Gun & Ammo Shortage Since Obama's Election

Gun & Ammo Shortage Since Obama's Election

by Armand Vaquer

Gun owners are finding that there's a shortage of guns and ammunition at their local gun shops since President Obama's election last November.

This article from the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat is typical of what gun owners are finding:

Ammunition for firearms including pistols and rifles is exploding off store shelves in Sonoma County, where gun shop owners said they can’t keep bullets in stock.

The problem with ammunition is that “there isn’t any,” said Guy Markell, of Markell Inc., a Santa Rosa-area gunshop.

His ammunition stock is down 50 percent and his orders for more are not being filled by manufacturers. It’s hurting business and driving away customers, Markell said.

“When they see that there’s nothing, they walk out,” he said.

Various explanations have been given for the shortage, from rising material costs, increased demand due to military uses, and people stocking up as federal legislative proposals requiring ammunition to be engraved with a serial number move forward.

“Folks have been experiencing shortages all over the country,” said Rachel Parsons, spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association. “Since the election there has been a great increase in firearms sales as well. Background checks are up, enrollment in training and safety classes is up, concealed weapons permits are up, gun sales are up. And ammo manufacturers can’t keep up with demand.”

Also, shortages are being blamed on increased police department demands for ammo. Police departments have priority for ammunition sales.

Gun owners became worried that a Democrat-led congress and Democrat president have the intent to change gun laws or in taxing ammunition. This led to a run on gun shops for guns and ammo.

The shortage is most acute on the more popular calibers such as .38 Special, .357 Magnum and 9mm.

It is going to take some months for gun and ammo manufacturers to catch up to meet the rising demand.