Gun, Ammo Sales Surge over Coronavirus ‘Civil Disorder’ Concerns

Gun, Ammo Sales Surge over Coronavirus ‘Civil Disorder’ Concerns
Gun, Ammo Sales Surge over Coronavirus ‘Civil Disorder’ Concerns

U.S.A.-(Ammoland.com)- Gun and ammunition sales are surging around the country, including the Pacific Northwest, thanks apparently to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential for, as noted by the Daily Wire, “a breakdown in civil order or even a suspension of weapons sales.”

As reported by KTVU News, in Vallejo, Calif., “More panic buying has erupted due to the coronavirus. And in addition to disinfectants and other household goods, guns and survival gear are in demand.”

Dan Mitchell, owner of Sporting Systems in Vancouver, told AmmoLand News via email, “400,000 rounds (of ammunition) sold last week. Line around the block.”

Dan Mitchell, owner of Sporting Systems in Vancouver, Wash., spoke earlier this year at a gun rights rally on the Capitol Steps in Olympia. (Dave Workman photo)

His retail sales of guns and ammo have gotten so furious he was forced to post the following message on his store’s Facebook page:

“Unique circumstances are driving temporary operational changes during this time.

Firearms sales will be limited to 2 per family.

Ammunition sales will be limited. We have a lot of ammunition on hand. But will not release more than 1500 rounds or 5 boxes to any one family, per day. Our prices remain the same as they were a month ago. If a price has changed, it’s because our cost has changed, which would only be a few percentage points if any.

Entry to store will be limited to 10 guests at a time. If you bring a large group or family members, they will be allowed in…but it will restrict others access to the store. Please be considerate.

Private party transfers, limit of 2 per group. Seller will be asked to wait outside after dropping the firearm off unless they wish to shop.

If you have symptoms, or live with a family member with symptoms, please stay home.

The self-service workbench will closed to service or customer assembly.

Any attempt to hoard any product, the sale will be declined.

There is already a line at the door, be patient and keep your distance while in line.

ANY bad attitude will result in the immediate ejection from the store and sale declined. Our staff has been working their asses off, please be respectful and kind when visiting. We promise to offer the best service and attitude possible.

We look forward to helping as many folks as possible. Your patience is appreciated.”

Recently adopted guidelines in Washington State, where the majority of early fatalities were reported, have brought about other business changes. For example, Sharp Shooting Indoor Range in Spokane has posted this notice on its Facebook page:

“To comply with current federal and state requirements we are reducing hours of operation and canceling all classes, fun shoots, bullseye, and date nights. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience but wish to continue to meet all social distancing, CDC, and department of health requirements. General range use with reduced capacity and retail operations will continue unless guidelines are changed. We will continue to update and return to standard operations as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

The Sacramento Bee quoted Gabriel Vaughn, owner of Sportsman’s Arms in Petaluma, Calif,, explaining the first-time gun buying experience of some customers.

“People who tell me that they don’t like guns,” Vaughn said, “but they’re here to begrudgingly buy one. And if it makes somebody feel safe and they’re legal to own one, then sure.”

But there are problems in Washington State, where police agencies have suspended taking fingerprints for people applying for a concealed pistol license for the first time. For example, the Bellevue Police Department notes on its website:

“Applications for a Washington State concealed pistol license and/or a firearms dealer license can be obtained through the Police Records Department during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). A complete set of fingerprints is required to be submitted for all original/new concealed pistol license applicants in order to be considered a complete application. Bellevue Police Department Fingerprinting services have been suspended until further notice. New/Original Applications that are accepted during this suspension period without a complete set of fingerprints attached will be held until fingerprinting can be completed at a later date or you may also provide a completed fingerprint card taken by another agency.”

Bellevue Police Department public information officer Meghan Black told Ammoland News via telephone that in the past two weeks, there has been a 144 percent increase in the number of firearm transfer applications. In January, the department received 150 transfer applications, and last month, there were 149. These normally apply to handgun purchases.

Since March 1, there have been 386 transfer applications, she reported via email.

In addition, the department averages 80 to 85 applications for a concealed pistol license. During the first half of March, there were 80 already.

The King County Sheriff’s Department has also suspended fingerprinting, with this notice being distributed to the news media via email:

Story- Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht has announced additional measures to increase social distancing, in light of COVID-19, regarding some of our public facing services.

“Effective immediately, the King County Sheriff’s Office will not process any new Concealed Pistol License (CPL) applications. These applications require fingerprinting in close quarters that we do not think is safe for our community members or our employees at this time.

