More Guns a Bad Idea? Ammo…$

[Skylerbone]

Considering the past 13 years: we’ve seen panic on a scale equal to that endured under the Clinton Administration, some of you may not relate. At that time, I was not old enough to purchase a handgun and my only recourse would have been to hoard standard capacity magazines that were banned from future production. Would have got me nowhere as those bans sunset.

Back to the current “13 year” trend: panic ensued, sales soared, people bought all they could after talking about it too long, and shelves went bare. Production ramped up, bans didn’t happen, shelves filled, prices dropped to previous levels (and lower in many cases), people bought again.

If you don’t strike when the time is right you’ll never get there. Knowing what to buy and when is an essential component of any retail transaction from real estate to automobiles.

If ammo is priced too high, buy all the firearms priced cheaply from those who give up the chase. WHEN ammo prices fall AND availability increases, stock up to levels you should have. Plenty of us have survived decades of this in the shooting community and continue to enjoy our hobby without real bother. We are simply waiting for the next opportunity to stock up.

 

[bersaguy]

The market will adjust, it always does. Now, that doesn't mean we will see 9mm on the shelf for less than $10/box anytime soon, or ever.....but then again, I thought I'd never see sub $2 gasoline ever again, and last year we had that for a little while. The point being, when cheap ammo does eventually become available, stack it deep. As far as easing up on collecting....that depends on the experience you're going for. If you look at guns as tools, I think maximum proficiency happens with fewer guns and more training time. But depending on the avenue your collecting takes, guns can also be works of art, stores of value, historical objects or sentimental items. Taking a brief hiatus from collecting may make sound financial sense, but hobbies rarely make sound financial sense. Which brings me to reloading. Right now, with the current prices, I can reload 9mm for between $8 and $10 a box. I can load 357 for between $9 and $12 a box. However, being that I'm still working from pre pandemic stocks of components, my landed cost for a box of 9mm is less than $5. That sounds great now when 9mm on the shelf starts at $20 or more per box, not so great when you could get it for $9.50. But I like reloading as a hobby unto itself. If thats not the case, then the savings will never offset the time that goes into it.

 

[Skylerbone]

I recall people questioning me at the LGS when I picked up 9mm, 40 S&W, and even .380 ACP dies to load those “super cheap” rounds. There seemed no point but my objective was loading SD ammo at round ball prices and stack it deep. Goal achieved and still plenty of stock to shoot.

 

[PzGren]

I have always kept a small collection of around 15 firearms......

Same with me, I have about 15 Korths in my collection, the other guns are just shooters...

 

[bassjam]

Jeez, that makes my skin crawl. Another “Good Guy With a Gun” that has absolutely no idea how to use it and no interest in learning how to use it. I sure hope I’m not standing next to him when something goes south at our local Walmart.

He spent his early adult life in the Navy, I know he was trained with the M9 and had to requalify once a yearish. That's still better than most people have.

 

[tws3b2]

Heck, I've got well over a dozen guns in two safes now. In the past couple years I've only shot two or three. I'm always ready to add to my collection. I get a kick out of just pulling them out now and then to clean and admire.
You don't need to be a big shooter to enjoy a good gun.

 

[armedwalleye]

I completely see where you're coming from. I got into guns November 2019, and since then I've seriously thought about just selling my things and finding another hobby, because of the current climate.

Sit tight, grasshopper. I've been at this for 40 years. Climate change is real......

 

[shafter]

I've lost a significant amount of interest in shooting as a hobby over the last few years. To me it's just training so that I'm better prepared to protect my family. If I'm at the range it's work, not play now. Fortunately I get paid to shoot guns and ammo that I didn't buy so the prices haven't affected me all that much.

 

[film495]

this is why I picked up a couple .22 rifles this year, and a 9mm carbine. so, if prices go through the roof, or who knows what - I can practice some on the cheap and enjoy some target shooting, and not worry too much about ammo costs.

 

[John Joseph]

Determine if you're a shooter or a collector and proceed accordingly.
There are guns for recreation and the gun(s) you depend on for protection.
The gun you depend on for protection should get the lion's share of attention.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Is this a trick question????? ;-)

 

[rust collector]

When you have been around for awhile, you have seen the markets do all sorts of tricks. I never thought AR type rifles would be sold at one point, and now they are common. That's what happens when the controllers get greedy. There are consequences and the balance of power shifts. All I can suggest is patience, planning for the long game and taking advantage of favorable developments when you recognize them. Rome wasn't built in a day, nor was it disassembled in that time period. Look for opportunities, seize them, and work with what you have.

 

[thewillweeks]

So I am a pretty serious hunter and gun collector.
I collect and shoot a wide range of firearms and bows, but my biggest addiction is probably nice revolvers.

