where oh where have all the bullets gone

[ensho]

http://www.alternet.org/story/139872/there%27s_no_ammo_on_the_shelves_--_is_it_the_gun_nuts%27_fear_of_obama-lypse/


There's No Ammo on the Shelves -- Is It the Gun Nuts' Fear of Obama-lypse?

A trip to the L.A. exurb and desert city of Victorville tells you all you need to know about why it's so hard to buy ammunition these days.


Ever since it became clear that Barack Obama would be our next president, there's been an unprecedented run on guns 'n ammo in America. Partly this is fueled by fears, some justified some not, that Obama will outlaw a broad range of assault weapons; partly it's fueled by socioeconomic factors, racism and right-wing hate.

-snip-

In Victorville, every single gun store is out of all types of ammo, all the time.

"I went through 11,000 of 9mm rounds in two days. That's an awful lot for a little shop like this. I would never ever stock that much," an owner of a gun shop tucked away in a corner of a strip mall told me. "All the people that make ammunition are making more than they have in any other year, but they are still running out."

Excessive target practice did not even come close to explaining the insatiable demand for ammo. Even the local Wal-Mart, the pioneer in demand-driven distribution, can't keep up, selling out of as soon as soon a new shipment comes in.

Rumor on the street has it that Wal-Mart has sold more ammo year-to-date than any other year in its history. And while Wal-Mart's media relations department would not confirm or deny that information, citing proprietary concerns, all one has to do is visit their two stores in the area.

-snip-

Charles Drew, owner of a gun store in Victorville, told the press that even people that don't own guns are hoarding ammunition "just in case." It is a trend recorded nationwide.

-snip-

The Outdoor Wire, a news service for the outdoor industry, has named Obama its "Gun Salesman of the Year."

-snip-

And the thing to remember is that bullets aren't cheap. A box of 25 9mm rounds sells for about $25. More specialized ammo easily sells for $2 a bullet or more. But in these difficult times, cost does not appear to be an issue, even in the flat-broke city of Victorville.

-snip-

"The chemistry out here is perfect for more and more racism," said Tom Metzger, the infamous leader of the white supremacist hate group White Aryan Resistance who lives in Southern California, about the Inland Empire back in 2005. "You've got all these nonwhites moving here from Orange County and Los Angeles trying to flee the crime perpetrated on them by their own kind in their ghettos, and when they come out here, they're basically shoving forced integration down the throats of the whites who have traditional claim to this area, and that is provoking a negative racist reaction among whites, as it damn well should. It's great!"
-snip-
------------------------------


doesn't it just fill you with comfort knowing all those guns and bullets are tucked away in family homes and apts.?

[SpiralHawk]

1. Fear has taken them, every one

...when will we ever learn?

My counsel: take heart, and have courage. Do not succumb to Republicon fear, for living in fear is a tragic and pitiful WAY.

[MercutioATC]

2. If Obama would just make a clear statement, some of this would go away.

...along the lines of "I will veto any expanded gun control legislation that comes across my desk."

Considering that the far left Dems continue to propose gun control legislation and considering that the last time this happened we got the AWB and considering that the President has been pro gun control in the past and hasn't pledged not to sign new expanded legislation...I think the concern is valid.

[Subdivisions]

14. YOU MEAN GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION LIKE THIS?

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2159&tab=related">Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009?

"To increase public safety by permitting the Attorney General to deny the transfer of a firearm or the issuance of firearms or explosives licenses to a known or suspected dangerous terrorist."

Ummm....Excuse me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but "a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Considering DHS law enforcement eyes-only documents like these...

http://video1.washingtontimes.com/video/extremismreport.pdf">Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment - 10-page PDF document.

And...

http://www.tdbimg.com/files/2009/04/30/-hsra-domestic-extremism-lexicon_165213935473.pdf">Domestic Extremism Lexicon - Which includes such terms as "underground". Gee, do we know of a group of people that associate with an "underground"? Hmmmm.... Also, there's the term "aternative media". Gee, would any of us on this "underground" rely on "atlernative media" to get the truth (or something closer to it) rather than relying on the corpo-fascist mainstream media?

...it should come as no surprise that some people would become defensive.

Let's take a look at DHS's definition of "alternative media": "A term used to describe various information sources that provide a forum for interpretations of events and issues that differ radically from those presented in mass media products and outlets." Wow. So what they're saying is that if you put forth any communication of information that differs from what the MSM puts forth, you are a potential extremist (read "terrorist"). Interesting. And, what is again we all do here on Democratic "Underground"?

At any rate, getting back to bullets, it's seems no wonder folks are getting nervous about their 2nd Amendments rights (as well as a whole host of other rights, speech for instance) for, according to these two documents, an AWFUL LOT OF PEOPLE, including you're very own loved-ones, can be suspected of being, or potentially becoming, terrorists, including veterans returning from bushco adventures in the Middle East.