“The King County Sheriff’s Office public facing service window in the King County Courthouse will be on shortened service hours until further notice. New hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Thank you for your understanding during this health emergency.”

There does not appear to have been a suspension of fingerprinting of criminal suspects during the booking procedure by any law enforcement agency in the state.

On March 6, the Washington Department of Licensing reported 650,825 active CPLs in the state. Washington is the smallest western state, but it has the second-highest number of active carry licenses, after Utah.

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About Dave WorkmanDave Workman

Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books #add on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.

 

Dave Workman
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pigpen51

I don’t understand how the police can say that the law abiding citizen pose a health hazard to police and they won’t process finger prints,but they have no problem taking prints from criminals, who often times are unhealthy, on drugs, and other issues that could be dangerous to the health of the officers taking prints,much more so than the citizens they are sworn to protect and serve. I hope that those people learn from this,and get behind pro 2nd amendment laws.

Gdubb

The reason we dont understand this nonsense is because it is completely retarded. Decisions in WA are made my certifiably insane communists who do not care about the rights of the people. The people are being forced to take the law into their own hands if they wish to survive and maintain their property.

StWayne

Well now I’ve seen everything. Because of the Wuhan Virus delivered “Special D” from one of China’s bio-labs in Wuhan, China, called the “Coronavirus,” even the crazy left anti-gunners are lining up buy “assault weapons” and ammo. I can die happy now, knowing that they now know what we’ve always known: better to have a gun and not need it, than to need it and not have one. Hallelujah, there is a God! And he’s packing!

SEMPAI

@Deplorable Bill
Guess we gonna have some unlicensed brothers in arms..I’m okay with it as long as they are with us and not against us..I carried for years w/o permit holding to constitutional carry as a basis and the fact that I haven’t been arrested and come from a family of heroes who fought for this country. Although illegal here in florida I didn’t care and if my permit is ever refused in the future I will still carry…its my 2nd amendment right

Heed the Call-up

Actually, it is one of our inalienable and Natural Rights protected by the Second Amendment. Amendments can be repealed, but not our rights – take back the narrative.

Doszap

True the 2A wasn’t written for WE THE PEOPLE, it was written for the Feds.

Will Flatt

The Constitution makes no provision for the suspension of basic Rights during times of public hazard or emergency. If the tyrants and their jack booted thugs refuse to acknowledge peoples’ Rights, then we the people are absolved of any allegiance or duty to heed their instruction.

Doszap

Well they haven’t been NOTIFIED (properly in a L_O_N_G time),maybe it’s time they were,placed before them.
These so called ELITE intelligent folks evidently never Read, any of the Founders Docs,BOR’s/or Amendments.
They certainly (ESP in Blue Commie states IGNORE THEM)
Civics 101 Anyone?.

Doszap

18 U.S. Code § 242. Deprivation of rights under color of law Also 241.

Will Flatt

I’ve been telling people about 18USC241& 242 for some time, along with other remedies under the law.

You know what I’ve learned is the true attitude of the political & bureaucratic classes are? They believe truly in their hearts,

“THE LAW IS WHAT I (we) SAY IT IS!!”

These people are domestic enemies of liberty, traitors to the Constitution, and unlawful enemy combatants (the ones with guns, at least). And they should be treated as enemy combatants by American patriots… with extreme prejudice.

SEMPAI

@wjd Flatt
(We the people are done asking)
Can I order that in XL sir? 2 XL is fine if inventory low.. love that!!!

Will Flatt

@SEMPAI – That meme is free, but it’s one size fits all.

Will Flatt

Hard agree on that, USA. Words on paper mean NOTHING if they do not conform to the Constitution. But the Constitution and Bill of Rights are just words on paper if we don’t ENFORCE THEM, WITH BLOODY VIOLENCE if need be!

The tree of liberty is getting g-damned THIRSTY!!!

RoyD

SEMPAI: You are singing my song. Carry on.

Gdubb

Damn straight sempai

Nilsigne

I’d been saving up to get a new gun (Glock 19) and then this thing hit. My local store is full of first time gun buyers and I think they might have already sold out. What I’m more worried about is if my area (Seattle) follows the route of San Francisco and like closed everything down. We have a 10 day wait here for handguns. In the past 10 days, they closed down all schools, then closed down all restaurants and bars and stuff Also: first time gun buyers, many of whom were previously anti-gun, are rather scary. Quite a… Read more »

Wild Bill

@CFC, Every confrontation from bar fight to declared war is a “come as you are” affair. What do you currently have?

