22 may not go thru another (or as extreme) supply cycle as in the past due to a large number of folks (like myself) that are new to the caliber.
I didn't even own a 22 until a few years ago - with the explosion of big gun clones in 22 (1911's, AR's, etc.) I went from shooting none to using quite a bit of 22.
New 22 AR shooters have probably tapered off (based on how slowly 22 AR's are moving at the shop these days) and many like myself probably have all the 22 we need to feed our new toys.
I think the recent shortage of 22 was the result of a perfect storm:
1. The sales explosion of new 22 AR's (which has now been satisfied).
2. I hear some preppers are stocking up on 22 to use as currency.
3. Any politician opening their mouth.
4. Flippers that hit local Walmarts (often with the help of store buddies) and buy up all the supply.
If the first 2 above had not happened, I don't know if flippers would have entered the equation, or at least to the degree they have.
Anywho...I've always kept a good stash of favorite calibers in order to avoid the panic buying and price spikes.
Since I was new to the 22 game, I kinda got ambushed by the 22 shortage.
Got all I really need, but if the price does take a significant nosedive in the near future, I'll probably up my inventory.
I didn't even own a 22 until a few years ago - with the explosion of big gun clones in 22 (1911's, AR's, etc.) I went from shooting none to using quite a bit of 22.
New 22 AR shooters have probably tapered off (based on how slowly 22 AR's are moving at the shop these days) and many like myself probably have all the 22 we need to feed our new toys.
I think the recent shortage of 22 was the result of a perfect storm:
1. The sales explosion of new 22 AR's (which has now been satisfied).
2. I hear some preppers are stocking up on 22 to use as currency.
3. Any politician opening their mouth.
4. Flippers that hit local Walmarts (often with the help of store buddies) and buy up all the supply.
If the first 2 above had not happened, I don't know if flippers would have entered the equation, or at least to the degree they have.
Anywho...I've always kept a good stash of favorite calibers in order to avoid the panic buying and price spikes.
Since I was new to the 22 game, I kinda got ambushed by the 22 shortage.
Got all I really need, but if the price does take a significant nosedive in the near future, I'll probably up my inventory.