Ammo shortage...Out of hand

[papalondog]

Thank goodness we live in a country that is relatively free. That may be changing, but in the mean time, a business owner has the choice to sell or ration. His choices will eventually dictate whether he stays in business or not. I don't care if the business sells me all the ammo they have or one box. If I don't like it, I am free to do business elsewhere..........To each their own.

 

[spearcrow]

Careby, your solution seems logical...everyone go out and by massive quantities of ammo. The problem is, everyone has been buying massive quantities of ammo for too long. Now everything is back ordered or otherwise unavailable.

At the least, we are securing the jobs of a lot of factory workers out there, which is good.

 

[zercool]

Originally posted by rburg:
If he'd limited the first buyer to a more reasonable quantity, there might be a box or two left over. But the proprietor did just what Wally World does, he sold the product to the first guy who tendered the cash.

He's in business to make money. If I'm selling something at a set price, and someone wants to buy all of it that I have in stock, who am I to argue?

It's not a question of moral high ground, it's a business decision. If he *didn't* sell the entire lot to that customer, he has no guarantee that the remaining ammo won't sit on the shelf for the next three years. Inventory costs money.

If I was waiting for some ammo, and my shop knew it, maybe even offered to call me - and then sold it out from under me? Then I'd be upset. As is, the guy is trying to keep his doors open... I can't hate him for that.

 

[GatorFarmer]

I'd like to know who bought up all the .38 S&W (not special) recently. Took me a bit to track some down. Dark days indeed when everyone is stacking away shells for their old topbreak. Oh wait, that's what I was doing.

Anyway, if you're worried about it, just buy more guns. That way you have something in every caliber that you might turn up. No .38 Special left? No problem, there's some .45 ACP on the shelf, ooh and there's some .357 Sig...

 

[JohnD]

Originally posted by KKG:
If I have a Customer and he wants all of anything I have to sell, and can pay the price, well, I'm going to sell it to him.

You had better hope he is a HELL of a good customer.If you were in my part of the Country and put the screws to customers of 10, 15, 20+ years and sold it all to one person you would be down to that one so called customer!

 

[crofoot629]

A "case" of 9mm doesn't amount to much ammo, or much money.

If I walked into any shop or store and there were 500 or 1000 rounds of 9mm and I wanted it all, it would seem flat out weird for the store to ration me to something less than that. Now if one guy bought the whole pallet that hit the store we might have something to talk about.

Now I'm glad I saw it coming well enough to stock up some on ammo, but I sure don't have a lifetimes supply.

Emory

 

[Careby]

Originally posted by GatorFarmer:
Anyway, if you're worried about it, just buy more guns. That way you have something in every caliber that you might turn up. No .38 Special left? No problem, there's some .45 ACP on the shelf, ooh and there's some .357 Sig...

Somehow that doesn't sound as crazy as it might have a year ago.

 

[Nicksterdemus]

"In less than a year, those days are gone."

It's only temporary. In a couple of months folks are going to concern themselves w/summer activities that don't include continued spending on stockpiling even more over-priced ammo. The shortage now is a direct result of political upheaval and grown men acting like spoiled brats.
The NRA, gun rags and the chosen ones, (the 25% of the general population being gun owners), have decided to throw a hissy fit coz their guy didn't get in office. The NRA, gun rags and the chosen one's preached loud n long from the pulpit on how the end of the world was near if their guy didn't obtain the election. Well, not enough wanted the old, white guy living in Az. that had been leap-frogged by his party on numerous occasions. Rather than deal w/opposing party's choice they hatched a brilliant plan. We'll preach more gloom n doom, buy as much as we can of ammo while laughing how OB is the greatest ammo salesman of all time. We'll convince everyone how the end is near and start a stampede of all the fear stricken sheeple. Forget about being part of the solution, we're gonna buy all the marbles we can and contribute to the problem @ hand. Now that you've contributed to this false sense of worth the folks are buying ammo like commodity brokers. How typical that you don't take the credit, yet try to lay the blame @ the current administration's feet. JFK, the man hasn't even put in the first hundred days. Fifty-seven I believe is the count. During WWII many items were placed on ration so everyone could get some. Maybe not what they wanted, but enough to get by while times were tough. Times sure have changed. It's all about me, what I can grab and screw the next fella. Some real patriots out there. Keep listening to them. They are the ones that whipped this madness into a frenzied, fever pitch. This market manipulation is turning shooting into an elitist sport of leisure. Not peculiar, yet interesting that all this run on ammo has done what those who wish to limit sales couldn't accomplish. The very, buy now, end of America strategy has made the average shooter a third world person of interest as they scour the streets looking for their caliber of choice. You've screwed yourself. Keep drinking the kool-aid and preaching baloney, but don't waste your time blaming the current administration. If your looking to assign the blame you have to look no further than the mirror. You've embraced false fear and spread it like the plague until it snowballed out of control. Now your scratching your butt trying to figure out how it's the dems fault. You want to blame them in the worst way, yet all those evil socialists/dems/tree huggers aren't buying the ammo. Keep up the good work boys. Hell, I even bought a few boxes @ waly world so I could be a hoarder too. Get 'em while ya can, Yee-Haw the end is near! I heard on-line that a ammo shipment is being delivered to your waly world tonight. Be there or be square. To thine own self be true...
=======
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1fBjCm49g

 

[Hunt200]

I went looking today, Walmart had a few boxes of 9s, 380 and 38, no 22s. They also put up a sign saying 2 boxes per customer. I didn't like that at all.

