Laws, Rumors Have Ammo Flying Off Store Shelves

Gun enthusiasts fearful of new weapons control measures and alarmed by rumors of government hoarding are buying bullets practically by the bushel, making it hard for stores nationwide to keep shelves stocked and even putting a pinch on some local law enforcement departments.

The run started in November with President Barack Obama’s re-election, followed by the mass shooting in December in Newtown, Conn., which led Obama to launch an effort to strengthen federal gun laws and several states to tighten their laws.

Connecticut on Thursday became the latest to crack down as the governor signed a gun-control measure, effective immediately. Hours before the law took effect, hundreds of customers streamed out of Hoffman’s Gun Center in Newington with guns and boxes of ammunition.

“The bad guys are going to get guns,” said John Power of Bristol, arguing that the new law would not stop a troubled gunman.

Stockpiling has also been fueled by false online rumors, such as one that purports a coming nickel tax on each bullet, which would triple the cost of a .22-caliber cartridge.

Bruce Martindale, a champion marksman from upstate New York, said that online retailers are now reluctant to ship to New York. “This is legitimate gun owners buying,” he said. “I don’t think criminals are stockpiling.”

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the April 5th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.