This week, I saw a glimmer of hope -- Walmart now has boxes of ammo on the shelf at most locations. In at least 3 different stores I was able to pick up a box of Remington UMC 45ACP, several boxes of Winchester USA 9mm, and some "value packs" of Winchester 38 Special. If you have a 40S&W, you are really in luck as there are literally cases of ammo available at many locations.
A few regular visitors to the Austin-area gun shows told me that several dealers have plenty of ammo to sell (for the right price). Cabelas in Buda, TX is starting to get their inventory back to normal as well, which is good news for both retail and mail order customers.
There are a few ways to look at this: either the manufacturers have boosted their manufacturing to keep pace with demand (plausible), consumers have slowed down their insatiable need for lead (likely), or the economy is putting such a pinch on discretionary income that people just can't afford to buy any more cartridges (scary).
There is still one area of opportunity that may take a few more months to overcome. The 380ACP cartridge is still VERY hard to find in almost every location. I don't think anyone expected the Ruger LCP or similar pocket pistols to be so popular in 2008, so the demand is still high for this caliber.
Back on the subject of Walmart, I would much rather buy guns and ammo from a local dealer than from a big box chain store. But you have to admit, during these shortages Walmart never tried to put the screws to the consumer by price gouging. I can still by a box of Blazer Brass FMJ 9mm for $8.97, the same price I paid at the end of 2008. There are still signs posted that limit purchases to six items per customer, but this doesn't prevent you from making multiple trips.
Note: Guys, if you want to score some brownie points with the wife, just tell her that you want to go with her on her next outing to Walmart. She'll be impressed, and your ammo bunker will be overflowing with "precious metals". Good luck on your shopping!
