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

Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web
Gotw Eaa Witness2311 Brat Web

Gun Of The Week: EAA Witness2311 Brat

Built on M1911 principles and imported by European American Armory Corp., the EAA Girsan Witnesss2311 Brat is a unique take on the double-stack, 2011-style pistol.

The Armed Citizen® March 28, 2025

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

John C. Garand: His Compensation & Other Accomplishments

Much gratitude has been, and is given, to the man who created the M1 Garand. But folklore suggests John C. Garand did all the work for free. Let us dispel that notion.

John Rigby & Co. Celebrates 250th Anniversary

John Rigby—born in 1758—founded his famed gunmaking firm, John Rigby & Co., in 1775, and year 2025 marks the company's semiquincentennial celebration.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1903A3 Springfield

While the U.S. Army's Model 1903 Springfield rifle is one of the most well-recognized small arms of the 20th century, a lesser-known variant, the Model 1903A3, served as an important stopgap rifle in the early years of World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & M3020 Turkey Edition Shotguns

New for 2025, Stoeger Industries is offering a dedicated turkey hunting version of its 12-ga. M3000 and 20-ga. M3020.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.