Are You Shooting Less?

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:24 pm

What if there is an Obama plan to keep ammo in very short supply? I suppose that one reason I don't get out shooting much is that I'm not sure I can replace what I've gathered up over the years....Most non-gunners would say I have an arsenal, but, I just think I have the bare minimum for an extended emergency....I'm guessing that unless I have a rich uncle I don't know about, my purse strings are going to stay tight, and I don't want to get caught short. Shooting "stuff" could well equal food and TP later on....

stew71 · Post by **stew71** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:42 pm

Overall, yes. I haven't been doing as much shooting as I used to. But that's due to other interests. The Mrs and I have been doing more camping, traveling, hunting, fishing, etc. We also have more home remodeling projects that have been eating up the weekends. I just don't have as much spare time to devote to the range anymore. I need to retire early...

As far as the ammo shortage is concerned, I've had to ration my use of 45LC and 6.5x55 Swede due to powder availability. I can find factory stuff but it's flippin' pricey. Right now, it's the powder shortage that concerns me.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:43 pm

Yes, since I moved to IL my shooting has dwindled down to nothing.

I suspect that is the plan. No ammo = no shooting.

Here's a link to an article about it:
{ http://www.examiner.com/article/house-o ... -purchases }
It's a follow up on an article from the weekend where the .gov has admitted causing the ammo shortage.

Joe

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:45 pm

Answer to post title question.
Yes, much less.
But not so much to do with the current ammo. issues.
I believe it has more to do with my change in interests.
My resent interest in crossbows provides me the convenience of backyard shooting.
I've also gotten into throwing horseshoes, I'm also able to do this in my backyard.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:55 pm

Yes, but not because of the ammo thing; but it is in the back of my mind.
I am looking forward to a return to normal, so I can augment where I feel vunerable.
Others would say I have too much.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:01 pm

Mescalero wrote:Yes, but not because of the ammo thing; but it is in the back of my mind.
I am looking forward to a return to normal, so I can augment where I feel vunerable.
Others would say I have too much.

It's funny (well, not really) that some families that prepare with months of food, would scoff and recoil at the idea of shooting supplies being stocked up for use, protection, and trade. In times of extended emergency, one goon with a gun will take their food supply, and likely leave them dead (or in a stew pot)...

Ji in Hawaii · Post by **Ji in Hawaii** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:05 pm

I have been shooting less since I moved to Honolulu County (Oahu island) back in late 2007 from Maui. I believe I have gone to the range a total of 3 times in over 5 years. The range is far away, it is open just 4 hours, it's overcrowded. I miss Maui and setting up my own range just minutes away from my home with deer, goat, and pig hunting just minutes away too. I wish I could blame the Obamanation for my situation but I honestly can't.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:44 pm

Yes I am shooting for less partly due to not wanting to deplete my working supply but also the economy is so rocky my income is very spotty and I am currently more likely to be selling things for gas money then buying new things. I have at least gotten out some of my old toys when deciding what to sell and started shooting with them a little bit. Plus the suppressor I started paperwork on almost a year ago and paid for back then just arrived so that gives me something to do that feels "new" even though it's not.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:50 pm

No. I'm shooting as much as usual, with the exception of 22 rimfires. 90% of my shooting is my own cast bullets, and handloaded everything.

zzr7ky · Post by **zzr7ky** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:56 pm

No -

I shoot as much and often.

However: I'm known to be pretty generous with friends and children. The air rifles, muzzle loaders, and Bearcat are getting more use ; ) The semi auto's a bit less use.

ATB,
Mike P

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:01 pm

zzr7ky wrote:The air rifles, muzzle loaders, and Bearcat are getting more use ; )

I have seriously thought about a 357 Air Rifle - I wonder if you could shoot saboted projectiles in them...??? (That would even further increase 'survival' potential, as sabots are far cheaper and easier to stock up on than bullets).

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:09 pm

Mescalero wrote:1) Yes, but not because of the ammo thing; but it is in the back of my mind.

2) I am looking forward to a return to normal, so I can augment where I feel vulnerable.

3) Others would say I have too much.

Exactly "ditto" to all three.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:13 pm

I've been shooting less , but mainly because I've been to lazy to go to the range ! My component supply is in decent shape , but with the lack of stuff for us to get from distributors it does make me step back and think a bit ! The only way that S...O...B can shut me down is with primers ! I have a goodly supply of powder I can use in my 444's and still about half a ton of lead for casting . My large rifle primer stock is down to a few hundred over 5,000 and about 4,500 magnum large rifle . So I "should" be in good shape for a year or two . But then one never knows how long that M...F...'er will keep it up !

olyinaz · Post by **olyinaz** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:23 pm

AJMD429 wrote:
zzr7ky wrote:The air rifles, muzzle loaders, and Bearcat are getting more use ; )
I have seriously thought about a 357 Air Rifle - I wonder if you could shoot saboted projectiles in them...??? (That would even further increase 'survival' potential, as sabots are far cheaper and easier to stock up on than bullets).

