Why is there a .22 Shortage
Just to give you an idea of why .22 is in such short supply here it my take. Look at the shelves of most gun shops nowadays. You will see a large assortment of carbine/assault weapon look alike guns that are actually nothing more than dressed up .22 semi auto rifles. Where before you had the choice of a Marlin or Ruger you now have a S&W M&P .22, Colt AR22, HK in .22, and many others. Lots of new gun owners have spent only a few hundred dollars less than the 5.56 versions of the weapon so that they can get the thrill of shooting a copy of the weapon but at a much lower cost. With the rush for weapon purchases after another ban threat following Newtown many of these .22 weapons went out the door in place of center fire weapons that were simply not available in quantity.
Handguns in .22 have also enjoyed a renaissance with the 1911 .22 models out there and some new Ruger and Walther offerings in semi- auto handguns. Of course there are also plenty of .22 revolvers out there as well. Most of these were not on the market 10 years ago and many are as recent as 4 years ago.
Along with these purchases comes a demand for .22 ammo and voila you have a shortage. The rush for ammo followed it along with a health dose of hoarding by experienced shooters and newbies. Look for a long term short supply that may not improve for a year or more. Buy it when you see it as long as the price is not ridiculous. Remember, there were shortages in 2002 and 2008 so hopefully this is just another bump in the supply road.
Current Pricing of .22
Gun Show Pricing - Top Dollar
.22 (550 Federal Bricks) at gun shows $100 = 18 cents per round up to 20 cents per round
.22 LR CCI 100 Rd in all flavors at guns shows $20 - $30 = 20 cents to 30 cents per round
Retail Prices
.22 (333 Remington Bricks) at Normal Retail outlets $22-$45 = 6 cents per round up to 14 cents per round.
.22 in baggies of 50 rounds lead tip Long Rifle (I've seen these at gun shops as they break down bricks to serve more customers) $4.95 = 10 cents per round.
.22 LR CCI 100 Rd in all flavors $12.95 - $15.95 retail = 13 cents per round up to 16 cents
.22 CCI Segmented LR 8.95 for 50 rounds = 18 cents per round
I would try not to pay more than ten cents per round for standard .22 LR or 15 cents per round for High Velocity like CCI Min Mags or equivalent.
.22 Long Rifle Availability - Improving Slightly
Wally World gets small supplies of .22 bricks to come through in shipments at random according to employees. Since the current limit of 3 boxes of ammo is in effect this would still allow a customer to walk out with 3 bricks. One employee told me at a local store that 5 bricks came in and one customer took 3 at $21.95 each. Meanwhile, you can get them for $100 a brick at gun shows so where do you think those 3 bricks might be getting resold.
Local gun shops in the Mid Atlantic States have received .22 bricks and CCI 100 round packs. Most shops are showing pricing restraint so as not to alienate regular customers. Many have 1 box limits per customer but have kept prices down. 100 Rd CCI Longs, shorts, and CB are showing up around $12.95 each through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Sanfransicko - Low on Ammo
They are right to worry that the state will impose draconian ammo taxes. Advice: Go to Nevada and buy it there if and when a state ammo tax kicks in.
Virginia - Lots of Ammo but it sells out right away.
West Palm Beach Florida shortage sparks profiteers online.
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