However, as market forces and back logs in govt. contract s in Ammo supplies have led to the worst and longest term shortage and price hike in the past 30 years or more, does it really make any sense to continue buying guns?
I mean when it costs 1$ or more to pull the trigger on a 357 or 44 and 50 cent s a round for Steel 7.62
And 223 let alone 556 one has to put some thought into shooting.
I’m fact the whole viability and affordability and longevity of shooting sports is perhaps in jeopardy and could lead to a collapse in gun prices.
Gun prices have Not stayed high in comparison to Ammo prices.

plus the more guns one acquirers the more shooting and sighting in necessary
This leads to the logic to own less guns, and Shoot those fewer guns More and master them.
And don’t try to tell me to roll around oh it’s not there’s anything wrong with reloading it’s a great idea and practice but the parts or not realistically available to people who are wanting to get started with that at an affordable price that makes it practical.

so what do you guys think is the future of gun collecting and ammo supply?
what is the correct course of action for collectors and what the hell should I do with my time if I stop I’m looking for deals on good old classic or new beautiful firearms?

Also if there is a realistic way to affordably get the materials especially primers to produce Ammo safely effectively and at The cost of that makes it worth the time and effort then please share exactly how to go about that given the Current market.

I am going the other way. Guns are relatively affordable, so I'm diversifying so I have more options when I do go to buy ammo. Oh, lgs has spawn of the devil 40S&W but no blessed 9mm? No problem, guess I'll shoot a 23 this week instead of a 19. I shoot my SKS now more than my AR. I don't feel bad owning a 25acp because EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE now.

There is a practical limit to this line of reasoning, but I am married to a woman who says "Oh that's cool looking, are you going to get it?" far more often than she asks any other question about my collection. And I don't want to waste that good will.

Unrelated or marginally related two cents, I absolutely want to be familiar and proficient with as many platforms and techniques now more than ever. This is the time to sell out, and go all in.

 

[BreechFace]

-Socialist empty suit in the White House....Check
-High prices and low availability in the firearms industry...Check

If anything, we are experiencing a renaissance in the firearms and shooting industry. The sheer number of new activity and interest in firearms is astounding.

Just like always politics and liberalism gets in the way. Much of the hand wringing is by new shooters who don’t understand the above cycles.

Now the run away inflation and free money chasing low supply of goods should be a greater concern with affording much of anything going forward.

 

[exbrit49]

So I am a pretty serious hunter and gun collector.
I collect and shoot a wide range of firearms and bows, but my biggest addiction is probably nice revolvers.

However, as market forces and back logs in govt. contract s in Ammo supplies have led to the worst and longest term shortage and price hike in the past 30 years or more, does it really make any sense to continue buying guns?
I mean when it costs 1$ or more to pull the trigger on a 357 or 44 and 50 cent s a round for Steel 7.62
And 223 let alone 556 one has to put some thought into shooting.
I’m fact the whole viability and affordability and longevity of shooting sports is perhaps in jeopardy and could lead to a collapse in gun prices.
Gun prices have Not stayed high in comparison to Ammo prices.

plus the more guns one acquirers the more shooting and sighting in necessary
This leads to the logic to own less guns, and Shoot those fewer guns More and master them.
And don’t try to tell me to roll around oh it’s not there’s anything wrong with reloading it’s a great idea and practice but the parts or not realistically available to people who are wanting to get started with that at an affordable price that makes it practical.

so what do you guys think is the future of gun collecting and ammo supply?
what is the correct course of action for collectors and what the hell should I do with my time if I stop I’m looking for deals on good old classic or new beautiful firearms?

Also if there is a realistic way to affordably get the materials especially primers to produce Ammo safely effectively and at The cost of that makes it worth the time and effort then please share exactly how to go about that given the Current market.

I have been collecting for almost 40 years, I haven't sold anything yet, but I have reduced my regular range guns to 3 pistol calibers. .357 Mag, .38 Spl and 45 ACP. and one rifle caliber 30/30. I am not a hoarder but have enough reloading suppliers on hand to continue shooting at a reduced rate for the time being. I will wait another year to see if things settle down and if they dont, I will start selling the collection and retain just my favorite calibers listed above. To continue shooting, I have had to change and experiment with different powders etc., Got that done without wasting too many primers. Still getting to the range once a week. Instead of shooting up to 400 rounds a session. I now shoot 200 or less rounds. Its sad!.

 

[Daveboone]

I have always been foremost a hunter ,second a shooter.That said, over the years I have accumulated way more firearms than I can shoot or safely store.
Over the past eight years or so, I sold at auction a fair number of them to fund some long wished for hunts. The guns sold were redundant , duplicate or junk. It paid for most of two moose hunts, and i dont miss the sold arms. Earlier this year I decided to again thin the stock. I had firearms (none of which were rare or serious collectors arms) I sold because I hadnt shot them in years, had no real use for, etc. specifically to acquire one particular firearm I always wanted and would shoot alot, and to get my beloved classic HD back on the road. Timing with the market was perfect, and I made a killing on the firearms.
I have specifically been molding my current "collection" to my actual hunting needs, with some redundancy. All of them but one I reload for. I just have stopped buying firearms just because they were "cool", or ...just because. But...everything I have i can get ammo for, made by myself or on the market. I have rediscovered my love of black powder (ball and patch) shooting, and have been doing more of that than I have in many years.

