Ammunition Shortages Continue
There has been concern about the availability of 40 caliber and 223 caliber ammunition since 2003, which has been exacerbated, and has spred to all calibers at this time, by the fears induced by the latest Presidential Election.
The initial periodic shortages were caused by the number of Law Enforcement agencies converting to 40 caliber side arms and the increase need for Law Enforcement patrol rifles. Both actions resulted in an increase in the amount of ammunition needed for training and issue. Add to these needs the amount of ammunition needed by the military in 9mm and 223 and periodic shortages would occur, causing back orders of a couple of weeks or a month.
However, since the Presidential Election the fear of excess taxation on ammunition, micro imprinting of ammunition, or an outright ban on weapons, have fueled hording by the average citizen. This combined with the already strained supply has caused shortages that can last six months or more. Some large departments may not receive their orders until 2010 causing changes in training schedules.
Because of the shortages in all types of ammunition, caused by the fears and hording, gun shops and large chain stores are limiting the number of boxes of ammunition that can be purchased. These shortages mean that some competitive shooters may not even be able to obatin enough ammunition for a weekend’s competition at this time.
So until some these fears are quelled by a lack of anti 2nd Amendment legislation or the factories figure out how to increase production (they’re already running 24/7) we are looking at severe shortages continuing. Along with an increase in the cost of ammunition, part of which will be legitimate production cost increases and the rest caused by supply and demand.
The NRA is actively fighting the imprinting legislation that is being proposed at this time as well as watching for any impending anti 2nd Amendment action by Congress.
Chewy and I will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any changes in availability or pending anti 2nd Amendment legislation.