Sports Authority had boxes and boxes of all you could want. The prices were 19.99 for 500 22s. 24.99 for 100 9s and I couldn't see the prices on the 38s or 357s. They were all Winchester. The prices are higher but it was there. The were also running a sale for 20% off all Shotgun ammo. If they were giving 20% on all ammo I probably would have bought some. As of now I will just keep buying from Mastercast.

 

[SmithEC]

Originally posted by Nicksterdemus:
... You've screwed yourself. Keep drinking the kool-aid and preaching baloney, but don't waste your time blaming the current administration. If your looking to assign the blame you have to look no further than the mirror. You've embraced false fear and spread it like the plague until it snowballed out of control...

Your post is just too long to quote in it's entirety. I have to agree that this whole business is just a bunch of nonsense.


.

 

[george minze]

Originally posted by Nicksterdemus:
George, I'm glad you scored, yet wish to inform you that there are other definitions rated before the drug reference...

2score
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): scored; scor·ing
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a: to keep a record or account of by or as if by notches on a tally : record b: to enter in a record c: to mark with significant lines or notches (as in keeping account)
2: to mark with lines, grooves, scratches, or notches
3: berate , scold ; also : denounce
4 a (1): to make (a score) in a game or contest, scored a touchdown, scored three points (2): to enable (a base runner) to make a score (3): to have as a value in a game or contest : count a touchdown scores six points b (1): achieve, attain, scored a dazzling success (2): acquire, help a traveler score local drugs — Poitor Koper (3): win 1, scored free tickets over the radio
5: to determine the merit of : grade
6 a: to write or arrange (music) for a specific performance medium b: to make an orchestration of c: to compose a score for (a movie)
intransitive verb
1: to keep score in a game or contest
2: to make a score in a game or contest
3 a: to gain or have the advantage b: to be successful: as (1): to succeed in having sexual intercourse (2): to manage to obtain illicit drugs c: 3rate

thank You I feel vindicated that I used a term so often used, and seems pretty hip. Now that makes my day as i am now 70 and don't fill hip about now. However I did play 18 holes and broke 90 from the regular tees. Wonders never cease.

 

[gatorhugger]

Nickster you are sterotyping all bulk buyers.
A lot of it is fear, sure. Some end of the world folks, and who knows, they may be right.
I am buying simply as a way to keep a steady fairly cheap supply of target ammo.
I have all the JHP's I need short of WWIII.
But I would like to keep a few thousand of my most popular target rounds as a hedge against price increases.
It may go back down in price. It may go up some more. But right now I have seen my most common plinking ammo go from $9.99 a box to $15.
I figure I buy a few cases now, I don't have to worry about future price increases for a couple of years. It hits $20 for 50 and I won't shoot much.
If you don't have the money or feel it's not necessary, well I am sorry. Not going to stop me from making an economic choice.
And for me that is all it is, economics, I think prices will keep going up to levels I can't afford, so I am buying now.

 

[george minze]

Well guys and gals I like my gun shop owner, and I know they are in a fix especially the small, shops. they use distributors and they don't have the buying power of the big operations. My only point was that the last two 9mm I bought, I bought there and had been waiting for 2-4 boxes of range ammo. going in to store each day. With the old has the ammo came in yet. I had passed on two boxes at the Lake of the Ozarks where there is a big operation that scouts for ammo and guns all day. Money talks and bull walks. It was just a disappointment. Bad situation the time is ripe for sales but you can't get product. that sucks I'm sure.

 

[g17]

If I went into a store and was told I could only have a certain limit, I'd tell them to sell my share to the other customers that evidently did not show up. It's sad, these times we live in.

 

[HLG]

I just an email from Georgia Arms today that the DOD has orders to stop selling brass to ammo manufacturers and that DOD is ordered to destroy all brass and document it. Georgia Arms enclosed two letters from DOD. The new policy was dated 3/16/09.

 

[BarbC]

I just an email from Georgia Arms today that the DOD has orders to stop selling brass to ammo manufacturers and that DOD is ordered to destroy all brass and document it. Georgia Arms enclosed two letters from DOD. The new policy was dated 3/16/09.

I see that the order was reversed yesterday afternoon under pressure by the NRA and others. Georgia Arms Update

Letter Re-Authorizing Release for Sale

 

[Jack Flash]

Wow, things are getting tough! I went to a local shop recently to buy some 7.35 Carcano for a Forum friend who wanted it, only to find a guy at the counter who was buying all they had left! I was only able to pick up some loose rounds here and there that he missed.

