PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gun owners are struggling to get their hands on ammunition right now because of a massive shortage.
13-year-old Maximus White has felt the brunt of it.
As a junior competitive shooter, he needs a lot of ammo to practice. He said he usually goes through about 6,000 rounds every month.
However, he said he's lucky if his dad can get his hands on a box of 100 rounds for him to practice with right now.
"Sometimes you get it and sometimes you don't, and if you don't, there's nothing you can really do," White said.
He and his dad are constantly searching the internet for it, and even when they find some, they say it can be up to three times the usual cost.
His dad has even resorted to driving to another state to find some.
"It really does stink that I can't practice as much as I normally do, and basically if I can't get enough ammo, I'm not going to be able to compete anymore," White said.
As a shooter who holds multiple state, national, and world titles in speed shooting, that outcome would be devastating. Maximus is asking manufacturers or anyone with access to ammo for help. If you want to help Maximus, you can contact him through his Instagram @maximusoutdoors.
What's causing the ammo shortage? One reason may have something to do with the increase in gun sales.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates there were more than eight million first-time gun buyers last year. Of course, that means there are that many more people who need to buy ammunition.
Overall, the NSSF reports there were 60% more background checks done for the sale of a firearm in 2020 compared to 2019.
