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Ammo Supply Can't Keep Up With Demand

Fearing tighter laws under Obama, 12B rounds fly off shelves

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 1:35 PM CST

(Newser) – Crime is down, gun control is on Obama's back burner, and Americans are buying more ammunition than factories can produce. While there are economic reasons—supply is off as the war effort eats up necessary materials—Americans have still managed to buy 12 billion rounds in the past year, up from 7 to 10 billion in a regular year, and most agree it’s for fear of tighter gun control laws under a Democratic president.

People are buying ammo for guns they don’t yet have, a retailer tells the Washington Post. They say, “When I get it, ammunition may be hard to get.” Federal tax receipts for gun sales are up 42% over last year; for ammunition, that number is 49%. The pattern of hoarding ammunition under a Democratic administration is nothing new, a gun control advocate says, but “it is a pattern that has tremendous risk attached to it.” Poppycock, counters an NRA official. The activity is perfectly legal, and folks are just “worrying” about whether “they’ll be attacked by politicians.” Presumably via legislation…

Various types of ammunition for handguns at a range.
Various types of ammunition for handguns at a range.   (AP Photo)
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In the 12 months since last October, gun shops sold enough bullets to give every American 38 of them. - David A. Fahrenthold and Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 35 comments
yummines
Nov 4, 2009 12:26 PM CST
ooo that's no good... well thanks for at least commenting properly instead of spouting "OBAMA IS A NAZI SOCIALIST!!!!!!111" One thing i wondered was if Obama was all about change and hope, the Patriot Act is one of the first things he should have dealt with, as it is a gross violation of privacy and several rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. Just signed a petition for it, now we just need it to actually make a serious "change"...
TiredMemeCat
Nov 4, 2009 12:14 PM CST
Sadly, this theory falls apart when you realize Obama voted against FISA and has dismantled virtually none of the executive order atrocities that Bush inflicted on our democracy. The new boss, is indeed, the same as the old boss.
TiredMemeCat
Nov 4, 2009 12:11 PM CST
The only things right-wingers love is paranoia and machines for killing. Look for another Timothy McVeigh very, very soon.

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