It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I saw this on an ESPN website. The Google chart (attached) is very interesting....it shows that searches for the word "ammo" have more than doubled. Hmmmm....I wonder why?:bear_rolleyes:

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/h...ory?id=4021404

As a growing number of gun shoppers are discovering these days, it's becoming easier to buy a gun than it is to purchase the ammunition for it. Shortages of popular handgun calibers in particular have dealers and customers fuming, and ammo makers have shifted their production lines into overdrive to keep up with the demand. How long will the "bullet bubble" last? That depends in large part on politics in Washington and in statehouses across the land, and the messages that various legislative efforts convey.

A spike in searches for the term 'ammo' reflects an increased public interest since late 2008. [CrufflerJJ: see attached picture]

Concerns over what the election of Barack Obama portends for gun owners is the main cause for the inflated demand for ammunition. In fact, since last November's election ammunition has been flying off store shelves faster than you can say "microstamping," with sales increases topping 100 percent in many areas. Gun sales ramped up by 42 percent last November, but have cooled off slightly since. From Election Day to now, the monthly sales average for firearms has been about 29 percent higher than normal. February sales tailed off a bit, to slightly more than 23 percent over average, according to sales figures compiled by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

Ted Novin, the NSSF's director of public affairs, says that the next report on ammunition sales won't be in until May, but there's enough anecdotal evidence to suggest more boom times for the gun crowd � literally and figuratively.

"From what we've heard, ammunition manufacturers are operating at full capacity in an attempt to keep up with demand," says Novin. "Gun owners are worried about taxes being added to ammo, or worried about new laws that will affect the production, and consequently the price, of ammunition. It's understandable; there are a lot of people in power now who have a long history of supporting bills that violate Second Amendment rights."

Valerie Peters, a spokesperson for Winchester Ammunition in East Alton, Ill., says her company's plant is running "24/7" in an attempt to keep up with demand.

"It seems that there has been a demand for all calibers since last fall," says Peters. "We're keeping production systems going around the clock and through the weekends."

With the threat of rising prices, many gun owners are stocking up on common handgun calibers, causing supply shortages around the country.
Jim Rausher, co-owner of Joe's Sporting Goods in St. Paul, Minn., spends a lot of time talking with his customer and listening to their concerns when they sidle up to the cash register with handfuls of ammo boxes. Though most customers think that any attempts by the Obama administration and its legislative surrogates to circumvent the Second Amendment will be quashed, they're not so sure about the prospects for ammunition.

"A lot of my guys think that the government is going to tax ammo to the point that it gets ungodly expensive," says Rausher. "So they're buying ammo and putting it away � 9mm, .380, .38 Special, .40 S&W, .45 � all the popular stuff. I think they're probably on the right track. Something is coming; something is going to happen. Whether it's microstamping or non-lead bullets, ammo is going up in cost."

At Mark's Outdoor Sports in Birmingham, Ala., owner Mark Whitlock is nonplussed by what has apparently become a rush to hoard ammo.

"I've seen some strange things in the past 29 years in business but I never thought I'd see the day when I would make one order in one day for more ammo than I sold during all of the previous year," said Whitlock. "I'm doing that, knowing I won't get it, and also knowing that if I did, I could sell it all and be ordering more three days later."

Beside the popular handgun calibers such as 9mm and .380 (whose shortage might be due to the fact that ammo companies run it on the same production lines as the more popular 9mm), Mark's Outdoor Sports also is running low on even popular rifle loads such as .223, .30-06, .308 and .270.

"I had a guy come in my store who bought $5,000 worth of shotgun ammo for his bird hunting � this is in March. He's worried about ammo shortages too, but nothing like the handgun and rifle guys," observed Whitlock. "It's like a run on grocery stores when a hurricane is coming. It's milk-and-bread time, down to whatever you can get."

Al Russo, a spokesman for Remington Arms in Madison, N.C., echoes Whitlock's assessment of the irrational rush to buy ammunition, though he added that his company wasn't complaining.

