Bullets scarce at Sheriff's Office
Production, delivery delays causing shortage
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/NEWS01/708200308/1002
By Joseph Gidjunis
Staff Writer
SALISBURY -- Some of the most popular law enforcement ammunition is taking up to five times as long to be produced and delivered across the region, and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office is in the middle of the trickle-down shortfall.
Ammunition orders for the .45-caliber rounds, which fuel the deputies' standard Glock have typically been filled within four to six weeks.
Now six to eight months behind schedule, Patrol Division Commander Lt. Tod Richardson said supplies are getting tight.
"I have an order from January of .45-caliber that has not been filled yet," he said. "It hasn't put us in a pinch, but it's not getting any better."
The Sheriff's Office uses the ammunition for its about 85-sworn member force, all of whom need to have updated training and pass biannual shooting qualifications. The shortage is requiring months of additional planning and management. Larger orders might also be placed to have a stockpile in case of future shortages, Richardson said.
Other law enforcement agencies in Worcester, Somerset and Sussex counties reported no shortages. Ocean City said it has adequate supplies too.
Tony Magolda, Lawmen Supply Co. of New Jersey president, who supplies many state police departments and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, said shortfalls in .223-caliber and 5.56 mm rifle rounds, as well as .40-caliber, .45-caliber and 9 mm handgun bullets are forcing delays exceeding six months to fill. One distributor has stopped taking orders for the rest of the year.
"I've never had that where they wouldn't accept orders anymore," said Magolda, who's been in the business since 1984.
Speculation about low supplies stems from manufacturers switching production to more military needs, but that could not be confirmed Friday. Magolda said he has seen an increase in demand for these rounds since 9/11 because more police and security officers constantly need training and requalification.
"It is a problem. We're working on it," Magolda said. "The community is learning to adapt."
He recommends ordering sooner and more than needed due to inconsistent supplies.
Besides the shortfall, some prices have jumped, too.
At Albright's Gun Shop in Easton, a box of 50 premium .45-caliber ammunition has increased from the low $30s a few years ago to about $40, said Chad Haschen.
Earlier in the summer, the store was out of stock of the popular sizes for about six weeks.
"Everything is getting more expensive," Haschen said.
Richardson said the shortage is nothing the public has to worry about. No policies or procedures have altered due to fewer than normal stockpiles.
Production, delivery delays causing shortage
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/NEWS01/708200308/1002
By Joseph Gidjunis
Staff Writer
SALISBURY -- Some of the most popular law enforcement ammunition is taking up to five times as long to be produced and delivered across the region, and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office is in the middle of the trickle-down shortfall.
Ammunition orders for the .45-caliber rounds, which fuel the deputies' standard Glock have typically been filled within four to six weeks.
Now six to eight months behind schedule, Patrol Division Commander Lt. Tod Richardson said supplies are getting tight.
"I have an order from January of .45-caliber that has not been filled yet," he said. "It hasn't put us in a pinch, but it's not getting any better."
The Sheriff's Office uses the ammunition for its about 85-sworn member force, all of whom need to have updated training and pass biannual shooting qualifications. The shortage is requiring months of additional planning and management. Larger orders might also be placed to have a stockpile in case of future shortages, Richardson said.
Other law enforcement agencies in Worcester, Somerset and Sussex counties reported no shortages. Ocean City said it has adequate supplies too.
Tony Magolda, Lawmen Supply Co. of New Jersey president, who supplies many state police departments and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, said shortfalls in .223-caliber and 5.56 mm rifle rounds, as well as .40-caliber, .45-caliber and 9 mm handgun bullets are forcing delays exceeding six months to fill. One distributor has stopped taking orders for the rest of the year.
"I've never had that where they wouldn't accept orders anymore," said Magolda, who's been in the business since 1984.
Speculation about low supplies stems from manufacturers switching production to more military needs, but that could not be confirmed Friday. Magolda said he has seen an increase in demand for these rounds since 9/11 because more police and security officers constantly need training and requalification.
"It is a problem. We're working on it," Magolda said. "The community is learning to adapt."
He recommends ordering sooner and more than needed due to inconsistent supplies.
Besides the shortfall, some prices have jumped, too.
At Albright's Gun Shop in Easton, a box of 50 premium .45-caliber ammunition has increased from the low $30s a few years ago to about $40, said Chad Haschen.
Earlier in the summer, the store was out of stock of the popular sizes for about six weeks.
"Everything is getting more expensive," Haschen said.
Richardson said the shortage is nothing the public has to worry about. No policies or procedures have altered due to fewer than normal stockpiles.