The new Crosman .357 air rifle looks like a friggen HOOT. I'm not sure what kind of ammo it uses though. A mold to make the projectiles for it would be a dang neat idea......

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:47 pm

No, I'm shooting as much as normal at the moment and replenishing stuff as and when I can.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:11 pm

I spent some heavy bucks last summer bringing my stash up to speed last summer when Romney won the nomination. I have enough to continue shooting at my normal rate for 2-3 years. You can bet I will replenish as soon as the prices and availability come down to sane levels.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:25 pm

AJMD429 wrote:Yes I am shooting for less partly due to not wanting to deplete my working supply but also the economy is so rocky my income is very spotty and I am currently more likely to be selling things for gas money then buying new things. .

For me , this is somewhat the case ---- i dont want to deplete what i have unless it is something i already have tons of . For instance, i have thousands of loaded rounds of FMJ 55 grain 5.56- typical AR15/mini 14 type plinking fodder ---- problem is, i'm somewhat bored shooting and messing with my AR's now. I'd rather plink with my Win 94 pistol caliber carbines truthfully, or shoot my 1911's more -- but my supplies of that are dwindling down to the bare essentials

The economy is rocky enough that i have to work more it seems to realize the same net income i enjoyed a few years ago, -- my gross income has not really gone down, but i am paying much more for other things -- and those extra hours working mean less recreational time across the board, --- so if its a beautiful sunny day with nice temps , i'm more likely to be on my mountain bike or trail motorcycle most likely --- or on my tractor tending to my place now as we are knee deep into lawn season
bottom line is i still enjoy the thrill of a new aquisition occasionally, but rarely get time to stay proficient with what i have ----

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:51 pm

Nope....holding back more than usual Blaine. I shot the Bearcat almost a month ago. It was so cold that I literally started to freeze my fingers and could not shoot anymore after a couple of cylinders. The last time I shot for real was in preparation for our Texas Hog Hunt last fall.

92&94 · Post by **92&94** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:00 pm

Only because of the howling gale that is springtime in NM

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:00 pm

skeet shoot'n is all i am doing now....
use to go every weekend...but with this stink'n economy
i had to cut back

thinking about an air rifle...for backyard fun
Gamo whisper....

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:03 pm

olyinaz wrote:
Mescalero wrote:1) Yes, but not because of the ammo thing; but it is in the back of my mind.

2) I am looking forward to a return to normal, so I can augment where I feel vulnerable.

3) Others would say I have too much.
Exactly "ditto" to all three.

It goes in spurts for me. I'll go a few months without shooting anything, and then I'll be able to shoow a few weekends in a row. Hard to track if it's really less, or more!

However, when I set about loading ammo, looking at the depleting supplies of both powder and primers... I tell myself to be more conscious of how much shooting I am going to do. Whereas after a match in the past, I might shoot another 10-50 rounds for practice, or testing a new load... now I'm far less likely to. Pack up the guns and go home... no extra shooting.

wolfdog · Post by **wolfdog** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:07 pm

Yes I have been shooting less, but its as much to do with how busy I have been at work as ammo/component price/availablity.

Concho · Post by **Concho** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:17 pm

I started stocking up after the 08 election. I have alot on hand,
powder, primers, cases & bullets. I am sitting on what i have until
I see what the new normal is going to be.

The ammo shortage and high prices is largely due to "panic buying".
I have read reports of the DHS using standing contracts with ammo
companies to perpetuate the shortage. I don't know if this is true
or not, but I believe what I read to be credible.

Whatever the case, I'll feel better when gun control is on the back
burner.

wilko · Post by **wilko** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:19 pm

nope i got plenty.... but the "shortage" has got me looking at alternatives like x-bows and air rifles

Paladin · Post by **Paladin** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 5:17 pm

Yes, cutting back to just training others, minimum qualification requirements, 22s, and Cap and Ball saving most of the rest until it starts flowing again or I start using the Government's again.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 6:45 pm

Due to CAS, I am shooting more than ever.
Also since my collection has grown I am loading/casting more lately.
I am going shooting tomorrow. I have a new Ruger Super Red Hawk to try out.