Some outdoors stores have seen hunters buying thousands of dollars worth of shotgun ammo for hunting, even out of season.
"We underestimated the impact of a Democratic president; we didn't fully understand the 'fear factor' that would result among our best customers," says Russo. "Even if everything leveled off tomorrow, it would take 60 to 90 days for our production to normalize. We have no inventory, the trade has no inventory and the stores have no inventory. What's worse, the supply of reloading components has really dried up. There's a shortage of primers and bullets, so the reloaders are temporarily out of luck, too."

Industry spokespeople are reluctant to predict when the ammo-buying stampede will have run its course. Interestingly, though there is a shortage, the price of ammunition hasn't gone through the roof correspondingly. Russo puts the current increase rate at about 5 percent, though more for ammo manufactured overseas where supplies of components are often an issue even during normal times.

Is all the ammo-buying frenzy for naught? Do consumers have a misplaced distrust of politicians who, from a gun owner's perspective, just don't get it when it comes to the Second Amendment?

Last year, legislators in 20 states tried and failed to pass bills requiring ammo manufacturers to make bullets that were "microstamped" or serialized with codes that would identify the batches. Their premise was that ammo coding would make it easier for law enforcement agents to track down the sources of ammunition used in the commission of crimes. However, opponents argued that beyond driving manufacturing costs upward and requiring retailers to keep more records, such laws would have little deterrent effect on crimes committed by people who stole ammo or purchased it secondhand.

Though various lawmakers in New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Virginia, Connecticut and Georgia have sponsored bills this spring to require serialized bullet codification or microstamping, it's doubtful that any will pass. Still, doubt isn't likely to deter ammo buyers.

Despite lots of saber rattling, a nuclear war between the United States and the former USSR was also doubtful back in the 60s, but that didn't keep people from building bomb shelters.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Little brother picked up a bunch of .45, 9mm, .223 (unfortunately not .556) at Dick's sporting goods. Reportedly prices ok.

Just an FYI,

ST

PS:
Ct the home of the spineless politician will be among the first to pass microstamping if \ when it gains traction.
Constitution state my ass.........

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

what kinds of 9mm would that be???

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Silver Bullets...:biggrin:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I recently bought Glaser Blue Safety Slugs 9mm for $19 (pack 6). That's a little over $3 a round (I can't find them anywhere else and had no problem paying a little more for what I want).

So TA isn't too far off when it comes to certain ammunition.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Lately I have been more excited about locating and buying ammo than ordering silver. I am also disapointed with the primer situation. I have been wanting to reload for over a decade. So I went out and bought a press and all of the goodies only to find out there are no primers.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I'm in the same boat. Got lucky last weekend...went to a small gun shop and they had a BIG box (like 5K) of small match pistol primers for around $40. I snatched it up....along with some powder.

I have bullets coming and am considering ordering equipment to mould my own...

I have brass on backorder, but I figure I can always go to the range and make some once-fired brass.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

This kind of news is what makes me concerned about a lack of a side arm in my gun preps. I've been mostly focused on acquiring long guns, and their subsequent ammunition and magazines, but don't have ANYTHING yet with regards to a hand gun and subsequent ammunition and magazines.

I almost wonder if it would be a better play to pick up mags and ammo for 'X' handgun right now and attempt to locate 'X' handgun after the fact.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Might not be a bad idea. If nothing else, I'd probably get some 9mm or 45 ACP ammo as those will probably be the most common.

Also, if you already have a 22 rifle, you can get a 22 handgun relatively cheap--or even a 32 ACP handgun (stay away from 380 if you want to find ammo though). Although it's not my first preference for defence, beats nothing.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Not a bad idea at all. Some folks are taking this approach & buying mags for the Glock 19 or 17, plus ammo whenever they find it.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

spikes as associated w/ gurrent events....


http://www.google.com/trends?q=ammo

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Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

It also shows a similar jump for the phrase "mosin nagant", "glock magazine", or "7.62x54r".

