Ammunition, again...
Not like we go to town frequently in Winter. Haven't really paid much attention to the local availability, but aside from Anchorage having a really Large Stocking Wholesaler that most dealers use for Components, Firearms and other outdoor gear, there isn't much common-use ammunition available. Did see some .30-06 round nose at Fred Meyer which is an upscale Wally superstore, only much better. But the .22LR and other generic centerfire rounds are N/A or in limited supply.
Some gun dealer types were remarking about conversations they'd had at the SHOT Show with those in the ammunition mfg and jobbing lines. Reportedly brass is in very short supply and Not Available for a variety of cartridges. Many of the ctgs of lesser popularities are Seasonal Run items, which means the mfr only makes so many cases one time a year... Lots of fine cartridges have only seasonal brass runs. Another concern the mfrs expressed was availability of smokeless powders... A lot of component powders favored by handloaders are imported. Perhaps the highest regarded imported powderline is VitaVourhi of Finland. That firm is up for sale by its conglomerate owner. If not sold, it will be reportedly shut-down...
Just In Time inventory practices were unable to predict or anticipate the run on ammunition and weapons. Some semi-auto riflemakers are reportedly waiting to see what happens on the legislative front before investing Big Money on parts for rifles they may be prohibited from assembling once parts are received.
Anyway.....
Survivalist should NOT be too exposed to these situations. You did choose your weapons so that their ammunition was either Common Military Usage or derived from same ctg case; didn't you? The .223, .308, and .30-06 along with basic belted magnum and common handgun ctgs are going to be much easier to keep supplied than other ammunition types.
Lots of handloading gear still available on Ebay at decent prices. Lots of bullets & brass on the equipment exchange at ar15.com...
Be sure you own a bullet puller of some type if you get into handloading. The ability to salvage bullets and possibly powder could be a real godsend for you. Not like you want to shoot unknown origin ammunition you find or buy second-hand. Buying that stuff to harvest the brass and bullets could really work to your favor. If you have the tools, you have the ability...
Lots and lots of new firearms sold in the past couple months. Look for accessories, scope mounts, slings, even buttpads and cleaning gear to be in limited supply. Scopes and other sighting equipment as well. Even gun cases. Think you will see the online forum classifieds turning more to WTB listings. The days of guys dumping stuff they've grown tired of for cheap will be long gone...
Just some ruminations on the current situation on a Winter's eve...
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