AWB Panic! . . . or not

[scaatylobo]

At a local gun show yesterday

A few dealers told me that sales are VERY slow right now.

But I believe that if 'he' is re-elected,sales will go crazy again in fear of a AWB.

Just my 00.02 cents

 

[Killian]

Monopolies are inherently stifling to new innovation. The result of Ma Bell's break up in the 1980's? New phone companies and more competition, lower prices for calls (I remember the days when a phone call in-state was 35 cents a minute), and I would even argue that the internet would not exist now if Ma Bell was still pulling the strings. Create a communication system were people can chat around the world with each other without paying on a per minute basis? Ma Bell would have laughed you out of the office if you'd proposed that in 1979.

Monopolies are bad, mmmkay.

 

[mljdeckard]

I'll repeat, the reason there have been no new gun laws this administration, is that sixty some-odd Democrat congressmen sent a letter to the attorney general stating that they would not vote for any new gun laws. They knew that the ban in '94 was the single-biggest factor that cost them both houses in '94, and they didn't want to touch it. This doesn't mean they are gun fans, it means they are smart. The White House didn't magically decide during the most recent debate that they wanted to reinstate the AWB. They always wanted it. They will be in no more position to get it in the next term (should they win, which I don't think they will) than they were in the first.

 

[barnbwt]

Nah. Congress still writes the laws and an AWB won't get through Congress unless there are strong Democrat majorities

Even so I wouldn't worry terribly. Remember we had that exact situation not long ago and gun control was way down the to do list (even further down on the "able to do list"). The longer either party stays in power, the more likely they'll "get bored" and pull something as bone-headed as the AWB.

I'd say consistent majorties/presidents with a significant regulation-driven platform are a more immediate threat (regardless of party) at the national level. As always, local governance (the guys whose policies actually affect your day-to-day life) is the real worry.

Don't forget how many more people shoot now than used to not even a decade ago. We've just witnessed a Golden Age of firearm democratization, and it'll probably be another generation before the participation rate can fall as low as it was in the '90's. Teach the young'uns about guns!

TCB

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

The 'panic', ANY panic will raise prices. Remember last time in 2008/2009? To illustrate the point go back to just 2005. I don't think we will see these prices again.

2nd quarter 2005 Catalog AIM Surplus Ohio

800 rd can 7.62 X 54R Czech 147 gr $59.95
380 rd can 8mm Romanian $32.95
1,224 rd can 7.62 X 25 Romanian Surplus $119.95
376 rd can 30.06 Korean on Garrand Clips $66.95
50 rd box 45 acp 230grn FMJ $6.95 (not a misprint)
500 rd case 45 acp 230grn FMJ $65.00
1000 rd case 9mm 145grn hollow point $100.00


Russian Nagant 91/30 $69.95 with accessories
Yugo SKS Shooter Grade $99.95

Could it be that the surplus is drying up?

5.45x39 jumped up around $35 since earlier this year when I first got my AK74 in may.

 

[Halal Pork]

Monopolies are inherently stifling to new innovation. The result of Ma Bell's break up in the 1980's? New phone companies and more competition, lower prices for calls (I remember the days when a phone call in-state was 35 cents a minute), and I would even argue that the internet would not exist now if Ma Bell was still pulling the strings. Create a communication system were people can chat around the world with each other without paying on a per minute basis? Ma Bell would have laughed you out of the office if you'd proposed that in 1979.

Monopolies are bad, mmmkay.

What monopoly today are you alluding to with your example? I didn't follow.

 

[iscareliberalsandlikeit]

After being completely inundated with doomsday gun an prophecy, I've become numb to the whole thing over the past two decades..not that I forgot about paying 60$ for Preban ak magazines...I just don't feel like worrying about it too much anymore. You can vote and write you congressman, but that is close to about it. I buy when I feel like buying, not when the manufactures feel like drumming up some "fear sells" business!

 

[481]

After being completely inundated with doomsday gun an prophecy, I've become numb to the whole thing over the past two decades..not that I forgot about paying 60$ for Preban ak magazines...I just don't feel like worrying about it too much anymore. You can vote and write you congressman, but that is close to about it. I buy when I feel like buying, not when the manufactures feel like drumming up some "fear sells" business!

I have a similar mindset, too, largely due to the fact that I have already laid down a good deal of what I think should be "enough".

Of course, my attitude could be perceived as being "Great! I've got mine and I am not worried about anyone else.", but that is simply not the case. I don't want to see restrictive measures in place for anyone else either- I kinda like the 2A as it is!