Nilsigne

@wildbill I have two ar15s and a full size beretta px4. I’m glad I bought ammo before everything happened so now I have 1400 9mm and 1200 5.56. Now looking at the prices, a lot of places are a lot more expensive

JIAZ

@CFG
I have a full size Beretta PX4 9mm. It’s a favorite EDC of mine. Along with your two ARs, you’re equipped just fine.

Nilsigne

@JIAZ it is so hard finding good holster for it though. I usually just keep it in my camera bag but it would be nice to have it in a case in there to make it easier to grab. I keep a light on mine though and that’s what makes it hard to find one. That’s my main reason to look for a Glock

JIAZ

@CFG
To accommodate your mounted light you’ll probably need to order a holster online.
There’s a lot of good quality holster makers out there now who make holsters to accommodate mounted lights.

I carry mine in a Garrett Industries Silent Thunder GT.

willyd

C F G: The PX4 was fun to find a nylon holster for with a light, I finally got one, a small laser sight works, the one that really gave me the fit of find a holster to fit was my A T I POLY 1911 Poly 45 with a light/laser,I wanted a nylon holster, I ended up with a large holster for a light and had to modify it by cutting the back of the holster and having it stitched up part way, makes for a fast draw and no interference with the light on it, it helps to… Read more »

Oldman

@CFG, if you can do online, I have found SGAmmo.com the best place, pricewise and availability, last time I bought anyway.

StWayne

CFG — I had the same thought about all these first time anti-gunners buying “assault rifles” and whatnot. They were scary then, and are even more scary now. Imagine holding in your hands the very thing you hate because it has the power to deliver life or death. Or the fact that it’s not the gun, but you who wields that power. That should be scary as all Hell. If it’s not, then you are setting yourself up for a life sentence. I can’t say what’s going on in your area with all of Seattle’s various outlandish “gun laws,” if… Read more »

loveaduck

Wait for 28 days later.

StWayne

🙂

RoyD

Don’t worry, plenty of people that have been handling guns for a long time do unsafe stuff too.

Finnky

@RoyD – If I’m not mistake @CFG has told us plenty of stories from prior range experience before current events started. Including some from when she used to live in Texas.

Nilsigne

@Finnky yah you are right. I guess I go to the range too much and see lot of people, I try and go twice a month. Though for every idiot I see, there are tons of people who are doing safe gun practices

Finnky

@CFG – Evolution has ingrained rapid recognition of threats. Thus we tend to identify and remember the people who we recognize as a threat more than those who do not. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, as we gain experience shooting what we perceive as a threat evolves. To those unfamiliar with shooting anybody with a gun in a holster may appear threatening while someone with a slung AR is absolutely terrifying — but to those of us who’ve spent some time at a range those are instinctively discarded as threats while someone mishandling a pistol instantly stands out.

Nilsigne

@DaveWorkman hei hei, I didn’t see any way to contact you? Can you do email?

Doszap

Guns are relatively easy to buy, it’s AMMO that most folks are gouging on. My D A Son in Law decides after 10yrs of me telling him HE NEEDED to get armed and trained( I volunteered to train him), but did he take me up on it?. Nooooooooooooooooooo,so he texts me Sat/Sun last week at 9:30p, WELL He’s decided he needs protection NOW!, for himself and his wife and their daughter.I INSTRUCTED him where to go, what to buy, and all else that went with it. Did he do what I told him too?.NOoooooooooooooooooo, he decides to BUY a semi… Read more »

Nilsigne

@Doszap what did you tell him to buy? Do you not approve of the two rifles and 9mm? (That’s actually what I have. Two ARs and a 9mm but at least I have ammo

Dave in Fairfax

CFG, I was taught that you had to keep 1000 rounds in reserve for each weapon anything excess could be shot. Based on that you need at least 2000 rounds for the ARs and 1000 rounds for the 9mm. That’s a minimum or another 600 of 9mm and 800 of .223/5.56 just for the reserve. You’ll need more to have something to shoot. It sounds like you need to pick up another 100 rounds of each to cover your needs.

You did see Dave Workman’s request for you to contact him, right?

Dave in Fairfax

Will, I agree. If your ammo cans don’t look like a bulwark, you are woefully unprepared. When I sent my daughter off she had a handful of weapons and ammo to feed them now she has notably more. She was SO proud when she called and told me about buying her first several thousand round order.
CFG, ammoseek.com is your friend.

