The good news is that everything is relatively orderly. People are being helpful, friendly and even kind. Stores are rationing high demand items to distribute them as widely as possible. The bad news is that if you weren’t ‘prepared’ before this it is a woeful time to do so.

One of the categories that is manic right now is firearms and ammunition. I went to a chain sporting goods store just to see the local scene today and there was literally a line to the gun counter, with lots of buyers, not just lookers. I am not sure what people are expecting to happen or why there is panic buying.

I remember the ‘good old days’. Before 2009, ammunition was always available, plentiful and generally pretty cheap. As soon as Obama took office, the shelves were bare. It took two years before a box of ammunition was seen on the shelves. The supply lasted for a year or so and then in 2012, the Sandy Hook tragedy occurred and 22LR was literally absent for four years.

I have talked about my typical consumption in previous posts. So, of course I want to make sure that I can pursue my hobby in the next four years. But, adopting a prepared lifestyle means that you purchase in times of plenty so that you can ride out the lean times. It means that you don’t stand in line or panic buy just because other people are doing it (kind of like paper products as well).

Supplies acquired through the years

Whether building a pantry or pursuing your hobbies, the principles of preparedness are the same. Evaluate your long term usage, set your thresholds, replenish when convenient and plentiful and leave the panic buying to the tin foil hatters and less fortunate.

There are people out there that think they will take what they need/want because they have some weapons. This goes without saying, but that is a poor substitute to proper preparation and downright evil. They might get away with it for a while, but it is a good way to end up with a dirt nap.

I am speaking for myself but I watch out for my neighbors and they do likewise. Build community and redundancy in your life and we will get through this and whatever happens in the future.