Increase in ammunition prices hits local police, sportsmen

[unhappycamper]

There has been a recent shortage of ammunition for several different calibers of guns at sporting goods stores in Maine. (Bangor Daily News/Gabor Degre)

Increase in ammunition prices hits local police, sportsmen
By Mal Leary, Capitol News Service
Friday, August 31, 2007 - Bangor Daily News


AUGUSTA, Maine - Because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and increasing prices for raw metals, police and sportsmen in Maine are paying higher prices for ammunition, some of which is now scarce.

Earlier this year, the Maine State Police had to settle for a partial shipment of ammunition so they would have enough for training purposes but got hit with an additional $1,000 shipping charge because the shipment was partial, Maj. Dale Lancaster said. They got 40,000 practice rounds for their pistols and 14,000 rounds for other weapons.

"We were able to get the ammunition, but it did cost us more," said Lancaster. "We use a lot of ammo every year for practice and for the troopers to qualify with their weapon."

He said the state police "are going to order soon for next year because it took so long to get this shipment. And we expect prices will be going up again, but I am not sure by how much."

Bangor Police Chief Ron Gastia said his force is still waiting for ammunition ordered last year and is planning to order early in the current fiscal year, which began July 1.



uhc comment: What makes this interesting is I had posted an article about SD Police being short on ammo on August 19. I suspect this is a common problem across all states.

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1. The cost of ammunition is obscene.

About 3 years ago a case of 1,000 rounds of 5.56mm (AR-15), was about $200, a case of 7.62x39 (AK-47), was about $85.00 for 1,000 rounds... with shipping. :(

Now that same 1,000 rounds costs roughly $400 and $200 respectively.

Making matters worse... all the major manufacturers/distributors have announced a %15 price increase effective Sept 01 and another %10 - %15 increase expected around Jan-Feb.

Fortuantly... I have about 7k in various calibers stocked-up (5.56mm, 7.62x39 and some 7.62 NATO), and dip into it on rare occasions.

I reload most of my own handgun ammo, but even the cost of powder, primers and bullets is making it an expensive alternative.

Makes me wish I had invested in more ammo when the prices were low and the supplies were plentiful (I used to scoff at the shooters who would buy 10k rounds at a time for their "rainy day" fund).

[sendero]

2. Yup..

... in the span of 2 years the price as just about exactly doubled.

It could get worse and probably will.

[dbt]

3. K & R!

Not that ammunition will do anyone much good against tanks, but it might make someone else think twice...