 

[ClaymoreAKM]

Owning a Firearm is not a Hobby.

It's not only for Sport.

It is the very thing that preserves our Liberty. Just look at what is happening in Australia right now. Politics aside, Tyranny is kept in check only by the threat of arms. The entire purpose of the 2A.

OP, Buy another rifle and the ammo to go with it. Keep Stacking.

 

[Batty67]

I've got a baker's dozen firearms. As a mental exercise, and I suspect many others have done this, I've ranked them in terms of which ones, in order, I'd be able to part with. Handy to do, for the future. I'm pretty much at a "no net increase self-imposed policy": If I get a gun, I'll sell one. I am actually out of space for long arms (5 total) in my safe, and I'm not getting another one. I do have about 15 50 cal and 30 cal metal cases fully of ammo as my "stack somewhat deep" policy when ammo was plentiful kept me in pretty good shape. I reckon I have about a 5-year supply of ammo for each of my calbers, :22LR, 9mm, 10mm, 45acp, 30 carbine, 44 mag, 223/5.56.

At this point, I'd be very hesitant to get into a new caliber..

 

[Rockrivr1]

I shoot my SKS now more than my AR.

You may want to rethink that with Pudding Head's (Biden) new importation ban with Russia that includes stopping incoming shipments of 7.62×39. Not sure if you've noticed but there is serious panic buying of that caliber and it's going full overboard prices lately.

 

[CryptKeeper5]

There are gun "Collectors" and gun "Accumulators". Don't confuse the two terms.

I have a number of firearms but for the most part they're all unique, have a specific use or have a story. I've never understood buying firearms just to have xx number of them. I don't find "black" rifles particularly interesting although I own a couple in the form of match service rifles. Same goes for "black" pistols. I've always concentrated on old Smith and Wesson revolvers and have a number of those....because I like them. I love wood stocks so that's what the vast majority of my hunting rifles wear.

I've traded and sold firearms for 30 years. Seen a LOT of things come and go. I have zero need to be in some race with others for bragging rights but know people who are in it for that reason. I've significantly culled my herd since the prices went through the roof. I was throwing out numbers which I thought "There's no way....but why not" and was getting bites. Additionally, the calibers I do have I reload for so that means more expense in supplies/dies etc....Again, no need for excess. The hoarders are determining the market right now in both firearms sales and reloading/ammo supplies.

Remember, ANYTHING is only worth(don't confuse "worth" and "value" either) what someone is willing to pay for it regardless of what YOU paid, and right now people are willing to pay a ridiculous amount for "cheap" guns. No different than the housing market. The people building new houses are in for a VERY rude awakening in 5-7 years when they go to sell. People are paying 40% more than what those shacks will be worth in the future in some cases around my area.

 

[huntsman]

I’m more inclined to buy a firearm if I already have ammo for it, since I limit my ammo purchases to calibers I already own I’ve become a snake eating it’s tail.

But I’m ok with that because I’m more of a gun user than collector.

 

[thewillweeks]

You may want to rethink that with Pudding Head's (Biden) new importation ban with Russia that includes stopping incoming shipments of 7.62×39. Not sure if you've noticed but there is serious panic buying of that caliber and it's going full retard prices lately.

I haven't made a significant ammo purchase in almost six years and don't need to for another 6-8 if I double my training. I already have more for that caliber tho.

 

[.38 Special]

After a few decades of feverish buying, selling, and trading, I finally realized that most guns do pretty much the same thing. I still enjoy that thing, but I no longer have the burning need to try every gun ever made. There still are a few that I will buy if the opportunity comes up, but for now I am happy with my handful of favorites - and all of that is equally true for cartridges.

At this point almost all of my shooting is being done with a .45 Colt and a .44 Special, with a little .357 and .500 Magnum to round things out. I've got plenty of everything, although I will be stocking up on primers when the opportunity arises, and consider myself content.

 

[Ignition Override]

1) First - have the required ammo in your home. Does the (my) reason need to be explained?

2) Only then …begin the search for another gun in that chambering.

 

[jarhead127]

Also if there is a realistic way to affordably get the materials especially primers to produce Ammo safely effectively and at The cost of that makes it worth the time and effort then please share exactly how to go about that given the Current market.

Geez, for the most part the ammo shortage has come + gone in these parts. Was just out shopping yesterday + both stores I went to had every type primer except shotgun. Most powders back in stock but still missin a couple. Brass iffy, but plenty of ammo in all calibers. Buy the cheap FMJ + reload it with hunting or carry projectiles. Most importantly, I really enjoy reloading + it's a great winter pastime. Gotta be someone around a LGS help yah get started.