Ammo Shortage

[thunderinms]

I got this in an email from a major police distributor...

Kiesler's - One Call, One Source, Worldwide

March 2009

To: All Police & Sheriff's Departments and U.S. Government Agencies. Kiesler's Toll Free: 800.444.2950 Office: 812.288.5740 Fax: 812.288.7560 Website: Home

Subject: Ammunition Shortages, Micro-stamping

Since 2003/2004, I have sent four letters regarding ammunition shortages. This is the fifth. Enclosed with this letter is supporting data about these shortages. Two weeks prior to the November election, ammunition shortages were beginning to ease. Some hard to get 40cal & 223cal in ball and frangible had gone from 14-16 months delivery to 90 days. That’s over. Kiesler’s has been notified by several U.S. manufacturers that orders placed now will likely be delivered late this fall or into 2010. There has been no increase in state contract prices, but poor deliveries are going to persist. We suggest that departments wait until their ammunition is in stock before scheduling a training date, and placing your orders now may eliminate a problem in the future. This is not a sales gimmick. The micro-stamping and possibility of a 500% to 1000% increase in Federal Excise Tax is driving this shortage. At this moment, micro-stamping has not been perfected, but the demand on ammunition manufacturers is unprecedented since WW II. Sales to law enforcement officers are at historical highs, and the public is afraid of both taxes, availability, costs and micro-stamping. With the U.S. Government hiring more Federal agents, huge sales of AR-15’s to the police community, and the stimulus package promising more police officers – shortages could be ugly. Currently, our normal inventory of many millions of rounds has been 95% depleted. Shipments will have to come from the factory; that’s why we advise you to order soon. Thanks for being a Kiesler customer.

Most Sincerely,
Douglas M. Kiesler CEO/Owner, Kiesler Police Supply 2802
Sable Mill Road
Jeffersonville, IN 47130

For the full story on the ammunition shortage, visit this link:
Demand for ammo is causing supply shortages - ESPN