Just the other day, I went in to pick through their .303 British milsurp (they kept odds and ends of the stuff in a large ammo can) only to find someone had bought the whole can! I used to enjoy picking through that stuff, mostly WWII and early Cold War era, to find some gems (eg, WRA 42, etc.) Now some ammo hog came in and bought the whole can? OK, the gloves are off now, Baby!

Now this is getting ridiculous! I guess the silver lining is that ammo manufacturers must be running three shifts and weekends to boot. Maybe they (and the black rifle manufacturers) will lead us out of this recession.

 

[Nicksterdemus]

You can only support artificially inflated values for so long before the price falls back in line w/real value. The reason you're not seeing ammo as readily available and cheaper is coz too many folks are trying to maintain a store in their spare bedroom. As some here have noticed there's plenty @ various places for a price. If the industry gurus decide that you'll continue to pay 1.5-2 times the actual value then they'll do their best to supply just enough to keep the prices and margins up. Now add gunshow vendors buying pallets of ammo from retailers and viola, continued shortage. Until competition starts cutting the prices, due in part to a slow in sales, prices will float above value. Pay what you want to buy what ya want. Some of those talking heads that are telling you the prices are never coming down might be making a mint selling ammo. Be a knowledgeable consumer. Check your online prices and your waly world, Academy Sports/whatever chain store in your area. If you go to a gun show and they don't substantially beat those prices then walk on by n forgetaboutit.
@ the end of days everyone is gonna want to enjoy a hot cup of Jo. Stop buying ammo and start stocking up on Java. I think 100-250 lbs stored in the closet oughta be about right. What, do youse think the price of coffee is going to drop? Gee, I wonder if that'll affect the coffee/ammo prices. People vote on products and prices every day w/their pocketbook/wallet. As long as you buy they will supply, for a price. Only you can decide if that price is worth the product.

Yes, I'm a little over the top turning some of this around 180 degrees. I don't intend to stereotype nor do I believe that conservative Publicans are evil or all bulk buyers are a secret conspiracy. There's no magic here, just taking a stab @ pointing out a few things.
George, your kewl and all you needed to say was, "But I stayed @ a Holiday Inn last night." Which I guess, seeing how I used it is played and passé.
Happy shootin'...

 

[redlevel]

Originally posted by n4zov:
I'm beginning to wonder if there is a real shortage of ammunition or just a shortage at the prices people want to pay. The local Dick's Sporting Goods has a good supply of all common calibers, and my local sporting goods dealer does not seem to have a problem getting ammunition either. However, I do not see any cheap military surplus ammunition around or even available online.

I can go to my local NAPA and buy a case of 9mm, a case of .45, a case of .223, and a case of 7.62x39 right now. He has had it all in stock in large quantities for several weeks now. I just don't want to pay the prices. I was tempted to get a case of the Blazer .45s at right at $15.00 per box of 50, but I already have several cases of .45s. I believe his price on .223 is $399.00 for a case of 1000. It is selling, but he keeps getting shipments.

 

[44forever]

How much is reasonable? I teach firearms classes and supply the .22's we shoot for initial familiarization. With a dozen students shooting, a class will shoot 1200 to 1500 rimfires in a morning. to cover the next three classes,I need to buy 4500 rounds and if I can't get the ammo I can't teach the classes.

I have limited the scheduling of classes to what I have ammo to cover. The limitation used to be my time.

 

[GatorFarmer]

For my own personal amusement, I decided to buy my local Walmart's entire supply of 12 gauge #6 shot gameloads (a baker's dozen of boxes). Now the next guy can see those gone and start a cascading panic to sell out all the shotgun shells too.

 

[Douglas Haig]

Its the manufacturers and wholesalers. Otherwise you would see big shipments at retailers even if they sold out right away. Think about it. If the manufacturers were going full tilt as they say they are wouldn't that ammo appear somewhere sometimes??

 

[Careby]

Originally posted by Douglas Haig:
Its the manufacturers and wholesalers. Otherwise you would see big shipments at retailers even if they sold out right away. Think about it. If the manufacturers were going full tilt as they say they are wouldn't that ammo appear somewhere sometimes??

It is being manufactured and shipped, and it does show up at retailers, however briefly. I have experienced inconvenience and high prices but I haven't had any trouble getting what I need. I hear complaints over and over that ammo is back-ordered! Yes, it's on back order, but it can be back-ordered FOR YOU if you are willing to put in your order. Maybe it will be delayed a week or a month or two, but in most cases it will be delivered. At Walmart the ammo on the shelf may be gone every time you look, but that doesn't mean a lot of it doesn't come and go every week. Some retailers may not be able to get what they order from their distributor but that's because production is going to someone else. Swallow hard and order from Natchez or Midway or AmmunitionToGo or some other mail order supplier, be patient with your back orders, and UPS will bring you what you need.