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Firearm sales have soared over recent years in the United States, but ammunition has become increasingly difficult to find. Ammunition manufacturers report a spike in sales and orders for bullets. Despite some people saying, ‘if they can’t take away your guns, then they’ll take away your ammunition,’ research seems to indicate the shortage is a supply and demand issue combined with workforce shortages due to COVID-19 supply chain issues. Others suggest the unrest and riots in urban areas, along with calls to "defund the police," have caused many people to be more concerned about personal safety, so they are stockpiling ammunition.

Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), that performs background checks for new firearm purchasers, indicates that by the end of September 28.8 million background checks were initiated through NICS during the first eight months of 2020, which exceeds the total background checks initiated through the system during any previous year. Gun sales have significantly increased during the first half of 2020, according to retailer surveys done by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Manufacturers indicate they are dealing with ramping up to meet increased demand while implementing measures to keep employees safe in manufacturing plants due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

The shortage is expected by some to last into 2021 before retailers can become fully stocked once again. Click on the links below for more related stories.

Related Links Why Is There an Ammunition Shortage in the U.S.? - By Emily Czachor, newsweek.com, October 5, 2020 Ammo Shortage May Last Until 2021 - By Guy J. Sagi, shootingillustrated.com, August 20, 2020 The Great Ammo Shortage of 2020 - accurateshooter.com, October 3, 2020 Ammunition shortage spurred by coronavirus pandemic worsened by fears in social climate, gun pros say - By Mariah Medina, KENS5.com, September 25, 2020