The word on ammo from NSSF

[elcruisr]

Here's the word from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, no big surprises!

"FAST FACTS . . .
ANSWERS TO AMMUNITION AVAILABILITY QUESTIONS

NSSF has received numerous calls regarding shortages of ammunition. Many of these callers have expressed concern that the supply of ammunition is not able to keep up with the current demand.

In order to provide the best information possible on the issue of ammunition availability, NSSF interviewed ammunition manufacturers across the United States. Here's what we have learned:

Is there truly a shortage of ammunition?

The shortage of ammunition is real and is caused by several factors including:

*

A significant spike in consumer demand
*

Law Enforcement demand for training and readiness
*

Department of Defense demand for training and readiness
*

Higher prices from commodities

What calibers are in the highest demand?

The high demand for ammunition extends across caliber lines. The increase can be seen in most handgun, rifle and rimfire ammunition and on certain shot shell products such as buckshot.

What are manufacturers doing to keep up with demand?

In order to help keep up with demand for ammunition, manufacturers are working at full capacity (24/7). It is believed that any ammunition shortage is likely a temporary issue; however, it will take time for supply to catch up with demand.

How long will it take for supply to catch up with demand?

While it is believed that supply will be increasing, the great unknown is what demand will be later in the year. Since there is no way for manufacturers to predict how long consumer demand will be sustained at its current, unprecedented level, it is impossible for manufacturers to forecast the timeline for when the current backlog will begin to improve."

 

[elcruisr]

Here's the word from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, no big surprises!

"FAST FACTS . . .
ANSWERS TO AMMUNITION AVAILABILITY QUESTIONS

NSSF has received numerous calls regarding shortages of ammunition. Many of these callers have expressed concern that the supply of ammunition is not able to keep up with the current demand.

In order to provide the best information possible on the issue of ammunition availability, NSSF interviewed ammunition manufacturers across the United States. Here's what we have learned:

Is there truly a shortage of ammunition?

The shortage of ammunition is real and is caused by several factors including:

*

A significant spike in consumer demand
*

Law Enforcement demand for training and readiness
*

Department of Defense demand for training and readiness
*

Higher prices from commodities

What calibers are in the highest demand?

The high demand for ammunition extends across caliber lines. The increase can be seen in most handgun, rifle and rimfire ammunition and on certain shot shell products such as buckshot.

What are manufacturers doing to keep up with demand?

In order to help keep up with demand for ammunition, manufacturers are working at full capacity (24/7). It is believed that any ammunition shortage is likely a temporary issue; however, it will take time for supply to catch up with demand.

How long will it take for supply to catch up with demand?

While it is believed that supply will be increasing, the great unknown is what demand will be later in the year. Since there is no way for manufacturers to predict how long consumer demand will be sustained at its current, unprecedented level, it is impossible for manufacturers to forecast the timeline for when the current backlog will begin to improve."

 

[MK]

Originally posted by elcruisr:
Higher prices from commodities

Metal prices are actually down quite a bit
from last summer. They are creeping back up,
but still way below what they were last year.
In general, metal prices right now are about
half what they were a year ago.

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

Above ammo info is consistent with other recent headlines regarding CCW courses are heavily attended & the 2 publicly-held gun manufacturers (Ruger and S&W) are running at full capacity.

I have spoken to 3 friends that are recent "first time" gun owners and all of them are planning on purchasing additional guns/rifles/shotguns once they become comfortable with their initial gun purchase. I purchased 7 different guns & rifles after my first gun purchase 4 years ago. I really believe this new base of cutomers is being under estimated by the industry as to the impact on ammo availability.

 

[Hoptob]

I can understand that manufacturers were caught off guard by sudden increase of consumer demand. They don't believe the demand will last and don't want to invest in increasing capacity. It makes business sense especially because military demand will likely go down in the coming years.

I do not understand why distributors would not just import missing ammo and components - they are made all over the world. With the prices as high as they are that would seem to make business sense too.

Mike

 

[Mack]

Originally posted by Hoptob:
I can understand that manufacturers were caught off guard by sudden increase of consumer demand. They don't believe the demand will last and don't want to invest in increasing capacity. It makes business sense especially because military demand will likely go down in the coming years.

I do not understand why distributors would not just import missing ammo and components - they are made all over the world. With the prices as high as they are that would seem to make business sense too.

Mike

Two words - Excutive Order. The “One” can ban ammo imports with the stroke of a pen, any foreign ammunition in the pipeline or waiting to clear customs will not be allowed into the country. Clinton did it with Chinese ammo and AK47’s in the 90’s, the AK were allowed in after being neutered on the docks with thumbhole stocks, bayonet lugs ground off and muzzle nuts removed but ammo was not allowed in.
Any distributer bringing in ammo is taking a chance that whatever is ordered and “paid” for today will not be allowed into the country a month or two from now when it hits US shores, offsetting this is that now there is more profit to be made. However it is a gamble every time they place an order.

m.

 

[stilettosixshooter]

I really believe this new base of cutomers is being under estimated by the industry as to the impact on ammo availability.

Agreed. I, for one, am hooked on my new hobby and plan to start saving immediately for my next gun purchase (just got my first handgun this weekend) - likely something to carry with a license. I remember reading somewhere that the licensing process is also log-jamming a bit - so if you need to renew, do it early.

 

[Win]

The ammo companies didn't anticipate the surge in demand for ammo ???????? Man, as soon as I knew that Obama was the nominee, I started stocking up in spades last Sept and Oct and Nov. Xmas priorities knocked out any Dec stocking up....and by Feb...the shelves were getting stripped. Glad I got what I got, when I did.

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

Good comments above. I checked my "ammo purchase history" on MidwayUSA.com (my main ammo supplier) and went back to 2007 & 2008 invoices. Using those invoice costs compared to current Midway.com prices, the ammo pricing has increased 22%-28% in less than 2 years...probably going higher!!

 

[Jerry in SC]

In talking with a local long time dealer, he told me that in the past a buyer bought a box of ammo for the new handgun. Now they're buying an average of five boxes with a new gun purchase.

 

[animalmother]

This crazy ammo buying frenzy can't last forever. I got mine before the SHF post election. I'll wait it out.

 

[ElToro]

interesting article

the best is buying a box of ammo of the web and getting it with an old price sticker of half what you just paid.

i have bought 8 guns since Nov 5-08 probly several thousand $ worth of ammo. my fear is that it just wont be available in future years. stored well, its not perishable. and if this blows over, and my fears are for naught, well then i will just shoot it up, the reason i bought it in the 1st place