Finnky

@DiF – There are also risks in stockpiling. Last year my wife flooded the space where I had my ammo stored. Fortunately ammo itself remained dry, but I scattered it about the house including some in the attic. Next time I shot 22LR I had many FTF – am guessing attic heat effected the primers. I’m definitely short of your number in any case – but then I don’t see any circumstance where I’d need 1000 rounds for my 1911. As a bolt action carbine made in 1915, no way it’s going to be my survival rifle. 7.5×55(Swiss) is expensive… Read more »

Dave in Fairfax

Finnky, That’s just what I was taught, YMMV. You have expensive tastes in ammo, but it could be large caliber and a fiver per round. Keep the ammo where it won’t flood and stays at YOUR room temp and it should stay good. I’m still shooting some WWII stuff.

Finnky

@DiF – Got one sealed can of GP11, manufactured in 50’s or 60’s I think. I shoot mostly 22LR, 9mm and 223 – largely because they are the cheapest ammo I’m aware of. Agreed that age is not an issue, storage conditions are. Ammo was protected from the water – but it shocked me that anyone could manage to flood that space… more damage was done to dinning room floor. Only practice ammo went into the attic and not much of it – still learning appreciation for how sensitive ammo is to heat. Damaged practice ammo provides great opportunities for… Read more »

RoyD

The discussion of temperature had me remembering my time at AIT at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Al in Sept-Oct 1973. One day we got volunteered to help move some items from a couple of dirt covered concrete ammo bunkers to another place. It was about 95 degrees and high humidity that day; it was HOT! When Sarge opened the bunkers and we walked in we didn’t want to walk out. It was 68 degrees inside the bunkers. But, after we got the truck loaded off we went. Actually had a good time as Sarge gave us a tour with detailed… Read more »

Dave in Fairfax

Will, I’m hearing Jaws music in my head. Yer gonna need a bigger safe.

Knute

DinF) And it also makes sense. A typical load out for a maneuver would be 210 rifle rounds + X number of pistol rounds. So 1K rounds would only be less than four resupplies. I’d consider that a bare minimum, personally. So that’s about right. “Always be able to resupply four times”, one could shorten it to, when training recruits. Speaking from a militia perspective, OFC. And then feel free to shoot up whatever they have over that. Soldiers need to practice, but the militia do it at their own expense. That’s what has always made them such a powerful… Read more »

Dave in Fairfax

Knute, Willing is always better than forced. If the toes curl they’ll follow you anywhere. That thousand is the reserve, though. If you grow up in cold country in a rural area, Winter can get ugly and long. How come I feel like you know that?

Knute

Because Montana is a frozen wasteland? 🙂

Nilsigne

@Knute Knute as someone who used to live in the arctic circle of Northern Norway, you southerners don’t know what a frozen wasteland is lol

Knute

Although that is further North than MT, we here in the NE corner of the State are arid tundra and get arctic air down from the Yukon territory that gives us temps of 50 below. And yet 100F plus for summer highs. 🙂

Dave in Fairfax

Will, I suspect that CFG was really trying to say was that she was from the Great White REALLY North. I’m the Southerner, from the Deep South of Michigan. 😉
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Wild Bill

@CFG, The northern tier of states west of the Mississippi are classified and arctic cold area, but there is nothing colder than Minnesota deer stand cold.

RoyD

I would think, if you are doing it right, that you would be able to acquire more ammo and guns after an “encounter.” YMMV.

Dave in Fairfax

RoyD, I would “hope” to, but the caliber might not be the same. Besides, hope isn’t a plan.

Wild Bill

@Dos, That is hilarious!

Finnky

@CFG – Agreed about newbies handling firearms. Had a pair flag me multiple times at gun counter in Cabelas. Had salesman been someone I knew to be meticulous, AND I’d seen him show clear while standing close enough to see for myself – I would have been concerned. Actually considered informing the pair that such behavior could get them shot – as in if you are pointing a gun at someone, they can react in self defense. Did you ever complete that AR build you were working on? Even if you haven’t, my understanding was that would be your second… Read more »

Nilsigne

@finnky I did! It took forever to get the parts but finally got them all. I must say, the SBA3 pistol brace is actually more comfey to shoulder than my other AR which has normal stock

Finnky

@CFG – Agreed about SBA3 – but keep quiet or the political opposition may get up in arms to ban them. I’m surprised how comfy the “pistol” is to shoot – my arms are long enough that the LOP should be insufficient. Mine has 10.5″ barrel with overall length just over 26″ so is legally an “other” rather than “pistol” which has legal benefits of which I was not aware when buying parts. Selected barrel length on basis that I read in multiple places that bullet velocity drops precipitously with lengths below that. This is likely powerful enough for ranges… Read more »

Nilsigne

@finnky yah mine is same is 10.5. I have it with swamp fox red dot sight. Mine other rifle is 16 inch with 1-4 Nikon skope and a bipod and I’m a lot more accurate with that. I’ve been wanting to get a 1-8 on it but haven’t eaten the bullet yet. Also optics planet sells this thing called TRYBE doubler that you put on end of scope that turn 1-8 into a 2-16 and has quick disconnect. Going turn this rifle into sniper!

