Something's not right.

AP -- Bullet-makers are working around the clock, seven days a week, and still can't keep up with the nation's demand for ammunition.

Shooting ranges, gun dealers and bullet manufacturers say they have never seen such shortages. Bullets, especially for handguns, have been scarce for months because gun enthusiasts are stocking up on ammo, in part because they fear President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress will pass antigun legislation...

Demand has been so heavy at some Walmarts, a limit was imposed on the amount of ammo customers can buy. The cutoff varies according to caliber and store location, but sometimes as little as one box — or 50 bullets — is allowed...

At Jefferson Gun Outlet and Range in Metairie just west of New Orleans, owner Mike Mayer is worried individuals are going to start buying by the case.

"If someone wants to shoot on the weekend you have to worry about having the ammunition for them. And I know some people aren't buying to use it at the range, they're taking it home and hoarding it." [Emphasis mine]

Interesting, I'm guessing the managers at a place like Wal-Mart aren't allowed to ad hoc raise prices during times of high demand. Kind of neat, in that smaller businesses are able to better provide in times of turbulent demand. But this is merely a conjecture. Although, it seems as though Wal-Mart of all places would be savvy enough with their merchandise to raise prices in a timely manner, as opposed to limiting purchases (and thus limiting their own profit potential). I wonder if the government is somehow involved in the bullet business? Wouldn't surprise me at all.

I added the last two lines simply to say "What the hell?" What business is it of Mike Mayer's to be concerned with what the hell people do with the products they purchase from him? He uses the word "hoarding" as a pejorative, like storing bullets for rainy days is stupid. If that's his stance, he needs to clear out his bank account, sell his investments, throw all the canned goods in his pantry away, and donate any clothes he hasn't worn in the past 3 days to the local Good Will. We can't go halfway when it comes to hoarding, sir.

Sheesh, Mr. Mayer sounds like a Keynesian!