Is the tide falling????

Yes, seems a peak has been reached and passed. Several ARs have shown up in the LGS, BassPro, and Wal-mart. Local shop here got in several cases of 223 and the local Wal-mart routinely receives Tulammo 500rd tins for $154.00. The 22LR is still hard to find; however, about once a week Wal-mart does get in a case or two of the Winchester 555 cartons for $23.00. During normal times that would be above their usual supply. There are lines in the morning for the Walmart ammo, and it does sell out quick.

Also, when you check out the thousands of ARs on Gunbroker, the high gouge auctions are ending with no bids. The low reserve and no reserve auctions are ending at near pre-peak prices. The Colt LE6940 and the LE6920 SOCOM are still commanding higher prices, but this is because they are very desireable and were hard to get before the panic and are still harder to get than a base LE6920.

When the Senate votes on Feinstien's bill, I would expect there would be another rise in panic. If it passes the Senate, which is not likely, I would expect another serious panic.

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Have been in three gun stores this weekend.

All had a large selection of "black rifles", home-defense shotguns, and plenty of handguns.

Gun prices are no longer sky high but still much higher than last summer.

All had plenty of ammo but at high prices.

223 FMJ was $350 for 500.

16 gauge shotgun shells were cheaper than 12 gauge shells. Haven't seen that in a long time.


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Gouge??

Last I checked, it still takes two to tango. Let's say a guy spent several years buying .22 ammo at Walmart to the tune of 3 or 4 boxes a week for personal use. He spent between $8.47 and $13.47 per box.

As the retail prices rapidly climbed, he bought more because he thought $13.47 ammo is more better than $18.47 ammo. The crystal ball was right.

Fast forward to today. That guy is selling a carton for which he paid between $9-$14, for between $40 and $75 each to people who are more than happy to pay it. Is that "gouging?" Is accusing others of gouging actually a sour grapes form of class warfare?

That guy was willing to indefinitely tie up cash in inventory and was subsequently rewarded for his risk due to favorable market conditions. Just in time manufacturing and retail replenishment business models work exactly the opposite.

Of course, he wasn't actually taking a 'risk' per se, as the original intent of the acquisition was for personal consumption. However the economic principals correlate identically.

When you mix JIT supply chain logistics with an historical influx of new participants, re-invigorated casual users, seasoned shooters purchasing more, and speculators who are just in it to flip it, you get what we have now - scarcity.

I do understand your frustration. I might have some .22 ammo for sale. Are you in the market? If so shoot me a PM and I'll send you the financing application.