Deplorable Bill

So the sheriff thinks people have no right to be armed when they are scared? People have no right to be armed to protect their families, friends, neighbors, co workers, the guy on the street and themselves if they have not already purchased a firearm? THAT is EVIL by definition and THAT is against the law says the 2A.

Arm up, carry on.

BowserB

Lawbreaking by government at all levels seems to be the order of the day. Democrat mayors are testing to see how much control they can get away with. With restaurants and bars closed by “law” in Houston and Harris County (2nd most populous county in the U.S.), and retail stores largely following, still supermarkets are open and packed shoulder to shoulder with people, much more crowded than any ordinary retail store, bar, or restaurant. If the China Virus (no more political correctness on this one) spreads, it will be through supermarket shoppers. Speaking of illegal mayors, in apparently an homage… Read more »

Morrigan

Our everyday lifestyle here has prepared us for this for the last thirty years. Guess
being “paranoid” can sometimes pay off in the long run, huh”

fireball4

Paranoid, is what others think. Concerned, is my definition.

Finnky

@fireball4 – Those who think I’m out to get them are paranoid. Those who prepare for reasonably likely events are cautious. I work in insurance and it’s my job to consider the downside of situations – and often to determine likelihood, cost and possible avoidance or mitigation. Lets me make paranoia look like I’m working. 🙂

SGT_Wombat

Just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean there’s NOT somebody after you.
🙂

JPM

I’m seeing a lot of gun shows being cancelled. Falling for this ridiculous media driven farce and cancelling gun shows is only going to enhance the anti-gun agenda and do NOTHING to prevent a disease that so far is less a health hazard and has a far less mortality rate than than last year’s flu. Don’t be one of the toilet paper hoarding cowardly pussies that believes everything they see or hear in the media or that the “Government” tells you.

Gdubb

Couldn’t agree more JP. Mental retardation is abound. People are taking the law into their own hands everywhere you look. Keep your powder dry.

RoyD

Gdubb: I think you don’t understand that about which you speak.

Wild Bill

@RoyD, I have not seen or even read about anyone taking the law into their own hands. Maybe he meant people were taking the lawn into their own hands. I mowed the curtilage, yesterday.

RoyD

WB: That was a word not in my vocabulary. Is now.

PMinFl

We all will have to ride it out, hopefully with a little patience for those affected by the hysteria. There is no other choice unless you own a large parcel of land far from the crowd. Trying to have grace, I just shout at the TV axxholes.

Doszap

I haven’t watched anything except YT, and NO TV for over a year,it’s all BS, and PROPAGANDA.

Tionico

I killed my TeeVee back in 1972. Buried it in the back yard, and have never even thought about digging it back up again. And I’ve not missd it one bit.

Charlie Foxtrot

Since you keep posting the same BS numbers: For people who do not understand the concept of exponential growth, it is difficult to grasp the real numbers. You are comparing 1-year data of the seasonal flu, for which we have some immunity, a vaccine that works to some extent, and, most importantly, antiviral drugs that work, with 3-months of data of the coronavirus for which we have none of these things. Italy has run out of hospital beds. People with severe symptoms will no longer have access to ICUs and ventilators. The current case fatality rate in Italy is 46%.… Read more »

Tionico

why do you compare your world numbers with his US only numbers? LOOK at the demographics of those in the heaviesthit areas.. Italy,Francu, Wuhan. Kirkland. There are a number of distinguishing factors that are common to those heavily hit populations that DO NOT apply to we here in the US< with the notable and very frightening exceltion of the hordes of west Coast homeless. We never did see "exponentioal growth" in Wuhan, but the refugee populations in Italy may be close. Kirkland came close, but don't forget….. ALL those victiims already had heavily compromised health (whichis WHY they were in… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

