Shoot Smart Ammo Selling Policy

[parabelum]

Basically sucks. Maybe it has always been like that but today for the first time I stopped by the one in Benbrook, just out of convenience since I was just looking for some plinking ammo, nothing boutique. Well apparently they will only sell you ammo if you shoot there, are a member etc. Safe to say I walked out and will likely never be back. Hopped into my truck, went on to the Midway site (that’s usually the route I take anyways), placed my order and will have it here in just few days.
Anywho, just annoying more so than anything.

[The Annoyed Man]

Basically sucks. Maybe it has always been like that but today for the first time I stopped by the one in Benbrook, just out of convenience since I was just looking for some plinking ammo, nothing boutique. Well apparently they will only sell you ammo if you shoot there, are a member etc. Safe to say I walked out and will likely never be back. Hopped into my truck, went on to the Midway site (that’s usually the route I take anyways), placed my order and will have it here in just few days.
Anywho, just annoying more so than anything.

Ammo is selling out rapidly everywhere right now, due to all the COVID-19 panic-buying. I get that your unhappy, but I ALSO get that they probably want to preserve their inventory as long as they can for their paying membership. I have purchased ammo from them before, and I’m not a member. Anyway, that’s my guess for their actions.

I wouldn’t shun them going forward. I’d just try them when all the hoopla dies down. Or, maybe just join?

[flechero]

Ammo is selling out rapidly everywhere right now, due to all the COVID-19 panic-buying.

Maybe it's different in DFW, but I haven't see or heard any ammo runs due to the virus... In fact, still getting 10-15 emails a day on sales plus free shipping on all calibers. (and all in stock)

A good way for shoot smart to gain some extra future membership would be to allow the occasional outsider (as few non-members would think to go there just to buy [overpriced] range ammo) who happens to check it out to buy a box or two of ammo. If they are that low of stock in this environment, they are probably poorly managed. Just my thoughts...

[The Annoyed Man]

Ammo is selling out rapidly everywhere right now, due to all the COVID-19 panic-buying.

Maybe it's different in DFW, but I haven't see or heard any ammo runs due to the virus... In fact, still getting 10-15 emails a day on sales plus free shipping on all calibers. (and all in stock)

A good way for shoot smart to gain some extra future membership would be to allow the occasional outsider (as few non-members would think to go there just to buy [overpriced] range ammo) who happens to check it out to buy a box or two of ammo. If they are that low of stock in this environment, they are probably poorly managed. Just my thoughts...

I tried to price bulk 5.56 NATO ammo on TargetSports.com just 30 minutes ago, and most of the good stuff is on backorder. I did this after seeing on twitter that other parts of the country are experiencing shortages. NUTNFANCY has a video up about it right now. Federal Flitecontrol #1 Buckshot seems to be unobtanium at the moment.

I’m actually fairly well set for ammo, and don’t need more to weather this thing. I can always use more, but I have enough....for now. I recently spent our disposable money on boosting our stored food stocks and other supplies. (No, I didn’t buy a pallet load of TP. )

But I’m curious..... IF they were to sell their ammo to the first hypothetical 20 non-members who walked in the door right now, how many of them do you calculate would be so grateful as to sign up for the $25/month minimum membership fee, just because Shoot Smart let them buy a couple of boxes of cheap 9mm practice ammo?

I’m not trying to be a smart-aleck here. I’m just trying to convey how skeptical I am that selling off their ammo—overpriced or not—to non-members would convince those non-members to join.

[parabelum]

Good point TAM, but I really have not noticed drastic ammo shortages, yet. It was worse certainly during some past events and I can see a limit on how many boxes you can buy can slow the shortage bleed but dang, to be able to purchase ammo only if you will shoot there seems a bit goofy. I may go there if the price on something I’m looking for is really good and hard to pass on, but ammo I will likely not get there for the time being

[parabelum]

Wonder if they’ll sell me a box if I put my paws all over it after I announce to the whole store that I’m having fever and chills and really not feeling good, so I’m just wanting to get a box or two and go home so that I don’t get anyone else sick.

