How Long Will The Extreme Ammo Shortage Last?

Any shooter who has visited a local gun shop in the past year likely knows how difficult it is to purchase gun ammo. Here's what we think caused the current ammo shortage, how long it will last, and what shooters can do in the meantime.

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What Shooters Should Know About the 2021 Ammo Shortage

Why Is There an Ammo Shortage?

The current shortage of ammunition brought forth several sociopolitical theories on how the government hoards all the ammunition in the country for their personal gains. Many let their political beliefs cloud their judgment on the issue—which is never a pretty sight.

So, where did all the ammo go? This is not the first time we saw a shortage of ammunition, but this might be the first major, long-running shortage of various ammo types and models.

The shortage generally stemmed from the recent pandemic, which brought about riots and civil unrest. People wanted guns for protection. In fact, statistics show that the number of new gun owners in 2020 grew by more than five million.

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What Do Manufacturers Have To Say About the Shortage?

Every gun and ammunition manufacturer will say that they are working overtime to address the current shortage. And the increased production numbers can attest to these statements.

We all want the shortage to end. However, the demand for these products has skyrocketed to the point that major manufacturers will have to double or triple their production over the span of several months to normalize the supply-demand ratio.

When Will the Ammo Shortage End?

Unfortunately, most gun experts do not see manufacturers catching up to the market's demand for ammo. So you can expect the ammo shortage this 2021 to last a few more months—or even years. In the meantime, save whatever ammunition you have left and explore alternative weapons to use for self-defense.

Also, you might want to skip hunting trips until ammo supplies return to normal. Although, if you know how to go hunting with a knife and bow and arrow, then by all means, push through with that trip.