I think I purchased an expensive paperweight

[s1mp13m4n]

As some of you know I have been reading, learning, and asking questions before I bought my first gun. Well several days a go I bought my first gun. I cleaned it and oiled it using Hoppe's Elite. I could not take the smell of Otters or Hoppe's #9. I am disappointed because I have a new gun, my first ever gun, and I can not shoot it. I can not find 9mm ammo for it. My LGS, Ace Hardware & Gun, Wally's World, and Dick's do not have any. My local price gouging pawn shop wants $1+ per target round of some no name ammo. I thought I would check a Virginia gun forum to see if I could get ammo. A few said they would sell me some from their stash but would not mail it. They wanted me to pay high prices for it plus drive 4 hours round trip to pick it up, thus adding more cost to pay for the gas. Sigh. I wonder when I will be able to try out my new 9mm semi auto?

 

[labworm]

Until you get some ammo I would suggest buying a few more guns in different calibers.

This way you won't get tired of playing "make believe".

Eventually the ammo will come your way.

 

[bamabiker]

Things are kind of crazy right now but just be patient it will get better.
Just keep some money ready and grab some when you find it.

 

[timn8er]

I'm sorry you don't like the smell Of Hoppe's. I love it myself. I'm really sorry you can't find any 9mm to shoot. I haven't shot my nines in a while now. I've been having a little better luck finding 40S&W. I still scout the online ammo sites, but they seemed to have dried up. If I hear anything I'll let you know!

 

[GKC]

Just a thought...a lot of the ranges around here sell ammo. You might check with some of your local ranges and see if they have any for sale...even just 50 rounds to let you get a feel for your new gun would be good.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I use Hoppe's #9 for aftershave.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Until you get some ammo I would suggest buying a few more guns in different calibers.

This way you won't get tired of playing "make believe".

Eventually the ammo will come your way.

I do not have the money to do that. My tax return allowed me to get my first gun. My LGS will not just sell you ammo, it is reserved for range use only, however they do not have any. They have new guns coming out there.....well you know where. Lol

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
The current ammo shortage will pass as it did in 2008.
The thoughts of "Yesteryear" was stay with popular calibers as .22lr, 9mm, .38spl. 45acp as everyone stocks these calibers and these will ALWAYS plentyful. Guess which the first calibers that became difficult to locate ?? Not my favorite caliber, but .40 S&W seems to be less difficult to locate than the others.

 

[FishingPilot]

I'm driving down to Madison Heights/Amherst to go to Isaac Walton on Friday to shoot some skeet with my dad. I could part with some 9mm factory loads. PM me if you are available Friday during the day.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Too bad you live clear across the country or I would give you a couple of boxes.

 

[snubbyfan]

I'd say, use the time with some dry fire practice and trigger control. Practice your grip and trigger squeeze so that when you finally do get ammo and get to the range you'll be ready to put holes anywhere you want. Maybe get some snap caps and practice some tap rack drills and clearing jams. Get a holster and practice drawing and firing.

 

[charger73se]

I'm about ready to buy a 9mm because that's about all I can find here. 9mm Blazer is in stock at Bi-mart. I haven't seen any 40 S&W in months though. Even the .17 HMR is all gone now.

 

[29aholic]

If you dont like Hoppes try G96 Gun Treatment...it has banana oil in it and smells great!
Ammo I cant help you with unless you live in KS.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I got the Hoppe's Elite because Wally's World had it and it has no smell at all. My LGS only sells Otters cleaning stuff and oil, it stinks. Lol

 

[quneur]

Tax time if fast approaching I think this current madness is going to break. That is only a couple of weeks away. Hang in there.

I am only sitting on a box of 9mm as I don't that caliber that often. Plus, I don't stash ammo as I usually only keep a couple of boxes on hand that I do shoot often.

 

[Carrot]

Froglube! Really, it's great!

 

[Rule3]

Hang in there, you are not alone. Most shops around here have no ammo either. Even the distributors that supply them are upset. Keep searching and as I mentioned, hang out at Wal Mart ask when they stock the shelves if you can.

 

[Fishslayer]

And ya know? There are STILL people on the reloading forums saying it's not worth it to reload 9mm...

 

[Mike McLellan]

Hang in there, buddy. While you're waiting, clean, tinker, & get to know that pistola. You told us earlier that you were interested in smithery. Now's a good time to explore the bowels of your gun. Shooting is only half the fun.

 

[bigchuck83]

As others have said the ammo situation will get better just hang in there, as for not liking Hoppe's i'd suggest FrogLube or Breakfree clp. it took me almost 2 years of buying a box every 2 weeks or so to finally have 1000 rounds of 9mm range ammo. Haven't been shooting since Dec. since i don't want to use up what i have.

 

[kennyb]

reload...dont let the current shortage slow u down one bit and be held hostage by factory ammo

 

[Smitty357]

I have a few boxes of .40 PMC (brass) 180gr FMJ. 200rds of it if my memory serves me correct. That are of no use for me anymore. I dont shoot my .40 practice ammo anymore as i use the 9mm barrel to plink around with. The only .40 i use now days is my SD ammo when im keeping up with my training.

Trade for some 9mm or of course I could always be nice and send it to someone who needs some .40.

 

[BUFF]

Congrats on your first handgun.

Be aware that you cannot mail ammunition through the USPO. It has to be sent by common carrier, like UPS or FedEx.

We Americans are used to just stopping "at the store" and buying whatever we want and/or need just as we go to use it. When demand for any commodity (like ammo) suddenly rises, it does take supply a while to catch up. It does.

I don't know how to enlarge your avatar photo. Is that a '62?

 

[David LaPell]

I was looking at a 12 gauge shotgun yesterday thinking how nice it would be to have one for the house, but there is no 00 buckshot to be had anywhere around, just like .22. So I think if I can get another gun, it will be another .357 revolver so I don't have to mess with another caliber.

 

[310Pilot]

I was looking at a 12 gauge shotgun yesterday thinking how nice it would be to have one for the house, but there is no 00 buckshot to be had anywhere around, just like .22. So I think if I can get another gun, it will be another .357 revolver so I don't have to mess with another caliber.

Take a look for shells loaded with #4 Buckshot - I have found that at least as effective, if not more so, than OO Buck (27 pellets vs 9 pellets in a 2 3/4" shell, and the #4 buck is only a little smaller diameter than OO). That load really tears up its target!

 

[BigCityChief]

Hang in there! 9 MM ammo finally started turning up in NY.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Congrats on your first handgun.

Be aware that you cannot mail ammunition through the USPO. It has to be sent by common carrier, like UPS or FedEx.

We Americans are used to just stopping "at the store" and buying whatever we want and/or need just as we go to use it. When demand for any commodity (like ammo) suddenly rises, it does take supply a while to catch up. It does.

I don't know how to enlarge your avatar photo. Is that a '62?

1961 Ford Galaxie
1961 Ford Galaxie - a set on Flickr

 

[DeathGrip]

Thanks for the pics.

 

[waz]

I'm about ready to buy a 9mm because that's about all I can find here. 9mm Blazer is in stock at Bi-mart. I haven't seen any 40 S&W in months though. Even the .17 HMR is all gone now.

care to send some 9mm out to maryland?

 

[Steve O]

There is light at the end of the tunnel. I was able to pick up (with my wife) 8 boxes of target ammo in 9 mm at Cabela's this weekend. She saw the ammo and told me to get it.