Candyman87 10 Posted July 9, 2013 Hi All, My name is Tim, I'm looking to purchase my first pistol later this year. I'm going through the FID process now and while I wait, I'm looking to decide on a first pistol. But my question is this... how's the ammo situation? I haven't heard anything one way or another, but stopping by Dick's in Rockaway last night, the salesman said they've gotten in .22 but it's gone in a day, and 9mm and .40 will sit around for a day or two. My first purchase is somewhat dependent on this. I've shot several that I liked, all calibers and could be happy with any of them as a first firearm. Target shooting only, no self defense or anything. What's readily available? 9mm? .40? .45? Is .22 still worth its weight in gold? Thanks and nice to meet you all, Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,878 Posted July 9, 2013 I believe .40S&W is more readily available than 9mm, .45 and .22LR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seamusSU 0 Posted July 9, 2013 9mm and 22lr are still very hard to find most of the time, at least at reasonable prices and without camping out at a Dick's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Donobieus 15 Posted July 9, 2013 I have been able to get 9mm and 40 in small quantities when i need it to hit the range.....ive been seeing the bulk prices coming down lately to .30 a rd for 9mm and .40 for the 40 s&w. I'd like to see a lil better than that before i buy bulk but I need the range time! lol. .22 is only cheap if you get to a box store the day it comes in stock. Otherwise youre paying WAY too much for it...IMHO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bry@n 195 Posted July 9, 2013 From my standpoint, it's worse than before. I was able to see ammo come in small quantities, now I haven't seen much at all coming around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted July 9, 2013 Someone asked me if I needed .22lr today. I asked what kind and how much. Federal 36gr 525rd box for $70. I literally laughed in his face. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted July 9, 2013 I have found tons on 9,40 38 45 233 556 308. 22 and 44 are still hard to come by Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 9, 2013 The distributor who handles most of this area got 5 50' trailers in during the month of may. During the month of June he didn't even get half a trailer. He got 90 cases of 9mm, 90 of .40, a couple pallets of 5.56 and some other not a popular rounds. No .22 at all. So yes it has gotten worse. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Candyman87 10 Posted July 9, 2013 Well, I'll be crossing my fingers that this lightens up in the next couple of months while I wait for my paperwork to come back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrg455 6 Posted July 9, 2013 I've had pretty good luck finding ammo, the problem (and solution for short term) is most places have been rationing the amount you can buy per day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aguilar64 9 Posted July 9, 2013 Walt at Hackettstown has a lot of 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 223, 308 and a few cases of CCI 22's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Candyman87 10 Posted July 9, 2013 Walt at Hackettstown has a lot of 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 223, 308 and a few cases of CCI 22's This is reassuring... right around the corner from my office! I'll have to drop in and say hi! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted July 9, 2013 The distributor who handles most of this area got 5 50' trailers in during the month of may. During the month of June he didn't even get half a trailer. He got 90 cases of 9mm, 90 of .40, a couple pallets of 5.56 and some other not a popular rounds. No .22 at all. So yes it has gotten worse. Any reason it's not coming in? Reduced production? Rationing? Tin foil? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 9, 2013 Any reason it's not coming in? Reduced production? Rationing? Tin foil? He flat out doesn't know where the hell it is. He joked around and said probably Syria. He's telling departments he can drop ship thier orders but no guarantee on when they will get it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wooly bugger 1 Posted July 9, 2013 I wouldn't make my choice of gun based on current availability. Even though it feels like the new normal, barring another major shock, things will go back to normal, at least at the national level. Of the calibers you mentioned, I shoot only .22. I think things are gradually improving there. You can still buy at mom and pop shops in PA and non-extortionary prices. .22 occasionally pops up on Cabelas and is getting better at Midway. It used to be at Midway, you'd see between 0 and 3 types of .22 available (mostly 5mm or novelty ammo.) Today, it's 10. This is probably going to get me criticized for driving the mania, but what I've learned from this is to have a couple of years of ammo in each caliber, which will reduce the impact of these kinds of shocks in the future. Even now, it's possible to gradually build toward that goal by keeping your eye out and buying opportunisitically. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 9, 2013 It sucks because there is literally buildings full of ammo but the popular calibers are gone and what's there is already reserved. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sludog 0 Posted July 9, 2013 Use Slickgun.com and Gunbot.net to find the best deals and buy online if your local shops are out or start gouging you. Also shop at Cabela's online. They get ammo in daily and prices are reasonable after you factor in the shipping cost. I have no problem finding pistol caliber ammo as of late using those methods. Also stop by Dick's when the doors open and you will get ammo no problem on delivery days. Just be prepared for 3 box limit or 1 bulk pack per day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maintenanceguy 510 Posted July 9, 2013 I've been able to get whatever I needed, you just need a little patience. If you've got a couple of months before you can pick up your gun, you'll be able to stock up on anything, even 22. Check out gunbot.net. This site checks the other sites and lets you know what's available where. I've bought enough 22 and other stuff to keep me going. The prices are a premium, mostly because you're paying shipping too but if you wait for the right deal, it's not awful. I end up finding a deal worth buying about every 2 weeks and I'll buy whatever the seller's limit is. I try to throw in some other items since I'm paying shipping anyway. Ammo is harder to find but it's out there if you're not in a hurry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10X 3,319 Posted July 9, 2013 Use Slickgun.com and Gunbot.com to find the best deals and buy online if your local shops are out or start gouging you. Also shop at Cabela's online. They get ammo in daily and prices are reasonable after you factor in the shipping cost. I have no problem finding pistol caliber ammo as of late using those methods. Also stop by Dick's when the doors open and you will get ammo no problem on delivery days. Just be prepared for 3 box limit or 1 bulk pack per day. Good advice, but gunbot.net is the correct address. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted July 9, 2013 There is a ton of 9mm available online.. the prices are just not super good. Use this url and you will find all kinds of 9mm. If you keep an eye on things you can find 9mm for .27-.29/round. http://gunbot.net/ammo/9mm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jds560 0 Posted July 9, 2013 Don't buy a firearm based on available ammunition, buy it based on what you like! I scour the internet in my limited free time for the best deals I can find on ammunition. I recently picked up brass 9mm for $11.99 a box on the web. Even with shipping, buying off the net tends to be cheaper considering I have a v8 truck and the rising cost of gas.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sludog 0 Posted July 9, 2013 Good advice, but gunbot.net is the correct address. oops, my bad. Reply corrected. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites