Survey Indicates Ammo Shortage Likely To Continue

by
posted on June 1, 2021
southwick-a.jpg

Market research conducted by Southwick Associates indicates last year’s demand for ammunition—that drained inventories and kept many shelves empty—will remain strong well into 2021. Results from the company’s April survey, which polled 1,800 ammunition consumers as part of its quarterly HunterSurvey/ShooterSurvey, found 80 percent of respondents ran into out-of-stock issues in 2020, and 75 percent have already encountered the same situation this year.

In all, nearly 80 percent of those who participated in the survey either canceled or reduced shooting-related activities due to the shortage. Only 17 percent were satisfied with the number of cartridges and/or shotshells they have on hand, while two thirds stated they would prefer to own more.

“At some point, demand will certainly soften,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates. “However, frenzied purchasing and empty shelves often fuels further increases in demand. We do not see demand softening in the near future.”

When respondents were asked why they needed more ammunition, survey results showed a marked difference between age groups. Those between the ages of 25 and 34 were more likely to indicate it was needed to supply their shooting and hunting activity. Enthusiasts more than 45 years of age dominated the group motivated by uncertainly in future supply.

Overall, the vast majority of participants—72 percent—cited the latter concern. Seven out of 10 said restrictions were also a motivating factor, and 54 percent indicated economic uncertainty was also a factor. Lack of cartridges for their field or firing-line pursuits was the motivation for 26 percent.

Although demand for ammunition and components remains at record-setting levels, inventories have been bolstered by the reopening of the Remington ammunition plant in Lonoke, AR. Its temporary closure during the height of pandemic concern and urban unrest is often cited as part of a trifecta that contributed to the current surge and commensurate drop in supply.

Latest

Last Day To Bid
Last Day To Bid

NRA Foundation "Firing Into Fall" Auction Ends Monday

The NRA Foundation’s online “Firing into Fall” Auction ends Monday, giving potential bidders only the weekend to get their bids in.

Gun Of The Week: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

On this Gun Of The Week episode, the American Rifleman staff has an American-made, 12-ga. tactical shotgun from Beretta. Meet the A300 Ultima Patrol.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 29, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Bond Arms .45-70 Gov't Cyclops

This one-eyed pistol, the single-barrel Cyclops from Bond Arms, packs a punch with a venerable straight-walled rifle cartridge.

Springfield Armory Offers Gear Up Promotion

Receive three magazines and a Springfield Armory dual pistol bag featuring the company's crossed-cannon logo in this latest special promotion. Read on for full details:

Rifleman Review: Colt Gold Cup National Match

When Colt's Paul Spitale arrived at the company, his mission was to develop a refined version of the Colt Gold Cup National Match M1911. The pistol here is exactly what he came up with, and it harkens back to the glory days of Colt's classic guns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.