 

[481]

A few dealers told me that sales are VERY slow right now.

But I believe that if 'he' is re-elected,sales will go crazy again in fear of a AWB.

Just my 00.02 cents

Although I am cautiously optimistic that "Zero" won't see a second term, I can see that happening if things go the way I dread they might. After watching milled Arsenal AKs approach the $3000 mark during the 2008-2009 "Obammoscare" I can see them pushing double that it the worst comes to pass.

Here's to hoping that I am never able to sell off one of my milled AKs for enough to cover the cost of the other six that I own.

 

[Halal Pork]

I have a similar mindset, too, largely due to the fact that I have already laid down a good deal of what I think should be "enough".

Of course, my attitude could be perceived as being "Great! I've got mine and I am not worried about anyone else.", but that is simply not the case. I don't want to see restrictive measures in place for anyone else either- I kinda like the 2A as it is!

I can see where you're coming from on this. It reminds me of people who live in some areas like where I live. A hurricane hitting the coast directly would cause some problems, but we're far enough inland it wouldn't be an evacuation zone. Every time there is a hurricane warning, people go to the grocery store in a controlled riot and stock up on anything and everything, clearing out shelves. You'd think after going through so many hurricane warnings over the years, people would eventually stock up on much of what they needed and have it on hand. Many people justify not being prepared for storms by saying something like "at the last minute the hurricanes always turn north and pass us anyway." Well, if I can help it, I don't want to be the guy at the store the day before the hurricane hits trying to buy everything I need even if the storm "will probably miss us at the last minute like always."

 

[GEM]

Isn't the UN coming to TX? I was told that an match yesterday. Just waiting for Willard to lose. Then all those guys in Luxembourg, Brussels and Copenhagen will put down the wine and croissants and saddle up to land at Corpus. Boy, I'm sure Sven, Pierre and Kurt are just waiting for the chance to do that.

At the local big box sporting goods stores, they had about 25 EBRS on the racks and there were sales.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Well I guess I'll have to invite them in for tea. Wait a second we aren't even on the map.

 

[Autolycus]

I would think that if Romney gets into office, we will see a rise in the number of anti-gun laws as we know he is well versed in signing assault weapons bans. He is a MA governor and has that intense hatred of firearms and freedom which make the USA so great.

We know Obama has signed pro-gun laws into law even though he is neutral on the gun issue at best when it comes to forcing his beliefs on the populace. I do believe he is anti-gun in his personal life but he will sign what comes to his desk, and he knows suggesting more gun control is an issue that won't help his popularity.


Mitt "I don't believe these guns belong on our streets" Romney is the one who I do not trust as we know he will sign an AWB if it comes to pass based upon his past actions.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I totally forgot about the Mayan Prophecy .. better stock up on 5.56!

 

[Walkalong]

as we know he will sign an AWB

There is a chance with either candidate, so thank goodness it will never get to their desk if we continue fighting for our rights by electing pro gun politicians at all levels. Gun control is way down the list with both candidates.

Speculating the odds of either one pushing anti gun legislation is just that, speculation. They will have so many other problems and priorities, neither will be wasting time on guns right now.

So again, I say not to panic, it isn't going to happen. Our two biggest problems here in the USA have nothing to do with guns. Debt and jobs, debt and jobs, not guns.

Both parties will be working on that, because they want to be reelected again, not just necessarily themselves, but their party.

Ain't happening, and it comes from all the hard work of the pro gun side over the last few years. get in there and contribute your time and money.

 

[lobo9er]

Then what exactly would you consider price gauging?

when a nation absolutly needs something to carry on, like say GAS at 1.25 a gal. people selling crude oil are making billions of profit, after everyone gets paid and big bucks and what not there is billions of profit left over. Then the price triples. that is gouging example.

 

[Halal Pork]

when a nation absolutly needs something to carry on, like say GAS at 1.25 a gal. people selling crude oil are making billions of profit, after everyone gets paid and big bucks and what not there is billions of profit left over. Then the price triples. that is gouging example.

Oil companies make more money than you think they should. There's no "price gouging" to it. Good luck finding any serious economists (not a political wonk or the boob tube) to back your position. I'd love to have cheap prices on everything (so long as I'm not selling it myself, of course.) But complaining about high costs of anything, the market, supply and demand, or what have you doesn't actually solve anything.

If "price gouging" is a problem (which it isn't), what is the solution?