Why do I compare the numbers in Italy with the numbers in the US? Because we can learn from the mistakes other countries made! The “it’s just the flu” crowd in Italy certainly pay dearly for their mistake of not taking this seriously. Yes, demographics differ quite drastically, but the lack of taking this seriously leads to the same results everywhere. Lot’s of dead people! The Diamond Princess Cruise Ship had only 46 Americans tested positive, so your numbers are off. Yes, we have no idea how many people have or already had this virus without proper testing. None of… Read more »

AnotherLEO

Where are you getting your numbers?? Theres been roughly 215,000 cases worldwide with under 9,000 deaths…. that equals the 4% mortality rate that was announced from the onset… exponential growth doesnt preclude a set mortality rate…
https://www.foxnews.com/world/coronavirus-200000-cases-death-toll-8000-johns-hopkins

Somebody drank the Koolaid… but what do I know… I’m not an MD… only PA-C in a surgical capacity in the ER…
The virus is dangerous to those with compromised immune systems… PERIOD…

StWayne

And here I thought ‘LEO’ stood for “Law Enforcement Officer.”

Vern

Italy is the perfect example of the lefts “medicare for all.”

MSG L

Panic purchases. All stuff you should have stocked up on LAST year. When this is over, and it will be, go out and fill your safe. Complacent Americans will not last.

Doszap

If you weren’t ready 5yrs ago BE PREPARED for rape now.(I cannot understand people that do not plan in advance?).

StWayne

DZ–

People like this have no forethought of consequence, and therefore can’t imagine anything for the worse beyond walking into a pole because of cellphone overkill. For them, that’s as bad as they can imagine, and is why they want your guns. Then by gawd the world would be so much safer, and them thar poles a whole lot more forgiving.

Jim

I have found that when it comes to killing a virus like Chines Covid 19 the best way is to use a small caliber gun and shoot the little bastards in the knees, then it is fun to watch them die but it really ruins a lot of my microscopes.

StWayne

In the knees? You really are a cruel SOB.

Jim

The swine deserve it, Kinda fun to watch them roll around on the glass slide–now if I could just learn to spell Chinese.

ras52

Dan Mitchell, you are doing a great service for folks, thank you!

Will Flatt

Government has no problem murdering you in your sleep or shooting your wife in the head while she’s holding your newborn baby, but don’t you dare assemble in groups of more than a half-dozen or go to church or stage a gun rights protest. Gun shows? nope, nevermore.

The tyrants are using this overhyped situation to suspend ALL YOUR RIGHTS. In various places, they’re claiming they have the absolute right to seize ANY of your property, including your guns, fuel, food, water, or vehicles. Even the land you live on. Looking at YOU, ILLINOIS!!

Wild Bill

This is a tremendous opportunity to develop covert communications and organizational techniques.

Will Flatt

Nord VPN and Protonmail encrypted email. Secure-ish comms in the era of the NSA.

Doszap

Don’t forget TOR/Onion.

Will Flatt

Ah, yes. TOR. Good old Tor.

Dave in Fairfax

DZ & WF, You might want to read up on TOR, it was compromised a long time ago.

Will Flatt

DiF, that’s why I forgot about TOR, I stopped using it a long time ago.

Wild Bill

@WF, How does it work? Need an account? Costs?

Will Flatt

@WB, Protonmail is free and offers a limited free VPN, but I can’t vouch for lag, load times, download speeds, etc. But Nord VPN is hands-down the best VPN out there with really good rates:

Wild Bill

Thank you both. I am going to look into it.

Doszap

We have the right to respond or attack first, your choice.
Staying in place,is inviting death in, Patton said fixed fortifications are like monuments to dead men.

Wild Bill

@Dos, Patton was well aware of piece meal attacks and the disaster of insufficient logistics. How would you apply maneuver warfare in the situation that you suggest?

Knute

First, I would acknowledge that “fixed fortifications” in this context, means elaborate structures like concrete forts or the Maginot Line. Sandbags, foxholes, dirt banks, claymores, tripwires, anything one can cobble together quickly doesn’t count as a “fixed” fortification. Because it isn’t fixed. I can pick up and move a claymore in minutes. Such things are definitely force multipliers, but they aren’t fixed if they can be easily and quickly moved, or abandoned and easily rebuilt.

Wild Bill

@Knute Knute, Yes, maneuver unit security is good.

Dr. Strangelove

I could make a killing selling my extra ammo at the gun show this weekend, if they hadn’t canceled it.

Oldman

@DR. S, Yeah, that was a real bitch. We were going to go and try to purchase MORE! Besides, we have been holed up for the last two weeks with ‘symptoms’ and it would have been nice to get out for a good cause.

Wild Bill

@Old, If you have symptoms, why would you go to a crowded place?