[SigM4]

Good point TAM, but I really have not noticed drastic ammo shortages, yet.

You need to check popular online ammo sites. Most are out of the cheaper bulk ammo. Only the high end SD ammo remaining on most. Sites like Midway and Brownells are less impacted as they’re typically more expensive for large quantities, that keeps the value seekers away but only for a time. All other sites are noting an extended lead time (5-10 days) for shipping due to the current rush/panic on ammo.

Heck I was looking at ordering more 9mm bullets last night for reloading as I’m down to probably 2k but my usual places were out of my preferred 147gr rounds.

[SigM4]

Maybe it's different in DFW, but I haven't see or heard any ammo runs due to the virus... In fact, still getting 10-15 emails a day on sales plus free shipping on all calibers. (and all in stock)

A good way for shoot smart to gain some extra future membership would be to allow the occasional outsider (as few non-members would think to go there just to buy [overpriced] range ammo) who happens to check it out to buy a box or two of ammo. If they are that low of stock in this environment, they are probably poorly managed. Just my thoughts...

Maybe you haven't seen any runs locally but it happening across the US. Guns and ammo are flying off shelves both in stores and online. As TAM noted most of the major online ammo retailers are out of the general plinking stuff, especially 9mm and 5.56. This seems to have just been in the last 24 hours or so; I was looking at several in-stock calibers yesterday morning on both SG Ammo and Target Sports USA, by the evening it was all gone

As for local stores here’s a story out of Western NY. Seems like the local runs have been more localized until now.

As for Shoot Smart, you gotta remember, they’re a shooting range. They (mostly) make their money when folks come to shoot. If ammo is in short supply they lose a major revenue stream (likely more than they make selling ammo). One way they can maintain it is to ensure they have ammo for folks when they do come shoot. Thus the reason for their current policy. I don’t necessarily disagree with it were I in there shoes. Gotta protect your business interests.

[The Annoyed Man]

Good point TAM, but I really have not noticed drastic ammo shortages, yet.

You need to check popular online ammo sites. Most are out of the cheaper bulk ammo. Only the high end SD ammo remaining on most. Sites like Midway and Brownells are less impacted as they’re typically more expensive for large quantities, that keeps the value seekers away but only for a time. All other sites are noting an extended lead time (5-10 days) for shipping due to the current rush/panic on ammo.

Heck I was looking at ordering more 9mm bullets last night for reloading as I’m down to probably 2k but my usual places were out of my preferred 147gr rounds.

Well, like I said, I personally checked TargetSports for both 5.56 and 12 gauge. Yes, they had ammo....but for instance, American-made M193 and M855 seemed to be either sold outer considerably marked up, while Prvi Partisan 55 grain "M193 clone" ammo was still available. Shotgun ammo was available, but not the Federal Flitecontrol I’m most interested in. Sgammo was sold out of Flitecontrol #1 Buck. I admit that I didn’t so an exhaustive and thorough survey of other popular ammo vendors.... just a quick check....mainly because I’m already good to go. I could stand to have a little more 12 gauge, but I have sufficient for now unless this is the end of the world....which it’s not. One can always find room on the shelves for more 9mm, 5.56, and .308; but that’s a want, not a need for me.

I probably won’t buy any more ammo until this insanity blows over.

1. You can’t eat it.
2. You can’t eat TP.
3. I have a shower wand and soap.
4. I can eat food.
5. Ergo, buy more food.

[SigM4]

I probably won’t buy any more ammo until this insanity blows over.

1. You can’t eat it.
2. You can’t eat TP.
3. I have a shower wand and soap.
4. I can eat food.
5. Ergo, buy more food.

Probably a good idea. Though I will admit to having looked at the bidet attachments for a toilet on Amazon. As you note though, the hand held sprayer is a good alternative. I just can’t handle the strange looks the neighbors are giving me, it’s my driveway after all folks!