I wonder how long it takes to shoot up 9 lb. of IMR4227 in a .44mag and .45 Colt using 325+ gr. bullets?? Maybe I will find out in a few years.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 6:51 pm

Been shooting pellet rifle and shotgun as well as ccw. I definitely won't be shooting down my supply of other ammo though I did burn 15 rounds of 32WCF on Tuesday.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:51 pm

If this B...S with availability of components stays around much longer I have the perfect excuse to get the Barnett 410 FPS crossbow !

No need worry about background checks , ammo or components !

http://www.barnettcrossbows.com/product ... t-410-2013

44-40 Willy · Post by **44-40 Willy** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:58 pm

With my fixed income and the shortage of ammo and components, I only been shooting when something needs shot. I've got enough ammo to see me through for a while if I don't go crazy with it, but I will admit to a certain embarrassment in my 357 Mag supply.

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:01 pm

Ive been shooting less, but mostly cuz of the wind,
im fine on components, but will buy if price is good or fair, at a gun show last Sat.
I got 300 130gr.270cal. rem. bullets for 60 bucks, couldnt let that get away
95% or more of my shooting is with my cast bullets, so I shoot as cheap as I can

ollogger

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:04 pm

Shooting at even double pre-Obummer reelection volume, I am good for another 40 years or so.

So, basically I'm set for the rest of my life

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:22 pm

Not yet, but starting to consider it.

earlmck · Post by **earlmck** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:50 pm

Nope, shooting more in this neck of the woods. Got grandkids shooting and now some great-grandkids think they need to shoot. Good thing I laid in bunches of 22 rimfire over the past decade. And we do a lot of training with the pellet guns -- got a little pellet pistol still unopened that got delivered today that will hopefully help with "gpa's introduction to pistol shootin" class. And I personally have more neat guns than I ever imagined possessing -- they have to be shot to keep 'em from feeling neglected, you know.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 11:29 pm

22 LR today at one store $150.00 a brick. Incredible. Can't imagine they are selling any of it.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:16 am

Paladin wrote:Yes, cutting back to just training others, minimum qualification requirements, 22s, and Cap and Ball saving most of the rest until it starts flowing again or I start using the Government's again.

You've likely already fired enough rounds downrange in your lifetime to equal several of us though , so taking a short sabbatical is no prob huh?

piller · Post by **piller** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:48 am

Which one is Less, and why should I shoot him?

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:34 am

Actually I'm shooting more often now than the last two years, I'm augmenting my weekly indoor range visit with silhouette. Mostly this has to do with the time to reload, and secondarily, time and energy to get up early and make the matches. If I sleep in, I don't go. I slept in for the last year.

I have a lot of bullets I would like to shoot up, and some testing to do. I have primers, but am somewhat limited on the powder.

I did dust off the Gamo Silent Cat and found why it wasn't accurate - the scope wasn't holding zero. With iron sights it's fine. I may try to rig up a peep, but the rear peep would be on one side of the break barrel and the front sight on the other. Would it matter? Dunno.

I may do more shooting with it at the range, because I have a good supply of pellets. However I find the spring annoying. That's quite a whack; enough to get your eyeballs vibrating. I prefer the Benjamin Sheridan with its soft kick. I will probably take it hunting this year; it's my #1 life taker.

As far as my weekly range visit, I am trying to keep it short. Maybe 15 rounds instead of 50. I may start taking the airguns, if I run out of 22lr. I have about 900 rounds left.

If it came down to it, I would be happy enough with airguns.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:52 am

piller wrote:Which one is Less, and why should I shoot him?

LesMooreGrave.jpg

Well, somebody did...

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 4:52 am

6pt-sika wrote:If this B...S with availability of components stays around much longer I have the perfect excuse to get the Barnett 410 FPS crossbow !

No need worry about background checks , ammo or components !

http://www.barnettcrossbows.com/product ... t-410-2013

Go X-Cal. 6, the only thing you'll have to replace is the string.
No wheels, cams, cables to maintain.
"Recurve Simply Perfect"

http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 6:53 am

In terms in just actual overall number of total shots per week----(am actually shooting more)
In terms of number of shots per week with most my guns that require gun powder to propel the projectile-----(shooting less)

Air Rifles are becoming(and will become even more)--------------the new way of the future------ for target shooting/varmit control out to reasonable distances.

I suspect the various manufactures know this------and you will be seeing air guns become even more technologically advanced.

