text size

Ammo Demand Leads to Limits in Central Ohio

Updated: Tuesday, February 5 2013, 11:26 PM EST
DELAWARE -- Central Ohioans are loading up on ammunition as lawmakers debate new gun regulations. But the increased demand is leading some retailers to limit the amount of bullets customers can purchase each day.

At Black Wing Shooting Center in Delaware, customers are limited to two boxes of ammunition per day if they are shooting on the range, and can only purchase one box if they're carrying the ammo out of the store.

Black Wing guns and ammunition buyer Bryan Tate told ABC 6/FOX 28 the limits are necessary because of a national ammunition shortage caused by an unusual rush of customers.

"It is the current political climate that is creating demand," Tate said. "Our business is up 40 percent over last year."

Some big box retailers, such as Walmart, are limiting the amount of ammunition available to consumers each day. Walmart workers in Reynoldsburg say they can't keep bullets on the shelves, due in large part to shoppers who come in daily to stockpile ammo.

East Columbus's Gander Mountain manager William Monroe said the increased demand for bullets has led the store to add a "firearms super center", which will open in 10 days in an effort to become "the largest ammunition dealer in Ohio."

"We are seeing more new customers, especially women," Monroe said. "We are just keeping up with the daily demands."

---------------------------------

Reporter: Lu Ann Stoia
Web Producer: Ken HinesAmmo Demand Leads to Limits in Central Ohio