[Paladin]

15. Bullshit. You Gun Militants Wouldn't Believe Anything He Said.

After all....he's a Democrat, isn't he? That's reason enough for gun rights radicals to dismiss what he says---and that very much includes the whiny little cadre down in our very own DU Gun Dungeon.

If you want to defend the ammo-hoarding and the sick thinking that goes with it, be my guest. You might consider the sort of company you're keeping. And you might pray to whatever heavily-armed god you favor that nothing really awful happens as a result of all this....

[MercutioATC]

17. Actually, the problem is that people DO believe what he says...

...and he's repeatedly stated that he would like to see the AWB reinstated.

Add to that proposed legislation like the "Ammunition Accountability Act" and I believe the concern in valid.


I'd also like to know what kind of "sick thinking" you believe is associated with buying ammunition. I go through 1500 or so rounds of 9mm and another thousand or so .22 a year...and I'm a lightweight. Regular weekend plinkers often go through 4-5 thousand rounds annually, and with ammunition having a near-infinite shelf life it makes sense to stockpile it.

[L0oniX]

23. Over 50% of DU members own guns. What gun militants are you talking out your ass about?

All you are doing is trying to cause division among Dems. pffft

[Paladin]

29. There Is A HUGE Difference Between Gun Owners And Gun Militants.

You know that, but you don't bring it up, naturally enough. I'm a gun owner, and I believe in strict controls on the flow of guns in this country. It's easy to tell the two groups apart: we Democratic gun owners are the ones who are not spewing NRA/Republican talking points every single day.......

[X_Digger]

32. Ahh, the 'no true scotsman'.. nice.

"we Democratic gun owners are..."

Let us divide into US and THEM. We shall HATE THEM.

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Idiots throwing away their money.

Probably half the excess ammo sold will sit in damp basements for a few years until the casings are corroded and they get thrown away, because

OBAMA IS NOT GOING TO TAKE THEIR FUCKING GUNS

[madrchsod]

4. oh come on now you know he is.......

he`s going to everyone`s house and take away their guns and ammo....:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[emulatorloo]

5. Good for the economy though. EOM

[michreject]

7. It's going to take longer than "A few years"

I have ammo that's over a hundred years old and it shoots just fine.

[RaleighNCDUer]

10. If it's kept away from damp and humidity.

But these people who are dumb enough to think someone's going to take their guns are dumb enough to leave the ammo stacked against a concrete wall in a damp basement - where it will do well to last more than 2-3 years.

do not underestimate the power of stupid.

[MercutioATC]

19. Actually, those who stockpile ammo are usually quite well-informed about firearms.

...better than most people here at DU...

[RaleighNCDUer]

33. Did you even bother to read the post you were answering? nt

[MercutioATC]

36. Yes, it suggested that people were dumb enough to store ammo in poor conditions.

I disagree.

Why was that difficult for you to understand?

[Hangingon]

6. Yes it does fill me with comfort knowing all those guns

and bullets are tucked away in family homes and apartments. I ahte having to scrounge for ammo andseeing gun prices escalate. This indicates dsomething we do not see in this forum. People are voting witrh their money. They are paying more for ammunition and guns. Ask the gun stores and ranges. The number of new shooters is growing significantly. It is beginning to show in the polls as we saw in the recent CNN poll. The party is close to being on the wrong side of this issue.

[ensho]

8. but why? everybody being so afraid.

are guns and bullets the only thing that allays their fear?

[X_Digger]

9. SoS Clinton, AG Holder, DHS Sec Napolitano, Pa Gov Rendell..

All have been saber rattling for a new AWB. Most were smacked down quickly by the whitehouse after a vociferous backlash on one hand , but the endorsement of a new AWB was left on whitehouse.gov until a couple of days ago.

There are 'ammunition tracking' bills in a bunch of states (though most seem to be stuck, thank goodness); HR 45 was introduced 9 days into 2009; Lautenberg & Feinstein introduced a new gun control bill asking congress to step in between the private sales of firearms between state residents; President Obama pressed for ratification of a 1997 treaty that, under some interpretations, could outlaw home reloading or building of firearms; New York state assembly is considering 'recalls' of some guns and ammunition tracking / licensing for everyone..

At the very least, a new AWB is likely to be proposed (McCarthy - NY Rep plans to introduce it possibly as soon as next week.)

[ensho]

12. but why the fear of regulation? if driving wasn't regulated it would be mayhem

can't gun owners see the mayhem unregulated guns are causing?

is this fear that great? it must be. I don't understand this fear.