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Looks like acquiring some .45acp and some XD mags is going to be my next move. Thanks for the input guys. :ok:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Oops - now we know what the x gun is.:15_1_70v:

Good choice.:565:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I concur...love my XD 45. You can get XD mags cheap at www.cdnnsports.com ....a full $3-7 cheaper than elsewhere that I've seen.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/spxdfusi4513.html

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

At the Local Gunshow this weekend and the ammo sellers were just mobbed. Picked up a 1000 rounds and going to sell some silver to buy more. Looks like Ammo is a far better investment right now.

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Thanks. I've had my eye on them for a while, and hope to own one by the end of next month.

Thanks for the link! :applause_

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

is the 9x18 Czech CZ-82 a decent option for a hand gun?
I understand the caliber is comparable to the .380.
12 round magazine is better than my colt mustang .380 with a 5 round mag.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

And exactly where did you extrapolate THAT number from?

Does this unfounded hyperbole never end with you? :banghead:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

to igotyour6.i've got a cz 82.i love it.awesome to shoot.but.....

i've got 3 local gunstores within 25 minutes from me.only one carries the calibre.and they only carry Hornady.awesome round,hollow tip.but for 25 rounds,it cost $22.two wal-marts within 25 minutes from me don't carry them.and the gunshops will order for me,but they want to rape me on the price.

i have to wait for two weekend a month for 2 gun shows to buy them.i just picked up 700 rounds just yesterday.(silver bear)50 rounds for $11.50.i feel much better practicing with these.i traveled an hour 45 minutes for that show.the next show is this weekend.but they sell (silver bear) for $16.50.its 25 minutes away.i'll probably end up going there to and buy more

.like i've heard here.if you can find them,buy them,no matter what they cost.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

thanks! the reason I asked was the last time I was in my LGS (3 weeks)they had about half of a pallet of the silver bear.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

well...i got my cz for $220+tax.inc.2-12 mags,holster,lanyard and cleaning rod.

i looked around the gunshows,there asking something like $40 buck for another mag.i think i saw one on line for $29.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Looks like this article was spot on. Guns galore at both my local Walmart and local gun shops, but hardly any centerfire ammunition to be had.

I scored 300rds of 45 ACP from one of my local gun shops today. I bought all they had, and the only reason they had any is because it came from an employee's private stash.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

If you're looking for spare mags, don't just Google "cz-82 magazine". Also look for CZ-83 mags, since they also work in your CZ-82. J&G Sales has these mags for $29.95 ( http://www.jgsales.com/product_info....oducts_id/1603 ), and other online sources may also have them.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

When the .380 reappears and then suddenly disappears it will be my fault.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I've gotta agree with the folks who suggest getting ammunition and magazines for the firearm of their choice first. Also seriously consider getting a common gun. Or the same model as your friends have. Commonality. Being able to share others mags and ammo may be priceless in bad times.
And stay away from the odd ball calibers like .357SIG and .45GAP!

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You can still find it....

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=125960007

What a bargain at $1 a round!

:biggrin:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

thanx for the link CrufflerJJ.just added it to my favorite list.ill be on that when i got more FRN's.

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Yeah, what a hoot. I'm by no means out so I can wait. If I were less than honorable I'd be pushing some of my stock at those prices.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=125230598

I have several boxes of this and thought it was painful to pay $18.00/bx. Apparently I was getting the steal of the century!

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I just saw a real estate bubble driven by irrational greed, and now I may be witnessing an ammunition bubble being driven by unwarranted fear.

I see people who laughed at real-estate buyers who bought at the top paying sky-high prices for ammo and accessories that they don't even need, certain that their value will continue to rise.

But it's a "new paradigm!"

Isn't that exactly what the real estate folks said?

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Yeah but nobody ever talks about banning homes, restricting their sale, or waiting periods.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I have 2 boxes of this stuff...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=123290939

Got it tossed into a trade.

