have already created and sold several years supply of guns and that the used market is able to supply the majority of purchasers.
The same could apply to ammo manufacturers, perhaps to a lesser degree because their product is consumed more quickly than firearms are.
Five years from now, perhaps in the depths of a stag-flation like we have never seen before, a used gun will go for a mere $10,000, or a pound of rice.
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