[X_Digger]

13. We already have a lot of regulations on the books..

And we have lower crime than any point since 1995-ish. Seems to me that the laws we have are doing the job for the most part. A small tweak here or there, sure.. but nothing like what's being proposed now.

If something like this ammunition tracking bill were to pass, expect ammunition to go up by 3-10x per round, depending on caliber.

If someone said gas was going to be $10/gal next week, wouldn't you stock up? If someone said that red card would be illegal to purchase new next year, wouldn't you consider buying one now, either because you might want one in the future, or because you think you could use it as an investment?

[Hangingon]

28. The constitution gives a citizen the right to keep and bear arms.

There are plenty of laws that prohibit the mayhem being created. Most of the regulation being proposed, such as a renewed AWB, has been shown ineffective.

[kimmylavin]

11. What?

What is the right side of this issue?
Please, educate us.

[Hangingon]

27. The right side is the Constitution - specifically the 2nd Amendment

[L0oniX]

16. "25 9mm rounds sells for about $25" HOLY SHIT BATMAN

You are getting ripped off. I get Blazer 9mm for $8.95 a box of 50 and 1000 9mm reloads for $135.

Only defense ammo sells for that much and that is special ammo that stays active for years, will not corrode, is a high grain power and is a hollow point type.

[MercutioATC]

18. I have yet to see 9mm sold in 25-round boxes...

...and my Federal HSTs (a damn good defense round) are still "only" about $25 for a box of 50.

Unless you're talking about that goofy-ass "Extreme Shock" stuff that comes in boxes of 20, I've never seen 25-round 9mm boxes. Even Winchester, which used to sell Black Talons in boxes of 20, now sells their replacement (the Ranger SXT) in boxes of 50.


(on edit)

Apparently, Remington does sell Golden Sabers in 25-round boxes...and it does run between $22 and $30 a box.

[L0oniX]

22. Yea I get 25 round boxes of 9mm 124grain defense ammo for $24.95

That's about the standard price at a gun shop here in Florida. Brand Hornady

[madmom]

20. I just received a flyer from Cabelas with 2 pages of ammo and

5 pages of guns all on a memorial day sale. So I think some one is either lying or this is mostly regional.:shrug:

[X_Digger]

21. Part of it is caliber..

Ammunition for handguns isn't even available at my local Cabelas, nor is .223, .308, or 7.62x39. (I'm in Texas)

eta: Well, I say 'not available', but what that really means is that 2 hours after they stock the shelves, it's gone.

[madmom]

24. Well it says 45 acp, 40 s&w, 38 special, 9 mm, 223 rem & 308 win. So I

guess it's regional.I've noticed from some of the posts on my SO's gun board most of the hoarders are down south.

[X_Digger]

25. It's also online..

Many of the sites that carry ammunition are sold out, or only have the high end stuff.

[Statistical]

31. Did you see it in person? Did you try to buy any? You might be surprised.

[RamboLiberal]

35. Bet all their stores will be very short or out

Probably the marketing department printing the flyers didn't really check the stock.

[Old Hob]

26. Try ordering it. They don't tell you about the backorder until you put it in your cart

and try to check out.

[Statistical]

30. Did you try to oder any? Likely if you didn't act fast it is gone.

Hell my local Wallyword is out of ammo.

When is the last time Walmart was out of ANYTHING?

[RamboLiberal]

34. Cabela's will probably have a few boxes that sell out quickly

They did that a couple of weeks ago. I stopped at their WV store. Nada in ammo they were advertising. I have 500 rounds of 9mm on order from them and they've pushed the ship date back twice so far. Ordered it about 3 weeks ago. Now they have the ship date as next week. We'll see.

[RamboLiberal]

37. I was in WV today so I stopped at Cabela's

Hardly any pistol ammo, and no 9mm. Same thing at a Gander Mountain a few miles away in PA.

[vadawg]

38. ive been stocking up as well, i get four boxes of .40 cal a day, so that covers me for practice 4

times a week and leaves me plenty for emergencies, but ive noticed other ammo in short supply.

[aikoaiko]

39. I wonder how many times this story and ones like it will be posted.

There are a couple of reasons for the surge in buying -- including the threat of more gun control.

Its a lot like when there are rumors of a gas shortage and everyone tops off their tanks.

[imdjh]

40. It's pissing me off because I want to buy a Kel Tec 380 and they stay out of stock

It's hard to believe that they are out of stock because guys like me, who want to have one gun, have bought them all up.

But on the bright side- it's letting me know where NOT to buy a gun. Snotty arrogant gun dealers who were whining four years ago about going out of business, are now acting like this boom will go on forever. Fuck them. I'll buy it online when the heat dies down, and I will pay less than I would at my local store.

[bertman]

41. All I can say is, I hope us Dems are buying a good percentage of that ammo.