Oldman

@WB; W, We would not want to spread it and after our 2 weeks of being holed up, our fevers have subsided and we are back to being our old selves. Mind you, gentlemen, we had our fevers/symptoms for a few days before self quarantining and the average person is no longer capable of transmitting the virus after eleven days of symptoms according to the CDC. We are in our seventies and we should be already dead AND we live eight miles from Seattle city limits. Just thankful that the Lord apparently gave us a set of healthy immune systems.

Wild Bill

@Old, And thank God that he gave you eight miles between you and Seatle, too. God bless you all.

Oldman

Bless you too, Wild Bill! AMEN

ras52

Oldman, glad to hear you folks are back to normal.

RoyD

I have a lot of ammo; none of it is “extra.”

ras52

USA, my yard also.

Doszap

Then what are you going to do if YOU NEEDED it?.
Ammo and weapons are like GOLD,insurance policies.

Finnky

@DZ – First rule of investing – buy low, sell high. I have rather limited stores, but if an individual had ten to twenty thousand rounds of 223, I can easily see selling half at elevated prices now. After all this crisis will end and ammo prices should return to normal levels eventually. Unfortunately by that point I’ll probably have gotten to the range and burned through most of what I’ve got. Probably stick to shooting C&R oddballs in order to preserve practical calibers. 7.62x54R won’t matter as my mosin groups like 00 and 32acp is comparable to 22LR for… Read more »

Wild Bill

@Finnky, dry firing too. I put rubber cement into the primer pockets of my expended .357. The cylinder of my 686 Smith just keeps going around.

ras52

WB, my wife killed several deer with her 686, it is smooth and accurate!

Wild Bill

Dr. S, Trade ammunition for paper money?

Knute

Touche’! That one packed a lot of meaning into 5 words or less. 🙂

Wild Bill

@Knute Knute, I was going to add, “Are you mad?” but I resisted for the sake of diplomacy.

Knute

🙂 Plus, then it would be EIGHT words, so would have to pack almost double the meaning just to stay even. Math major. Could you tell? 🙂

Laddyboy

Again!!! The Law Abiding American Citizen is INFRINGED by governmental bureaucracy! Thieves, killers, robbers and the WANTON to harm others is placed BEFORE the law abiding. The LAWLESS who do not follow the law are treated better than Americans who DO FOLLOW THE LAW!!!
These ANTI-GUNNERS and CONTROLLER DemoNAZIS and RINOS PROVE THE SAYING: “NEVER LET A CRISIS GO TO WASTE”.

PMinFl

Be prepared to protect your own.

Wild Bill

@PMin, And be prepared to call over friends and neighbors to be witnesses, too!

Wild Bill

@Laddy, I admire your energy and enthusiasm. Perhaps you can turn them to thinking of that “One more thing” that Hal Moore always talked about.

Finnky

Just to add a data point on ammo availability, I took a look at sgammo (my favorite online retailer) only to find that they are not accepting orders at this time. One time earlier this year I was considering buying an interesting SXS with external hammers in 16 gauge. Wanting to insure I’d be able to buy ammo I looked over sgammo’s live inventory listing and counted somewhere in multiple hundred thousand rounds of 16 gauge ammo. Vastly more in stock for more popular calibers. Story is evidently different today. From their home page: “Due to overwhelming order volume over… Read more »

a.x. perez

I try to get practice twice a week with the 2 pistols finances limit me to. Usually 100 rounds of 9 millimeter para one day and 50 to 100 of .40 S & W the other (cost of ammo sometimes limits my ability to by .40 ). With regular practice I can say that up to 15 yards any one troubling me and mine is going to his heavenly (or hellish ) home, 15 to 25 my bunch is going to our Earthly home for sure, past 25 yards I can at least make the bad guy duck and buy… Read more »

Dubi Loo

Government workers, taking the service out of public servant every single day!

loveaduck

What did you expect them to do? It seems prudent.

Dubi Loo

We’ll have to agree to disagree. I’m not interested in a debate with you.

Ansel Hazen

If they have a way to fingerprint criminals they can fingerprint people who want a CPL.

Wild Bill

@DW, Another clear and pertinent article. You can tell RH that I extended my subscription by three more years after reading you May article! Oh … and ask for a raise, too!

MICHAEL J

Nothing like a good pandemic to shut down everything non-essential. Don’t know about your town, but mine looks like Venezuela when it comes to long lines and empty shelves. As for firearms, there’s still a 10 day waiting period to absolutely, positively make sure you don’t have buyers remorse. The thought of a hypocrite leftist with a firearm is somewhat scary given their intolerance for any views that differ with theirs. Harsh times will be the only thing that wakes up a leftist liberal. We conservatives already knew that.

