Author Topic: Would/has current ammo shortage impacted decision on making a gun purchase? (Read 1449 times)

Cemo · « **on:** February 14, 2013, 05:08:51 AM »

Ammo is currently hard to find and if available costs are up. This has an impact on running a "Break-in-period" and practice in general with a new gun purchase. Would or has our current ammo shortage impacted your decision on making a gun purchase in regards to buying now and to the type, brand, caliber and reputation.

JonnyReb · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2013, 05:39:09 AM »

I spent my money on ammo\reloading equipment rather than on more guns. Without those required components all my guns are just wall art. If things die down I'll go back to buying guns. J

375supermag · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2013, 02:43:04 PM »

I bought a rifle as a Christmas gift for my son.

Current shortages of ammo/reloading supplies never entered into decision.
My next firearm purchase will most probably be a handgun. Current ammo/reloading supplies shortages will not be a factor.

kennyd · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:09:39 PM »

Next gun will be in some caliber I already have. No sense in buying something I can't shoot, or even get components for. Last go round I passed on a 30-40 Handi because there was no ammo available anywhere I could find. Eventaually things will even out, but every time I buy some new caliber, I am driven to get dies and work up something I like to run through it. Great hobby, but it gets costly, specially when you can't find the powder you need.

mcbammer · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:31:09 PM »

Im not in the market for a .223 cal . But I would delay any purchase , until we see what the gungrabbers get passed.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:44:58 PM »

Last four handguns have been in calibers i already have.
But that is easy for me and I have quite a few firearms and in many different calibers.
With that said, yes i would not pick up a new 45 ACP, 9mm, or other service style handguns.
I also would not want to pick up a new hunting gun until the ammo shortage is over.
But with that said, in 2008 we had this same crazy demand.
As people either ran out of money or filled up the ammo locker and other realize that Obama has not conficated all of it, and that there is not a lot of money to make on ammo (although I almost sold a case of 500 223rem for $1,000) And that ammo companies catch up with new product, we will go back to normal. (I Hope)

Old Fart · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2013, 04:19:24 PM »

I think part of the ammo shortage is also because a lot of folks who didn't own/use guns prior to the craziness are now buying, for whatever reason. So the market grew quite a bit in a small period of time. This along with the people who are hoarding up, once again for whatever reason.

That being said I was actually leaning towards thinning the herd prior to all this. But I'm waiting on things to calm down now because I'm not a gouger and I don't appreciate someone taking something I'm selling at a decent price and turning right around and selling at an inflated price.

As far as a new gun I don't think I would hold off right now because of availibity of ammo as I still think there's a good chance things will normalize again. I might be right and I might be wrong. But if I really wanted something I'd go ahead and get it.

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:01:48 PM »

I wouldn't change my mind on buying one but might not buy if it were something I wasn't already set up for.

I'm not convinced this is the same as the 2008 shortage or the Y2K deal either. This time it seems to be going far deeper and there seems no end in sight. I dunno why it is the way it is but am beginning to suspect the government has as much or more to do with it than we gun owners do. No evidence to prove that other than the humongous buys by HS.

Still I've been spending some time lately surfing the internet. I've gone to dozens of big ammo and gun retail outlets to see what's in stock. I don't need to buy anything but just wondering what it's like for folks who failed to stock up whens they could.

One thing is common at ALL of them and that is there is no 22LR ammo out there other than match grade at $8 to $30 a box of 50. It just ain't out there. Expected resupply dates are running from March to October and most companies have notes on there that their suppliers cannot give accurate ship dates and are talking of price increases if/when they do ship.

The same is true pretty much for 9mm, 40 S&W and 45acp ammo. It just ain't there. I did find one source today that seemed to have a decent supply of those three BUT their prices start around $2 a shot and go up drastically from there. I looked at reloading components also and bullets for these even from bullet casters just is not in stock and expected delivery dates are as far out as on ammo or worse.

This one ain't gonna self correct anytime soon. Unless you already have a large supply stashed you just ain't gonna do much shooting if you need to go buy it. Some how gun shops do seem to be getting some ammo in but in the stores I've been do it sure is scarce and 22LR just isn't available.

