Tips for Handling an Ammo Shortage

Through 2020 and 2021, there was a shortage of ammunition. This was due to a variety of factors including supply chain issues, material shortages, and skyrocketing demand. The shortage has continued in 2022 and this leaves many firearm enthusiasts wondering how to keep their skills sharp.

Here are some tips for managing this or any future ammo shortage:

1. Plan Ahead

This tip is obviously not applicable to the current shortage, but given that these shortages are often cyclical, it’s helpful to keep in mind for the future. When ammunition is available, consider grabbing a little bit more than you need so you can store it. This doesn’t mean you have to hoard large quantities of ammo or take way more than you need, but having a small stockpile can give you peace of mind. Be sure to store your ammo in a cool, dry location to prolong its lifespan.

2. Make Range Time Count

Whenever you use your ammunition to go to the range, make sure you make that time count. Have a goal in mind for your training and focus on this during your session. If you’re not sure what to focus on, investing in firearms training is a great way to pinpoint the areas you can most improve. Your instructor can also help you identify drills to hone your skills.

3. Dry Fire Practice

Dry fire is an excellent way to practice handling your firearms without using any ammo or going to the range. Adding dry fire to your routine is beneficial even when there is plenty of ammunition available, because you can easily fit in ten minutes of practice without needing to leave your house. You can keep your fundamental skills sharp and improve your muscle memory with simple drills.

Whenever you are dry firing, double-check that the gun is clear of ammunition before you start. Store any ammo in a separate room to avoid mix-ups. A chamber flag can be helpful as well.

Additionally, continue to follow the rules of gun safety even after you have ensured the gun isn’t loaded. This means you should never point your gun at anyone else and should only be aiming at a predetermined area or target. This may seem unnecessary since you know the gun isn’t loaded, but following gun safety rules should be second nature and the only way to achieve this is to make sure you always have these rules in mind.

4. Consider Reloading

Reloading can seem intimidating to get into at first, but it can be a great way to save money on ammo in the long run, whether there’s a shortage or not. The current shortage has also impacted the availability of reloading supplies to some extent, but it’s still possible to start learning this skill and to get some of the necessary equipment.

Buy Ammo at The Hub

The Hub is your one-stop gun shop. We have worked hard to make ammo available whenever possible throughout this shortage and also have a variety of firearms and accessories for sale.

Visit us today in Lakeside, Phoenix, or Tucson.

Understanding Gun Trusts

It’s important to be aware of gun laws in order to be a responsible firearm owner. This includes understanding the process for legally transferring firearms when the owner passes away. Gun trusts are one way to handle the inheritance of firearms, particularly those that fall under the National Firearms Act (NFA). They can also be helpful if you want to allow members of your family to use NFA items, which you cannot do legally without a trust.

Please be aware that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about gun trusts or other topics related to firearm laws, consult with an attorney.

What Is a Gun Trust?

A gun trust is a legal entity that owns firearms, as opposed to having an individual with ownership over these items. Multiple individuals can have access to the trust, and there are different levels of access they may have or conditions for them to gain access. For example, you could set up a trust to give access to your guns to your children after you pass away, or you could set up a trust where multiple living individuals share access to the firearms.

What Makes a Gun Trust Different From a Standard Trust?

A gun trust works similar to any other trust, in that you draft a document that dictates who has access to the items in the trust and under what conditions. The difference is that a gun trust takes into account the specific regulations that govern the transfer of firearms.

If you put a firearm in a generic trust, the executor of your estate may unknowingly break the law when transferring it if they are not familiar with firearm regulations. This is particularly relevant for NFA-regulated items, such as suppressors, short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), or short-barreled rifles (SBRs). Gun trusts are most common for these items, and depending on the circumstances, you may not need one if you only have non-NFA items. However, it is still best to speak with an attorney about your individual circumstances to determine whether setting up a trust for your firearms is best for you.

Co-Trustees for NFA Firearms

Beyond estate planning, one of the major benefits of a gun trust is that it allows co-trustees to possess and use items in the trust. For example, if you own a suppressor, you may want to let a family member or trusted friend borrow it at the range. This may seem harmless, but it is actually illegal since you are technically “transferring” the NFA item without the user paying the tax stamp or filling out the appropriate forms.

With a trust, all co-trustees would undergo the necessary checks to ensure they can legally possess firearms. The trust would then be the legal owner of the NFA firearms, meaning you would only need to pay the tax stamp once for anyone who is a part of the trust to use the items.

Your Source for NFA-Regulated Items

At The Hub, we specialize in items that other gun shops may not necessarily have, including NFA-regulated firearms and suppressors.

Visit us today in Tucson, Lakeside, or Phoenix to browse our extensive selection of guns and accessories.