Would you let ammo availability influence your purchase choice?

[LibertySympathizer]

I'm pretty torn on my next pistol purchase due to ammo availability where I'm at.

This is especially important because I am in California, where starting next Feb, I can't mail order ammo, and it must be purchased face-to-face, or gotta spend time reloading.

There are some calibers that are almost always available locally, and given the option, I'd probably never purchase a pistol chambered in it.

But on the other hand, what good is a pistol without ammo?

So, I've finally scraped enough dough together to get a pistol chambered in a caliber I prefer, but can't decide whether I should have patience and wait out the ammo situation, or look to getting a pistol chambered in a round that I probably would never use if I didn't have too.

 

[conhntr]

i have tons of calibers and try to only buy common ones. i have a.40sw and .45colt both of which i considered to be fairly "common" calibers. both of which have turned out to be much harder to find ammo for than 9mm 45acp and 38/357.

the 45colt is a ruger vaquero and if i was doing it over i would just get the 357 version for cheap/easy to find ammo.

 

[conhntr]

double tap

 

[BullfrogKen]

Only if I can't find reloading components for it.


To do a bit of wordplay, it's quite liberating to know I'm not confined to what's on the shelf at the store when I want to go shooting.

And I shoot too much to buy factory. I'd never be able to afford it without reloading.

 

[cchris]

The popularity of the 9mm round, and the fact that some places keep more in stock or restock more frequently (along with the price) have led me to purchase three of those so far. Mostly the price led me toward selecting the caliber, but a little bit was availability. Now, if you were talking about how common the ammo is as opposed to the "frenzy"-effect, purchasing something that's not in stock locally (like 10mm, for example) at a reasonable price would definitely make me choose more carefully.

 

[easyg]

This is especially important because I am in California,...

The fact that I live in California would influence my purchase choice.
No high cap magazines in Cali, right?
So, if you can only have 10+1 rounds, then they may as well be big ones (.40S&W, .45ACP, or 10mm).

 

[Damon555]

Every purchase I make involves that decision. I choose mostly common calibers. Keep it simple, especially if you don't reload. It can get very expensive.

 

[Eightball]

Absolutely I would. Gun's a misshapen club if you cannot obtain ammo.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Would you let ammo availability influence your purchase choice?

Yes, if I had to count on factory ammo.

I recently bought a Micro Desert Eagle and SIG P238 (.380). Since I have plenty of .380 components, ammo wasn't considered in the purchase or how much I want to practice with the guns.

 

[Drail]

It is unimaginable to me to have to rely on the current market for ammunition. To everybody who does not reload, this is definitely a good time to learn.

 

[Bill B.]

Would you let ammo availability influence your purchase choice?

You bet it would! A prime example is the 41 Mag. which is a fine round but unless you happen to have a very, very well stocked gunshop around it most likely has to be ordered. I have cut back on the calibers I own for this very reason.

 

[smoothdraw]

For me Yes because without ammo my weapons will just be a paper weight.

 

[searcher451]

Absolutely; ammo is not going to get any cheaper, and availability is something else that we all have to consider when purchasing a new firearm for some range exercise. It's no mistake that the past few purchases I've made have been in .22 caliber. It's a touch hard to get even now, but the price is still more than reasonable -- and it beats no shooting at all.

 

[BullfrogKen]

It is unimaginable to me to have to rely on the current market for ammunition. To everybody who does not reload, this is definitely a good time to learn.

I totally agree.

 

[christcorp]

I buy 9x18 (9mm Makarov) ammo at $9-$10 a box. I buy 9x19 (Normal 9mm) at $9.04 and then $6.40 if I send them the brass back. I buy 45acp at $11.99 and then $8.30 if I send them the brass back. I buy my 38spl and 357 magnum at around $9 if I provide the brass. The 380, I don't shoot much. I just wait for sales. I just bought 4 boxes of 380 at sports authority for $17 a box. It's expensive, but I'm not a 380 fan, and only have it and shoot it once in a while.

Could I save a few dollars reloading myself? Yes. But for the prices that mastercast.net charges if you send them back the brass, it's not saving much money to do it yourself. I use to reload all the time mainly for fun. Not for the cost. I spent most of the 80's reloading. I still reload my hunting ammo, but I'm just not into reloading much any more. It's more of a pain for me than it use to be. Again, I mostly reloaded for the enjoyment. But as I've gotten older, what I prefer to spend my time with has also changed. But as long as I can still get my 9mm and 45acp for around $7-$9 from mastercast, and I can get my Silverbear makarov ammo for $10, and my .223 for $4.50; I'll keep buying it.

 

[bobelk99]

I'm with 8ball.

Stick with common usage calibers or plan or reload.

Reload implies powder and primers are to be found.

 

[GunsAreGood]

I would have to say yes it should make you think about what caliber you buy in relation to ammo availability. I live in California as well so i know how it is. On the other hand I bought a GP-100 in 357 and that is about the hardest to get for me, but when I bought it I stocked up so I have plenty of ammo for my usage of the revolver considering it is just a hunting sidearm. If I do shoot it it is .38 specials so it is not a problem.

 

[Buck Snort]

Would I let ammo availability influence my gun buying decision? You damned RIGHT I would!!

 

[Buck Snort]

It is unimaginable to me to have to rely on the current market for ammunition. To everybody who does not reload, this is definitely a good time to learn.

The problem is that if you're wanting a .357 mag. and ammo is really scarce for that calibler then it goes w/out say'n that reloading components will be scarce also.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

The other option: move out of California.. just kidding.. sorta. In your situation I would certainly consider availability and expense of ammo.. Another reason I don't have a 6.8 upper yet.

 

[19-3Ben]

Every purchase I make involves that decision. I choose mostly common calibers. Keep it simple, especially if you don't reload. It can get very expensive.

This.

If you keep it with standards, you'll always be able to find ammo.

For handguns, I'd stick with:

.38spl, .357mag, .380acp, 9mm, .40S&W, .45acp

That's it.

 

[BullfrogKen]

It's getting better with powder and primers now.

I've been able to build my stock of IMR4895 back to up over 8lbs again. I could have more, but I do try to leave some for others.

 

[BullfrogKen]

The problem is that if you're wanting a .357 mag. and ammo is really scarce for that calibler then it goes w/out say'n that reloading components will be scarce also.

It quite apparent you're not a reloader, because you have no clue what you're talking about.

 

[shockwave]

Short answer is heck yeah - .380 is not available in my area. But 9mm, .38, .357 - plentiful. Both availability and cost of ammo should factor into a buying decision. Reloaders have a different calculus.

 

[WardenWolf]

I chose 9x18 Makarov over .380 ACP because 9x18 is cheaper and a LOT easier to find. It's also a little more powerful, so I win there, too.