Tionico

I wonder how many folks will meet with serious trouble durin that ten day waiting period. Funny how when the ship hits the span so many people suddenly realise ITS TIME to arm up.
Didn’t anyone else smell this sort of charade games coming when the “wrong one” got elected?

Wild Bill

@Tio, Yes, the Chinese saw this coming when Obama got elected. The Chinese have been planning it longer than that.

Finnky

@Tionico – From the way democrats spoke of trump, I expected them to suddenly appreciate the purpose of the second amendment.

Instead most doubled down on their fury at other’s freedom.

Wild Bill

@MJ, the hypocrite leftists have to wait ten days. We have ours. So not to worry. Where are you at that has empty shelves? If the shelves are empty, why are there lines?

coonhunter

That’s another reason I like living down south. I decide what new gun I want, got to one of the local gun shops, and depending on amount of customers there, will be leaving with the gun of choice in 20 minutes to an hour. And I do have to gun safes, full, 3 rifles and 3 pistols in my bed room, with 2 draws of ammo. I don’t have 1000 rounds for all my guns but I want run out very soon either. I got a 06 I had a trigger job done on that I have put 3 shot… Read more »

Jim

GOOD NEWS! This current mess is actually creating more thinking on survival–good if we have an EMP problem. Also it is creating tens of thousands of new gun owners and even though they are not involved, once they have a gun they are involved in the Second Amendment. Now if our country and economy can just survive what is really coming…

Gdubb

What’s really coming Jim? I have theories too.

Jim

No theories, we will be taken down to a recession before long and that will hold for some time. Just cannot shut down industry, and retail like we are currently without some difficult financial stuff happening.

Doszap

The Dems that are buying NOT in response to COVID 19, they are planning on using them on The Deplorable’s.
Do they have a CLUE how screwed they are?IF WE wanted to clean the slate.
I am about live and let live, just DO not try and change my life to suit your IDEA of how it should be.

Wild Bill

@Dos, that slate cleaning would entail about half of the population. That is a lot of work. And the survivors would have to repel the invasion by our enemies. So what is the plan?

Knute

I would start MY plan with the idea that 80% of the population is NOT my enemy, but just a panicked flock of sheep. A force to be reckoned with, to be sure, but much better avoided than directly opposed.
I would start with the knowledge that the sheep are not my enemy, but more akin to a herd of locusts, out to consume everything in their path. I would find out who their shepherd is, and make plans accordingly. I would probably start out with who controls the dogs herding them…

BowserB

America’s Voice–a new non-socialist news channel recently added to Pluto. Apparently too much truth leaking out. The channel is down due to technical difficulties. What is this…1955? Or 1984.

JIAZ

“Among the powers Feinen gained after signing the executive order was the power to ban the sale of guns, ammunition, alcohol, and gasoline. Feinen could also cut off access to individuals’ gas, water, or electricity. The city also has the ability to ‘take possession of private property’ or order the temporary closing of all bars or liquor stores.”

https://www.dailywire.com/news/sales-of-guns-ammunition-skyrocket-amid-coronavirus-concerns-better-safe-than-sorry

“VIOLENCE OF THE OPPRESSED ISN’T THE SAME AS THE VIOLENCE OF THE OPPRESSORS.”
Ana Hurtz
https://www.collectivelyfree.org/violence-of-the-oppressed/

Liston Matthews

Funny, bad guys can get fingerprinted 24/7, but good guys have needed an appointment; except now, not at all.

Tionico

Well well, I would have been shocked to learn the county refusing to do prints for new Mother May I Cards would be King. State law mandates that the law enforcement agenty processing the applications for Mother My I Cards MUST mail the completed Card to the applicant within thirty days of the application being completed. King County had an abominable habit of completing them right away, then staging the completed packets to be posted on Day 29. Just because they legally could. So its no surprise they came up with a (rotten) excuse to deny, in practice, the Mother… Read more »

Finnky

@Tionico – Not something I’ve asked about, because I didn’t need to… but at least two local gun shops have finger printing equipment and do it for a nominal fee. Imagine every gun shop can direct you to someone who normally would do printing for you – even now I suspect majority will. Not a road block, just a pothole.

johnnywalker

There will be lots more panic buying in the next following weeks / months to come. Hopefully we can flatten this out before it eventually becomes too late. As it is we will be covering from this for years to come.