Ammo price deflation
This week I got an email from an ammunition manufacturer that made me smile. He was selling Russian 7.62×39 ammo for $209 per 100rds. I haven’t seen that price since before the Obama election. It seems that a bad economy and high unemployment is having an impact on the consumption of ammo buying. I didn’t get caught up in the panic buying because in my opinion, I never thought that 1000rds of any kind of rifle or pistol ammunition should cost as much of the frickin gun. I remember the days of $79 Wolf ammo and IMHO we are going to go back to that as long as there is not another major upheaval.
I wouldn’t rule out problems coming before the November election given the types of Politicians we have running the Country, and as they slowly run the economy into the ground, there may be people that might run out and panic buy, but other than that, most of the Country knows not to push any crazy anti gun agendas given past repurcussions, Politically, for doing so. I strongly suggest bringing cash to Texas Gun Shows in your area and look and see what kind of ammo you can pick up for a good price. Ammo prices are on their way down and you may run across some really good deals.
If there is a time to get out and shoot and you know that you’ll get a range to yourself, it’s probable going to be in the mid to later Summer months. I know this can also be uncomfortable to shoot in if its really hot, but if you can shoot in the shade and bring plenty to drink. You might be able to shoot all day and call cease fires at will without having to wait for the guy next to you to stop shooting. The worst times to get out are usually in the pre-hunting weeks when ranges are crammed with people trying to verify zero before the upcoming hunting trips.
This weekend there is another Gun Show in my area that is one of my favorite places to go. I hear a lot of gun shops complaining about how the internet is taking away a lot of their business because people just go online and buy stuff and have it shipped to their homes. The reality is that this is true, but sometimes you still want to feel something in your hands and a gun shop or a gun show is the best place to pick something up and hold it in your hands. If you bring cash with you, you are more likely to get a better deal on ammo prices or gun accessories. One hint I would suggest is to go on the last day for the best deals.
Ammo availability seems to be slowly coming back. The last gun show I went to actually had .380 ammo which was telling. Russian ammo has slowly been dropping back to pre-Obama administration prices, too. We’ve been seeing a lot of people switch to the 5.45×39 uppers from Smith & Wesson and I got to see a few of them last weekend. The caliber is so close to the American 5.56 round that you gotta read the barrels to know what the calibers are. Later next month I hope to be at a show in the Dallas Fort Worth area to see more 
Ammo prices seem to be coming down just like the economy is going down so now might be a better time to consider going out and scoping the place out for ammo. Ammo prices are still drastically different, but atleast the availability seems to be there. I notice the run on firearms has slowed now, probable since everyone knows that if you don’t already have enough, racking up more credit card debt just for rack queen isn’t rational. Let us know if you don’t see any shows being listed that are being promoted.
Sometimes knowing what you’re load is isn’t enough to get you on paper and 600-1000yds. Paying attention to crosswinds and terrain will give you that extra improvement to avoid misses. Its not about just bullet drop at those distances, knowing when to pull the trigger and paying attention to your target is what makes you an expert.