[The Annoyed Man]

I probably won’t buy any more ammo until this insanity blows over.

1. You can’t eat it.
2. You can’t eat TP.
3. I have a shower wand and soap.
4. I can eat food.
5. Ergo, buy more food.

Probably a good idea. Though I will admit to having looked at the bidet attachments for a toilet on Amazon. As you note though, the hand held sprayer is a good alternative. I just can’t handle the strange looks the neighbors are giving me, it’s my driveway after all folks!

Try using your shower stall!

[flowrie]

I just checked my usual outlets for 9mm, PSA and SG, economical bulk ammo is not there, only the more expensive ammo is available.

[flechero]

Ammo is selling out rapidly everywhere right now, due to all the COVID-19 panic-buying.

Maybe it's different in DFW, but I haven't see or heard any ammo runs due to the virus... In fact, still getting 10-15 emails a day on sales plus free shipping on all calibers. (and all in stock)

A good way for shoot smart to gain some extra future membership would be to allow the occasional outsider (as few non-members would think to go there just to buy [overpriced] range ammo) who happens to check it out to buy a box or two of ammo. If they are that low of stock in this environment, they are probably poorly managed. Just my thoughts...

I tried to price bulk 5.56 NATO ammo on TargetSports.com just 30 minutes ago, and most of the good stuff is on backorder. I did this after seeing on twitter that other parts of the country are experiencing shortages. NUTNFANCY has a video up about it right now. Federal Flitecontrol #1 Buckshot seems to be unobtanium at the moment.

I’m actually fairly well set for ammo, and don’t need more to weather this thing. I can always use more, but I have enough....for now. I recently spent our disposable money on boosting our stored food stocks and other supplies. (No, I didn’t buy a pallet load of TP. )

But I’m curious..... IF they were to sell their ammo to the first hypothetical 20 non-members who walked in the door right now, how many of them do you calculate would be so grateful as to sign up for the $25/month minimum membership fee, just because Shoot Smart let them buy a couple of boxes of cheap 9mm practice ammo?

I’m not trying to be a smart-aleck here. I’m just trying to convey how skeptical I am that selling off their ammo—overpriced or not—to non-members would convince those non-members to join.

I didn't take it as smart aleck, just an honest discussion. But in your scenario, even one of 20 returning to join would more than make up for what 20-30 boxes would net them.

Target sports? First two I just looked at after your post were natchez and midsouth... both have 5.56 in big and small qty's, in many varieties, but that's not the point here.

The op was looking for a box or 2 of WWB equiv. not a case of something to rat hole for the election run down. My point was that if they are that tight on ammo, they aren't going to have enough to supply their own membership anyway.

And while I absolutely think that someone might consider a membership later because they had a good experience in there today - I can guarantee you that they will NOT sell more memberships when they run people off and exhibit an attitude.

Maybe I'm not normal.... If I had visited them for the first time like the OP and they were nice, I'd go back and shoot another day... and it it was a decent range may likely join. But if I was turned away with attitude, I'd write them off.

[Pawpaw]

Gun Stores Start To Feel Pinch As Ammo Flies Off Shelves

The panic buying of toilet paper and cleaning supplies that have temporarily left store shelves bare is also starting to be seen in gun stores around the country, and it may soon have an impact on the availability of some common types of ammunition in the days and weeks ahead.

[flechero]

So I got to poking around after my exchange above and this was posted on a component supplier's site:

Okay, apparently people are buying to prepare for the end of the world. We now have more orders than we can fill right away. So, if you need your order to ship right away please send an email to XXXXXXXXXX.com and we will rush it out if we can. Obviously, backorders won't be able to go out until we have the products in stock. I've put all of the in-house bullets on backorder because we are waiting for a shipment of copper strip and I want everyone to know to expect some shipping delays. And no, we don't have any toilet paper in stock. Sorry!

I stand corrected on the run- just haven't seen it locally yet.