I don't believe that the bullet makers, ammo makers and such have shut down operations and from all ya hear they are working over time and double shifts but where is it going? For sure no one seems to have it. Me thinks big brother is buying up way more than we're hearing about.

Ranger99 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2013, 06:21:04 PM »

same as johnnyreb for me.
no ammo-no shootee
i'll likely be gathering up all the
sinkers i made to be re-melted
for boolets.
i can always use old spark plugs
for fishing weights.

Swampman · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2013, 11:55:34 PM »

There's no need for a breaking in period. There's no ammo to buy around here. I've sold most of my guns rather than have them destroyed. I kept the ones I actually use on a regular basis. I used the money to pay off my bills and buy a new bow.

Victor3 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2013, 12:47:55 AM »

All of the guns I've purchased in the past few years have been those I have ammo/components in abundance for.

I've also been picking up every Boxer case I can find on the ground (mine and those others leave).

Handy tip - Put on amber-lens glasses when looking for brass in the dirt; you'll be surprised at how many more cases you can find.

Old Fart · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2013, 03:14:35 AM »

The only bulk pack 22lr ammo I've seen has been big lots up for sell on the local FB pages.
Somebody bought it all and is trying to resell it for a nice profit.
I saw a post last night where a Guy had 20+ bulkpacks and he was asking $50 a box.

mcbammer · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2013, 03:41:24 AM »

Quote from: Old Fart on February 15, 2013, 03:14:35 AM

The only bulk pack 22lr ammo I've seen has been big lots up for sell on the local FB pages.
Somebody bought it all and is trying to resell it for a nice profit.
I saw a post last night where a Guy had 20+ bulkpacks and he was asking $50 a box.

Speculators are playing a role in the shortage also. I hope manufacturers flood the market and they have to eat their investment.

Old Fart · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2013, 04:21:03 AM »

I really believe if people would let these guys sit on it a while and let thier bills get past due they'd quit doing it.
But I have seen people paying those prices.

mcbammer · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2013, 04:31:01 AM »

Quote from: Old Fart on February 15, 2013, 04:21:03 AM

I really believe if people would let these guys sit on it a while and let thier bills get past due they'd quit doing it.
But I have seen people paying those prices.

Agreed , Let the dust settle and dont panic.

jhm · « **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2013, 05:51:20 AM »

NO! Jim

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2013, 06:04:00 AM »

38 and 357 can still be found around here. So can some 45acp. 9mm is in more short supply than 45. 40 s&w can still be found. 44mag is ok. From what I have learnded, always have multiple calibers with a lot of ammo for each. When one caliber gets in short supply, use your backup caliber/gun. My problem is the shortage of primers. Bullets and powder can still be had, might be premium bullets, but still there. Primers are in as short a supply as 22LR. Back up for 22LR is 22mag or 17 hmr which seems to be plentiful.

I bought a trapping and snaring book. I think in a SHTF situation, getting food by these methods would be easier and cheaper than hunting. I'm going to set up some snares for squirrels in my backyard on some trees that have nests in them. See if I can catch a few during hunting season.

Also, I have a .177 pellet rifle. It is a cheap Chinese one I got for $20, but it can hit squirrels.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2013, 06:21:20 AM »

Would not afect me one way or the other.
I have been in the shooting game well over 45 years so I am good to go no matter what.
I have been here before over the years and it didn't matter back then just as it doesn't now.
The only difference is now they are talking stupid prices for items so that just makes what I have that much sweeter.

I am with GB on this one.

LONGTOM

Brett · « **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2013, 08:00:29 AM »

Not this time but the ammo shortages of '08 prompted me to buy a .40S&W. During the '08 .40S&W was the only thing plentiful on the shelves in my area. Looks like it was a good decision too as it is about the only thing left on the shelves now.

I sure hope some cheap .22lr makes it to the stores soon, I'm down to my last couple of bricks.

May have to get a rubber band gun and "appropriate" ammo from the office.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2013, 08:07:32 AM »

it could , depends . If i had a choice of buying a gun or a gun and ammo I might jump on the gun and ammo deal. But only if I were in the market for a gun in the first place. On the other hand if there was a gun I found myself wanting I might be inclined to wait for all the panick buyers to sell when the visa bill comes due .