1. Central planning? See USSR.
2. Price caps? You're going to get supply shortages ("Sorry. No gas today.") And you're going to create a black market.
3. Subsidize it? Good grief. Consumers end up paying more at the pump and at the back end on taxes.
4. Keep complaining (because it's what we do) and let the market sort itself out without getting the government involved.

Frustrating as it may seem, solution 4 is generally the best option.

 

[BSA1]

To directly answer the O.P.'s question my gun runner, er...gun salesman, daughter sold two AR-15's this past week and says there is a lot of interest in high capacity handguns.

She said politics is the most common reason for gun purchases.

I would think that if Romney gets into office, we will see a rise in the number of anti-gun laws as we know he is well versed in signing assault weapons bans. He is a MA governor and has that intense hatred of firearms and freedom which make the USA so great.

I agree that Romney poses a great(er) danger to gun rights. Since he is a appeaser and has a documented record supporting gun bans his support of a AWB will split the Republican Party vote in the House giving the Dems the necessary votes to pass a bill. I also think this will take place in the first 8 months (before the August recess) of his Presidency to give as much time as possible for things to cool down before the mid-term elections.

 

[cbrgator]

Who exactly would Romney be "appeasing" by signing an AWB? Gun control is very unpopular nationwide. Seems counterintuitive to me.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Who exactly would Romney be "appeasing" by signing an AWB? Gun control is very unpopular nationwide. Seems counterintuitive to me.

Well some of us Texans tried to warn you about GW's spending problems but nobody listened. Now some of us are pointing out Romeny's support and willingness to sign a AWB law. If he manages to win and one hits his desk he will sign it. So when it comes to gun rights as bad as it sounds Obama is better for us than Romeny. Diffcult to accept but those are the facts.

 

[Tommygunn]

Now some of us are pointing out Romeny's support and willingness to sign a AWB law. If he manages to win and one hits his desk he will sign it.

Funny, I thought I heard him say he is against an AWB . . . there must be two Mitt Romneys out there.

 

[Ken451]

there must be two Mitt Romneys out there.

It's campaign time. Anything said at one campaign stop is unrelated to what is said a day later and totally unrelated to what they do once they are sworn in.

 

[HoosierQ]

Not.

 

[JustinJ]

If "price gouging" is a problem (which it isn't), what is the solution?

It is a problem in times of emergency or crisis. Gradual, or even rapid, increases in price to reflect rises in cost are not price gouging. Once again, it is when people profit by temporarily hiking prices to profit from an unusual supply shortage. Temporary price caps are at times used to control it and ensure everybody has access to needed items.

During the last election panic my lgs did not raise ammo prices. Instead, they rationed and only allowed so much to be purchased per month by each individual. Everybody got some and nobody got gouged. Just like everywhere else, they too had shortages. Now is it unethical to price gouge guns and ammo in times of panic buying? That's a matter of opinion. However, guns and ammo during an election scare do not have the same level of necessity as water, food or gas during an actual emergency.

Funny, I thought I heard him say he is against an AWB . . . there must be two Mitt Romneys out there.

Were you trying to be ironic?

 

[Halal Pork]

"Temporary price caps are at times used to control it and ensure everybody has access to needed items."

Price caps lead to shortages (or exacerbate shortages) and encourage the formation of a black market. Higher prices lower demand and give an incentive to push more goods to market. This isn't stuff I'm making up based on my opinions or something I saw on television. It's all been done before and there are any number of examples you can read about if you care to study it.

Regarding ammo and firearms prices and the earlier references to price gouging, I'll give a couple examples. In early 2009 I was picking up a pistol at a gun shop. While I waited, I asked about the price on a Bushmaster AR on the rack that looked like a very basic M4 clone. The guy wanted $1600. I wasn't willing to pay $1600 for a base model Bushmaster so I passed. It wasn't worth it to me at that price. A few days later I was in another gun shop and saw a comparable AR from Rock River. The price was significantly lower than the rifles at the other shop and I was willing to buy one at their price. The guy at the shop selling $1600 Bushmasters, no doubt, continued to lose sales to his competitor until he lowered his prices. I am sure he didn't have much luck "price gouging."

Another example that must have played itself out countless times involved ammo. During the same period, when there was a significant shortage of available ammo, customers would come into a gun shop where my friend worked. When they found out the price for ammo sold there, some of the customers would become angry and say "I always buy at Walmart and it is a lot cheaper there. You're price gouging!" And the shop owner's reply was "How much ammo do they have at Walmart?" The answer, of course, was none. Ammo was made available to those customers because there were vendors who sold at higher prices than Walmart.

My apologies for such a long, boring post.