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Over the last year and half due to the pandemic and civil unrest we have seen a surge in first time gun owners. That influx of new gun owners has put a strain on weapon and ammunition manufacturers. Supply and demand for these resources are outpacing the manufacturer’s ability to supply those goods. Ammunition has been one of the hardest hit by the tsunami of consumer demand. According to Southwick & Associates that demand will not be slowing anytime soon. Southwick & Associates are a prominent outdoor market research company in the firearm industry.

Recently, Southwick conducted a survey in April of 2021. That survey concluded demand will continue to outpace supply for sometime to come.

The survey conducted by Southwick asked more than 1,800 consumers about their ammunition purchasing habits. Southwick found out that 4 out 5 consumers ran into out of stock items. While 79% reported partially or fully reduced their shooting habits due to the lack of ammunition and dwindling supply. As, the ammunition manufacturers face an immense backlog of ammunition orders.

This distribution in the supply and demand of ammunition will continue for the foreseeable future. In the survey Southwick found out that nearly two-thirds of consumers report their ammo inventory is lower than they prefer. While 43% said “much more” ammunition is needed. Whereas, 38% said they needed a “little more” to restock. Only a merger 17% said they where “satisfied” with their stock of ammunition. The data from the survey also suggests that people will continue to buy and hoard ammunition.

Below, are some statistics from the Southwick & Associates about our on-going ammo shortage here in the U.S.

Consumer Reasons More Ammo Needed

• Uncertainty about future ammunition supplies (72%). This is especially true among consumers 45+ years of age.
• Uncertainty about future restrictions on ammunition purchases (70%).
• Uncertainty about future economic conditions (54%).
• Increased shooting and hunting activity (26%). This was more common among the 25-34 year-old consumers.

“At some point, demand will certainly soften,” reports 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.”

What do you think about these stats? How long do you think this shortage will exist? Let us know in the comments below.

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