Got Ammo?

Looking for a couple hundred rounds to go with that new handgun, shotgun or modern sporting rifle you just bought?  Not only is ammo hard to find, it’s getting pricey. You might be hard-pressed to find any at all.

If you’re a competition shooter, you might be downright worried. Those who compete in the action shooting sports are known to put quite a few rounds down range and these shortages are making for some real challenges for those who enjoy the shooting sports.

People are definitely talking about the ammo crisis. The Shooting Wire feature “Shortages Aren’t Limited to You and Me” addressed the issue, citing how even top trainers are making modifications to round count requirements and allowing students to use .22 caliber ammunition for classes. A pro shooter made a plea on Facebook that “…if you aren’t shooting regularly – PLEASE STOP HOARDING so the rest of us can!!”  It has even hit mainstream media. A headline from USA Today read, “Gun dealers report shortages of ammunition.”

Is the bullet crisis due to the increase of hunters? Stockpiling fears over bans and taxes? That theory that the government is buying up all the ammo? American Rifleman’s Mark Keefe tackled the ongoing and fully loaded concern in his recent post “Where Has All the Ammo Gone?” Regardless of the reasons why, no bullets is a serious problem for gun owners. If you can’t shoot what are you supposed to do?

Tips to Help You Cope with the Dwindling Ammo Supply

1. Accept it: Times are tough but getting angry isn’t going to fix the problem. The firearms and ammunition companies are doing all they can to keep up with the overwhelming demand. Try to focus your energy on a solution instead of the problem.
2. Organize: Take an inventory of what you have and make a log based on caliber and use. Next write down a list of training sessions, competitions, hunt prep or other events where you plan to hit the range. Put together a worst-case scenario plan for your ammunition supply. If you happen to luck into more, then adjust accordingly.
3. Make Every Shot Count: Not only is it a good idea to log your ammo supply, but it’s also a good time to put together a training plan so that when you are on the range you make every bullet count to improve your shooting for personal protection, hunting and/or competition.
4. Explore Other Options: Nothing replaces live fire when it comes to reacting to and controlling recoil, but you can still progress as a shooter. For basic shooting skills set up a dry fire regimen to improve your gun handling, acquire the sight picture faster and work on your trigger control. Make dry fire sessions a priority and consider cross-training in other shooting sports or divisions where you have a supply of ammunition. You may want to consider investing in airsoft equipment as well. You can set up reduced distance courses of fire with small targets to improve skills like accuracy, transitions, moving in and out of positions and more.
5. Get Fit:  Improving your physical fitness, especially your upper body and hand strength will increase your ability to control recoil. Work on getting stronger and faster by hitting the gym.