:36_1_25:

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Was at a gun show a couple of weeks ago and saw the same thing. Every person leaving had at least 1 shopping bag full of ammo.

Most common calibers are getting hard to find, so wouldnt it make sense in this environment to purchase a caliber that has ammo still available that many people are not aggressively buying? Yeah know this question defies common sense, but these are uncommon times...

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I'm not sure that people buying stuff are convinced that "their value will continue to rise." I think the main driving force is availability, NOT price. People are buying stuff out of fear that it may not be available "down the road."

Price (or price stability) is a distant secondary factor.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I buy ammo incrementally, i.e., when I gots money.

Latest purchase:
1 box (20 rounds) .308 $24
2 box (40 rounds) .223 $26
1 box (400 rounds) .22 $21

$71 bucks. Anyone care to guess what I target shoot with now-a-days?

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I'll sell you all you want at those prices.
:23_1_22:

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I appreciate what you are saying, but you can't shoot someone with "real estate".

I am NOT buying guns/ammo for an "investment".... I am buying them as more of a life-line.



.

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I agree with you, but will you (or can you) keep up your pace of buying a year from now if nothing comes around to shut down ammo production? If nothing is done to shut down ammo within a year or two, I'll be fully stocked for a lifetime and won't have any reason to ever buy another round (maybe). The IF is the big factor.

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I agree with all of the reasons stated by the above posts. I must say, buying ammo is as much, if not more fun than accumulating all of the different types of silver bullion. I consider it a collection at this point. That's the only bitch about the spam cans, you can't enjoy looking at all of those rounds, unless you open up that nice sealed can! LOL!

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

When I was first getting introduced to a group of veteran shooters 10 or 11 years ago I thought they were nuts when they spoke of how much ammo they each had.

Glad I was exposed to the right people then. It set the foundation for my ammo buying from 2004-2007. The gun shop guys laughed at me. "What are you going to with that?" Those same guys have told me they wish they followed my lead.

What I was trying to say is there's nothing wrong with a lifetime supply of ammo. Plus...my observations tell me it's not going to decrease in price. Will I ever be able to buy a 500 round case of Federal XM-193 for $90 again? If so...dollar cost averaging :biggrin:

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:applause_:applause_:applause_:applause_:applause_ :applause_

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Also, just something else I thought about:

Ammo is not subject to "property taxes" either. The gov't doesn't even know you have ammo.



If suddenly the stores around here inexplicably started overflowing with $1 a box Wolf 7.62x39, would I be upset that I had bought hundreds and hundreds of rounds at $5?

Hell no! I would be grateful for the availability and would be absolutely thrilled to be able to pay a fifth of what I once paid.

Instead, what appears to be happening is less and less ammo available, and higher and higher prices.

I do NOT want to be left with an inadequate stash of ammo because I am waiting for the price to fall.



"Call on God, but row away from the rocks."

.

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Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

I'm not doing this to get rich either. So what if I'm out a few more FRNs because of premiums? I've got my stash, it's owned free and clear, and that's all that matters.

I'm doing this because I don't want to be a victim and want to be more than prepared for whatever b.s. might be coming our way (That's why I've got a spare room full of storable food too).

If the bottom falls out of this market tomorrow, the worst that will happen is that I'll be enjoying a kick ass new hobby and I'll have a lot ammo to plink with. :yes:

With regards to the other posters reply about a "lifetime supply" of ammo, how many rounds per firearm would that entail? 20-25k?

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

It's different for everyone. Depends on need and want. Do you want to shoot a lot? If you die would you like your heirs to have plenty of ammo with the guns they inherit?

20,000 to 25,000 is good though!

Re: It's becoming easier to buy a gun than ammunition
 

Yeah, guess it's relative to age, amount of shooting, etc. I guess I consider my stash (ammo dump) my TEOTWAWKI supply. If I'm going to do any recreational shooting, I'll go buy some ammo for that, rotate,etc.

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and if you sell some to your girl friend for cash you could keep the profit for yourself! not claim it as taxable income:5_1_120: