Today at the gun shop:

[steve-in-kville]

I've been stopping by every few days, just to see what condition the firearms and ammo industry is like. There's a few new pistols, brand name, in the case. A few .22 pistols as well. A few cowboy guns but the odd calibers for the most part, mostly used trade-ins. Long guns? Some "tactical" semi-auto shotguns, the stray bolt-action rifle (but no ammo to feed 'em). Anything "assualt" looking or tactical is at least a few hundred bucks over normal (2019) prices.

Ammo is scarce. No main-stream calibers although I did see a few bricks of .22's. Maybe the older military calibers like 7x57, 6.5x55 and the like. Shotgun shells... been hit or miss. Bird/small game shells available but in generic brands. I needed some .410 shells... no go, but there were some 28 gauge shells. Go figure....

Reloading was hit or miss. Some powder, but not the favorites. No primers. Not sure what bullets and lead looked like.

I got there 10 minutes after they opened thus morning and they already had three instant-checks rolling (gun purchases). Curious to see what his online inventory shows at the end of the day...

[Ken]

So basically what you are saying is that Americans are right now more armed to the teeth than at any other point in history?

Because someone must be buying all those weapons and ammo. And firearms tend not to ever wear out if given a modicum of care.

[steve-in-kville]

Yes & no.

Its just like the toilet paper shortage of 12 months ago: hoarding. Those that were diligent already were prepared. Just like toilet paper, mason jars (and lids) and most anything else. The ammo factories were shut for a bit, plus the military is ramping up supplies as I understand.

My prediction: everything will available again but prices will be significantly higher. I heard 20% higher by summer, once the manufacturers get caught after. But that's what I read.

[RZehr]

I stopped in at a store this week, and out of curiosity checked their sporting goods. Zero ammunition of any kind. Unbelievable. Even in past shortages, there was always some less popular calibers available, or 12 gauge birdshot.

[Ken]

I guess you can always use a muzzleloader or better yet get into archery. Although bow hunting is probably harder in the wide open spaces of central Oregon compared to the dense forests that we have on this side of the Cascades. I imagine it would be pretty challenging for things like antelope and for really big game like elk.

[Sudsy]

Is there something unique on how an Anabaptist considers this 'Current Event' ?

[KrisKramer]

This might not be popular but I would personally be ok with no guns existing (I know many love to hunt)

With all the loves lost to gun violence.....
I would love if Guns had never come into existence but that's just my feelings

[RZehr]

I guess you can always use a muzzleloader or better yet get into archery. Although bow hunting is probably harder in the wide open spaces of central Oregon compared to the dense forests that we have on this side of the Cascades. I imagine it would be pretty challenging for things like antelope and for really big game like elk.

This year for the first time, all deer hunting east of Cascades, is draw only. No over the counter tags. Ammo isn’t being bought for hunting, that’s for sure.
I suppose they need to be marksmen though, because you’d hate to miss in the eventuality that a deer tag is drawn.

[mike]

A box of rifle shells last me years. Unless I have to sight in a gun, which might take 3-4 shots, a couple of shells a season is all that's really needed unless you're like my woodsman brother in law who pretty much bags all the deer he can legally get tags for each year. Freezers full of venison that last his family all year. No idea why people are hoarding ammo.

[ohio jones]

Is there something unique on how an Anabaptist considers this 'Current Event' ?

This may be a shocking thought, or maybe I'm just wired with puns tonight, but a thread that's not about non-resistance should feel at ohm in the Current Events forum.