Think they are a toy ????????????? Watch last few minutes on video below from minute marker 6:30 to 8:30 ???????
80 or 100 or 130 yd (shots made) ????-----------------------------------------what does the man do and say!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=280VfL6BIFA

The PCP rifles are incredible----as are the Nitro Gas Piston ones like the Hatsan 125 sniper or the Benjamin Trail NP XL(have em both)
(just something cool about shooting all day long----500 shots per $8.95 and when shooting ------its quiet!

How can one beat sitting in the dining room (got the TV show "Shooting USA" going on the tube) drinking a nice hot cup of java,while you are shooting some things out your crank open thermopane windows--------------yep, and all while having a nice conversation with the little wifey as she is sitting in the dining room beside you ???????????????? Priceless-------------

New meaning to having the better half loving guns and liking you to (go shooting)

JMHO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmsKDtCj2rk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJbsw1_KKCg

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 9:33 am

This thread did remind me to order the aftermarket trigger for the airgun.

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 10:40 am

I guess I should admit to making one concession toward limited components and high costs.

Bought a '94 NRA Centennial .30-30 a few weeks ago and only have/had one single .30 cal mould, the 311041 which takes gas checks. Since I only have a few thousand .30 cal GC's I had to make a decision. Do I buy more GC's for $50+ per thousand or do I buy a PB mould? I went with the 150gr RCBS cowboy PB mould and now get to spend a few weeks casting and testing all sorts of combo's in order to come up with 'about' a 1400fps load though admittedly I am more interested in pure accuracy than any sort of specific velocity. 1200-1500 would be fine with me as long as it doesn't lead the barrel and will stay close to 1" at 50 yards

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 11:15 am

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:30 pm

BlaineG wrote:What if there is an Obama plan to keep ammo in very short supply? I suppose that one reason I don't get out shooting much is that I'm not sure I can replace what I've gathered up over the years....Most non-gunners would say I have an arsenal, but, I just think I have the bare minimum for an extended emergency....I'm guessing that unless I have a rich uncle I don't know about, my purse strings are going to stay tight, and I don't want to get caught short. Shooting "stuff" could well equal food and TP later on....

Buy TP everytime you go to the store and pretty soon you'll have a good stock pile.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:32 pm

And yes I shoot less cause of the ammo shortage.

Johnny

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:57 pm

Blackhawk wrote: Buy TP everytime you go to the store and pretty soon you'll have a good stock pile.

Yep. If you just buy a 6 roll package everytime you will buy it faster than you use it. Unless you have a wife and teenage daughters.

The same principle can be applied to other items. I used to apply it to .22's at Wallyworld.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:43 pm

sore shoulder wrote:
Blackhawk wrote: Buy TP everytime you go to the store and pretty soon you'll have a good stock pile.
Yep. If you just buy a 6 roll package everytime you will buy it faster than you use it. Unless you have a wife and teenage daughters.

The same principle can be applied to other items. I used to apply it to .22's at Wallyworld.

Frank,

I'm with you. My kids go thru it quick.

Been a while since we last spoke. You were considering going into service then. I see you're a 11B30, are you a master/first sergent?

Johnny

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:59 pm

Blackhawk wrote:
sore shoulder wrote:
Blackhawk wrote: Buy TP everytime you go to the store and pretty soon you'll have a good stock pile.
Yep. If you just buy a 6 roll package everytime you will buy it faster than you use it. Unless you have a wife and teenage daughters.

The same principle can be applied to other items. I used to apply it to .22's at Wallyworld.
Frank,

I'm with you. My kids go thru it quick.

Been a while since we last spoke. You were considering going into service then. I see you're a 11B30, are you a master/first sergent?

Johnny

If it's been since I was thinking about it, it's been a long time.

Was that here or elswhere?

11B30 is Staff Sergeant

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:18 pm

Seems I neglected to stock up on ALL the different bullets....copper plated .45acp, for example. After I go through my 1200 or so factory fmj, I'm out...hope they come back into availability, as I'd really like to get some practice in on my .45s....

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:59 pm

sore shoulder wrote:
Blackhawk wrote:
sore shoulder wrote:
Blackhawk wrote: Buy TP everytime you go to the store and pretty soon you'll have a good stock pile.
Yep. If you just buy a 6 roll package everytime you will buy it faster than you use it. Unless you have a wife and teenage daughters.

The same principle can be applied to other items. I used to apply it to .22's at Wallyworld.
Frank,

I'm with you. My kids go thru it quick.

Been a while since we last spoke. You were considering going into service then. I see you're a 11B30, are you a master/first sergent?

Johnny
If it's been since I was thinking about it, it's been a long time. Was that here or elswhere?

11B30 is Staff Sergeant

Either here or the Marlin place. Hey didn't Jayco start his own page?

Johnny