Oklahoma Gun Stores Struggle To Meet Ammo Demand

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

COLLINSVILLE, OK -- Some gun owners in Oklahoma are running out of ammunition. A nationwide shortage has left them struggling to reload. State gun stores report they are trying to keep up with demand, but it's a difficult task.

Ammunition suppliers believe the stockpiling is motivated by worries that Democratic leadership will restrict gun rights. Whatever the reason is, gun stores report bullets will likely remain hard to come by.

That is not quite the case yet at Medlock Firearms in Collinsville. Business is good, a little too good. In fact, keeping supply in line with a surging demand for ammunition of all kinds has become a challenge.

"But I never, ever dreamed it would be this bad," said Brad Wells of Medlock Firearms.

Brad Wells said the frantic buying began last fall when then-candidate Barack Obama pushed ahead in the polls. Worried an assault rifle ban would be reinstated, gun owners snatched up semi-automatic weapons. Those panicked purchases soon spread to ammunition.

"It's been hard for anybody. When Walmart's out of ammo, you know there's something wrong," said Brad Wells.

But when compared to its competitors, Medlock considers itself fortunate. The store has been doing some hoarding of its own.

Medlock Firearms took a gamble about a year ago. They started stockpiling ammunition in anticipation of this happening. They say now, of course, it's a move that has paid off.

For the moment, rounds remain for the firing range. But unless the fear surrounding the president's agenda subsides, manufacturers may continue to have a tough time filling orders, and Wells doesn't see that happening.

"If Clinton could do it, he's got all the tools and power to do it. And that's what driving this," said Brad Wells.

Gun owners' fears have yet to be realized. Congress has yet to institute any significant gun reform since the new administration has taken office.

9/25/2009  Related Story: Ammo Harder To Come By For Some Police Departments