2ndtimer
Active Member
Actually, the core problem is not the shortage. All the manufacturers have stated they distributed more powder, bullets, primers and factory ammo in 2020 than they ever have, even with the pandemic. The core problem is simply the unprecedented demand for these products caused by the pandemic, civil unrest in large cities and the uncertainty leading up to the election, and the scary outcome of the election. Exacerbated by the over 8 million new gun owners who had no clue what "normal prices" were prior to 2020, and their willingness to pay what most of us consider to be exorbitant prices. Prices will probably never return to "normal", but if we are lucky, might increase by only 30% or so from 2019, once the panic subsides.The fundamental root cause is not people willing to pay high prices or even scalpers. The core problem is the shortage, which leads to an imbalance in supply and demand that takes an orderly economic process and creates disorder.
If people want something badly enough, it will drive people to create supply and fulfill the demand.