So, you want to go train or just go shoot for fun but you can’t find ammo or ammo at a reasonable cost. In this article I will try to give you some ideas on how to continue training and maybe some sources for ammo.
Please understand that I am in the same boat as you. I don’t keep a huge stockpile of ammo (after this I might) or reload (I might start). But until then, I have to find ways to train and for some classes, provide ammo for my students. So, I have had to get creative. While the ideas below are not exhaustive hopefully, they will give you some ideas on how to continue to get out to the range and pull the trigger.
Dry Fire – The easiest and cheapest way to continue training is dry fire. You can do this almost anywhere. I often practice dry fire sitting on a work conference call or shooting the bad guys on the tv in the evening. Everyone that is a serious shooter should already be doing dry fire as it is the best way to train your trigger finger and mind. However, in order to do dry fire correctly you must first know the proper method of manipulating the trigger. Training poorly or incorrectly simply writes bad code into the subconscious. Keep in mind that practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice with repeatable and verifiable results against a known standard makes perfect.
If you haven’t attended one of our classes and cannot describe proper trigger manipulation, here is an excerpt from an earlier article. Present the pistol and align the sights with the point you want to hit. Now take up the trigger slack until it begins to get difficult to pull. This is called the “wall”. Hold the trigger at the wall while making any final adjustments to the sight picture. Now, visualize taking a glob of peanut butter from a jar with your trigger finger. This is the “pull” motion for the trigger. Using the word “peanut butter”, as you say “p” begin putting additional pressure on the trigger. When you say “er”, the gun should fire. While you are “pulling” the trigger, keep focus on the front sight and maintain the desired sight picture. If all goes well, the gun should remain still during the entire trigger pull and your shot will hit the desired point.
Laser Training Aids – These devices take dry fire and provide visual feedback. There are several types on the market but the only ones I recommend are those that do not project a constant visible light. The problem with these devices are that the shooter is inclined to look at where the laser is hitting the target rather than focusing on the front sight. Consequently, a training scar is developed which is very difficult to correct. One of the most innovative devices that I have seen recently is called the Strikeman which uses a laser paired with your smart phone. You can see a demonstration of the device at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD7mbZ10tNQ.
Airsoft – Airsoft pistols and rifles are a great alternative to the firearm. I have used them in multiple force on force training events as a safe and low-cost alternative to simunition. But you must purchase wisely. There a bunch of inexpensive airsoft guns on the market but they don’t operate like the firearm version of the gun. In order to use an airsoft gun as a firearms substitute, the airsoft gun must operate exactly like the firearms equivalent. For example, I have found that lower cost airsoft pistols do not have the two stage triggers that firearms pistols have and airsoft AR’s often do not lock open on magazine empty. This prevents good training. In general, you get what you pay for. Look for good airsoft pistols to be in the range of $175 and up and ARs to be over $300. Several good manufactures that I have personal experience with are KWA and ASG. Do a Google search on Best Airsoft Pistols / Rifles and do your research. Also, airsoft ammo is much less expensive. A bottle of 6000 bb’s goes for less than $20 at Bass Pro Shops.
.22LR Conversion Kits – A couple of manufactures provide the option of converting your pistol or AR to .22lr. This is a great option as .22lr rounds can currently be purchased for about $.25 a round. While this is expensive based on history, it is significantly less than $.75 – $1.25 for 9mm or .556. The only thing that you sometimes sacrifice when using a .22lr conversion kit is a bit of precision accuracy. For pistols, CZ makes the Kadet conversion kit for the 75 series and Advantage Arms make a conversion kit for the Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23 models. For the AR, CMMG makes a .22lr conversion kit. They are all in short supply so you will need to do some searching.
.22LR Pistols and Rifles – There are many very nice .22lr pistols on the market. Several manufacturers make .22lr versions of their centerfire big brothers. Sig Sauer made a 1911 in .22lr but I think it has been discontinued. Colt also sold a 1911 .22lr but it has also been discontinued. You might be able to pick one up on the used market. Smith and Wesson makes a .22lr version of their M&P. Walther makes three versions of their PPQ line in .22lr. Glock makes a G44 model that is very similar to their other offerings. The advantage of getting a .22lr pistol from the same line as your 9mm is that the controls are all the same and the cost to shoot is substantially less.
The same applies to .22lr rifles. The one I like is the S&W AR-15/22. It operates just like the .223 / .556 AR but is much less expensive to purchase and shoot. While you won’t be hitting steel at 300 yrds, you also won’t be paying $1.00 a round to shoot.
Ammo Sources – First off, there is no hidden bunker of ammo that I have found. I have to search for ammo just like you. But I also don’t like running around town or standing in lines in hopes of finding ammo. So here are my tips. Maybe they will work for you. My first stop is the ammo marketplaces on the internet. My default go to location is ammoseek.com. In the past I have had better luck with this site than any other but don’t hesitate to try other sites. Next there are several companies from which I routinely purchase bulk ammo. A number of these companies will allow you to specify the ammo that you want and will send an email when it is in stock. Lastly, I just search. It is amazing what a Google search and perseverance will do.
Regarding local sources, just look. If you are in a store that should have ammo, just check. Who knows you might be there right when that pallet of 9mm arrives?
Train Hard! Stay Frosty! Never Give Up!
John