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2013, 08:45:11 AM »

http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2013/01/update-status-of-gun-industry.html

Here is a comentary on the current status of the gun industry. Looks like we are in for a long shortage.

mrcooper · « **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2013, 09:36:15 AM »

Am i buying any more guns? NO I AINT BUYING ANYTHING TILL THE MUSLIM DEMOCRAPS GET OUT OF OFFICE. I find it amusing that a few evil doers can dictate to billions of good people with backbone.

cjclemens · « **Reply #22 on:** February 15, 2013, 02:03:28 PM »

I got a project AR that I'm trying to get parts together to finish up. I'm waiting out the back order game, because I refuse to pay the inflated prices some vendors have on their stuff, these days. I don't think I'd hesitate to get something I already have reloading supplies for, but I'd definitely think twice about taking on a new caliber.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2013, 02:23:38 PM »

Only new caliber I'm considering is a 22mag bolt rifle, Marlin. Not too pricy and 22 mag ammo is available. Otherwise it is primers, powder, and bullets I can find reasonable.

FPH · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2013, 02:31:22 PM »

Otherwise it is primers, powder, and bullets I can find reasonable.

Not around here......good luck.

Mxpe78a · « **Reply #25 on:** February 16, 2013, 12:38:44 PM »

I am selling, not buying anything only food, I refuse the play the consumer game at the current time. Not supporting china.

2Tonkas · « **Reply #26 on:** February 17, 2013, 12:49:06 PM »

Not me, when I get the itch, I have to scratch. Bought my first Handi at a gun show last weekend, then had to find .204 Ruger ammo (50 rds, $40.00).
Now, my local gun shop is teasing me with a Savage 110 in .243... I don't have one of those... yet!

-Dennis

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2013, 01:56:10 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on February 14, 2013, 06:01:48 PM

I No evidence to prove that other than the humongous buys by HS.

Is there a way to see what the PO's are for?
After all it may make sense if HS is buying spare ammo for training, using up budgeted money, or what have you.
If they are purchasing other than Home land issued ammo and calibers then you could be correct.
What would Home Land Security need with 270 Win or 30-06 when they have 308"s and 223's why would HLS need 38 Special or 357 mags or even 22LR when they use either 40 S&W or 9mm in their handguns. I can understand how they may want target ammo in 12 ga but not in 20 ga.
If it is a blanket PO for assorted ammo then I would agree the Government is manipulating the price and the supply of the ammo for the private sector.
But as ammo prices are still high ammo companies will increase production and add capital, labor, and resources to meet the demand by both the government and the private sector. It may even drive ammo prices down after the government realizes that it can not buy up all the bullets from the people.

Graybeard · « **Reply #28 on:** February 17, 2013, 05:54:18 PM »

What I've seen is for 9mm, 40 S&W and 45acp all of which government agencies use but they have put out purchase orders for around 30 Billion of them. I'm sure the DOD is buying tons of 5.56, 9mm and .45acp plus likely .308.

If the industry puts us in last place behind all governmental entities this may never return to where folks can buy again. Ya best get what you can when you can if the price is right.

I've been doing a lot of surfing the last couple weeks or so to see what the status is at a large number of online sources. Mostly they got nothing. Today I did find Nosler 9mm 115JHPs in stock and ordered the last 750 they had. I'm shorter on 9mm loading components than any other at this point. I tried to get a thousand but at check out they only had three boxes of 250.

I have what should be a life time supply of 22LR on backorder if/when they ever become available again. I got the order in well before the backlog was so bad so eventually they'll arrive. Gotta keep the grandkids going until they are old enough to buy their own. Who knows I might even shoot some of them up.

I have an adequate supply of everything I need really other than 9mm bullets and when these come I'll be in decent shape there with what I already have on hand. I don't shoot like I used to when I was younger.

Looking at the article at that link DD posted it looks like I was correct in my assumption tho. It ain't clearing up before the end of this year if then.

jrfrmn · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2013, 08:00:12 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on February 14, 2013, 11:55:34 PM

There's no need for a breaking in period. There's no ammo to buy around here. I've sold most of my guns rather than have them destroyed. I kept the ones I actually use on a regular basis. I used the money to pay off my bills and buy a new bow.

That is the exact same thing I did.