My point exactly.
Please spare me the ECON 201 rhetoric. I have a business degree, I understand supply and demand, and I recognize price gouging when I see it. These ridiculous mag and AR prices are price gouging, plain and simple.
Perhaps you haven't read my other posts. Dealer prices went up drastically after the election. Distributors still sold out of these high demand items. The manufacturers are back ordered. This is not price gouging.
When 9/11 occurred and the gas stations began charging up to 7.00 a gallon for gas (when it was only worth 1.50) because of increased demand, the government called it price gouging and ordered refunds to those who were victimized. Those who refused were prosecuted. Folks paid it because they felt they had no choice (panic buying), but they did not like it one damned bit. This is no different IMO.
With all respect, go retake your econ class. Unleaded gasoline is a necessity in our society. Without it, we can't to and from work, home, and school. There is also no readily available, acceptable, substitute.
No particular firearm is a necessity to most in our society. Even if you needed a firearm for hunting, predator control, or self defense in an increased risk environment there are readily available, and acceptable, substitutes for an AR-15/AK/Mini/HK/FAL/SKS. Dealer racks are still full of new and used pump shotguns, double bbl. shotguns, bolt action rifles, semi-auto rifles (BAR, Remington 740/7400/742), pump rifles (Remington 7600/7615), single shots (rifles and shotguns), and large caliber handguns (revolvers, semi-autos, and single shots).
Do not let fear of loss compel you to pay a ridiculous price for an AR or a magazine. Pick up a parts kit now, prices are still stable on them, and put your name on a waiting list for a lower from AIM, who has chosen not to price gouge their customers.
You've just explained the difference yourself. There is no ill circumstance if you wait to purchase a complete AR-15 or obtain one through buying parts and assembling it yourself.
In contrast, an empty gas tank means you can't get to work. That in turn means you don't get paid, which in turn means you lose your primary means of providing (via exchanging money for) food, water, clothing, and shelter for yourself and your family.
That is the difference between a simple increase in price because of a spike in demand, and price gouging.
