I don't know for sure what is happening outside of our little community, but I read prices are high everywhere.
Prices are triple at our local gun shop but I wouldn't say the owner is gouging. He simply can get replacement 9mm for $200 per thousand like he could 18 months ago. He is paying a big price wholesale and passing the costs to his customers - if they want to buy at the going rate.
It is supply and demand. The big reason for the demand is because a dictator has been selected to ruin - I mean run - the nation.
And I knew that was a possibility 18 months ago. I could kick myself for not mortgaging the farm and buying a car load of ammo. That is my fault.
I know that with the 22 ammo these guys were buying from Walmart. The managers would let them know when the shipments came in and they would be there first to purchase it at normal price. Take it to shows and triple price. Now the local stores are paying more and customers have to pay more. I stocked up and quit going to the range a while back so I could keep my supply. But always will get more. Need 223.. and wouldn’t mind 9mm.
I work part time in a sporting goods store.
In 2019 our average shelf price for 9mm was $12.99
Our average shelf price now is $22.99 (when we can get it)
At the range I paid $30.
Neither the range or the store has increased their margin, the cost for everything is higher.
Our ammo shelves are stripped clean, even the off beat calibers are gone.