WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Ammo for small handguns becomes harder to find

Ammo for small handguns becomes harder to find

By Cheryl Mercedes - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Firearms salesmen in the Baton Rouge area say ammunition for certain types of small handguns is flying off the shelves faster than they can get it, making it nearly impossible for some gun owners to find bullets.

Shops have plenty of guns to choose from in every shape, size, and caliber one desires. "We got 100 in and within four days, we sold 70 handguns," said Don Hogan with Baton Rouge Police Supplies. However, some of those purchasers will be hard-pressed to find bullets to load them. Local retailers say they can't even get their hands on certain ammo. The shelf at Baton Rouge Police Supplies that holds .380 rounds is bare. "We're completely out of ammunition right now," Hogan said. 

".380 ammo, .30 caliber carbine, even 9mm, .45, .40; very, very difficult to get in the last couple of months, more so than I've seen in 20 years," said Jim McClain with Jim's Firearms. Bass Pro says its shooting range has seen a consistent flow of customers. You'd think with such a short supply, they'd save their supplies. Jim McCain says that's part of the problem. Uncertainty in future gun laws and restrictions created a greater demand. "People used to go out and buy a box to replace it. Now, people will go shoot a box and buy three boxes to replace it."

The change in patterns has kept McClain and other retailers busy. They can't seem to get the ammunition fast enough. "I talk to my distributors on a daily basis, even after hours; basically accepting every box of ammo that I can get," McClain said. As for Hogan, he's still waiting. "I don't have a date. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, hopefully, we'll get some in."

Several online retailers seem to be "out of stock," too. There are some vendors on the internet with a small supply, but you'll pay three times as much for a box of bullets.

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