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.
