Originally Posted by
_Stormin_
This isn't actually right from an economic standpoint. Resources move towards capital, and there is still plenty of money out there. If retailers can get things on their shelf at "normal" prices, then they expect to be able to sell them at normal prices. People aren't willing to pay $2200 for a Bushmaster anymore, and so they can finally make more of them than are immediately sold at shelf price. Same goes for ammo ($20 boxes of 5.56 aren't moving) and parts ($150 CTR stocks are going nowhere). WalMart isn't an indicator because WalMart isn't a firearms retailer, but a discount retailer. WalMart will be the last place that "returns to normal" because they pay the lowest possible price. Ammunition manufacturers know that they do not NEED to sell cheap bulk ammo to WalMart to drive profits. They can still sell all they can produce to firearms retailers that pay a premium price (even if that premium is only a dollar a box, it adds up fast) and keep their margins healthy.
There have been more rifles on the wall, and more ammo on the shelf at my local shops. Of course we aren't back to pre-scare availability or pricing, but things are looking up.
Still can't buy much 5.56, .22LR, or 9mm locally, but it can be found. I did replenish all of my .45ACP home defense and target ammo at a reasonable price on the last trip to the range.
Hopefully I can find a local deal on a can or two of 5.56 before summer and the inevitable trips to the range.
I concur, using Walmart as an indicator of market health and availability is incorrect. The true test will always be the higher profitability items and their availability.
As to 5.56 ammo, seeing a big box sporting goods dealer selling the M885 Federal at $219.99 for a 420 round ammo can is like seeing the new leafs budding. It is an indicator of things to come.
Good luck, all.
Send lawyers, guns and money the $#!+ has hit the fan...
Bookmarks