How have the recent election and the virus affected gun shows? I was present at the recent March 13-14 Mitchell Gun Show as I had three tables and talked to a number of vendors. Because of this, I can tell you what to expect at the coming May 15-16 Rapid City Show. Numbers wise, the Mitchell show was a rousing success. I’m guessing that ”cabin fever” had taken a toll, and families were eager to get out. I heard rumors of this being Mitchell’s last gun show. Though unfounded, this would be a disaster for firearms enthusiasts.

The March 17th issue of The Mitchell Daily Republic featured the front page story “Where’s the Ammo?” by Sam Fosness. The article’s subheadline, “Election, pandemic create ‘perfect storm’ for shortage,” pretty well sums up what has happened. Fosness reported that vendor David Brown typically offers seven tables of ammunition. At the Mitchell show he barely filled two tables.

At the Mitchell show there was little ammunition available, and component wise, I saw no new brass, bullets, or primers. Powder typically sells for about $25 a pound. It was marked up to $50. I saw no .22 rim fire ammo, the most popular ammo of all. Between the imagined fears of what the pandemic might bring, coupled with the election of a Democrat as president (Democrats are the driving force behind gun control), guns, ammo, and reloading components have been horded. For example, five million Americans bought their first gun in 2020, and 17 million had background checks by October. 2020 was the busiest year ever for U.S. gun sales. When and if gun and ammo availability becomes normal again is anybody’s guess.

Did I buy anything at the Mitchell Gun Show? I bought some recycled .223 brass which I was happy to find available, and a new Ruger “Wrangler” .22 single-action revolver. I was pleased to discover that Ruger was able to supply dealers with some new handguns. Of course the dealer put me through a background check on his laptop computer.

Shortly after the election, a very successful Mitchell business man asked me if I thought we had much to fear gun control wise. I answered that with our country’s extensive gun ownership, Democrats included, I doubted that any serious legislation would pass. Now I’m having some doubts. What future legislation might we see gun control wise? Mr. Biden is our president, and he has not made a secret of his agenda. His “Plan to End our Gun Epidemic” is available on his campaign website. Take a look at his coming proposals which hopefully will be scuttled by Congress.

“Owners of ‘assault weapons’ and high-capacity magazines will have two options: sell them to the government or register them under the same federal program that regulates machine guns and flame throwers.” That’s $200 per gun and a lengthly administrative approval process.

Another damaging threat, the repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) that shields U.S. arms and ammunition makers from liability related to criminal acts, would leave arms and ammunition makers the target of bankrupting lawsuits. Bankrupting our two largest manufacturers, Ruger and Smith & Wesson, would cripple the supply chain to hunters, competitive and recreational shooters, law enforcement and the military. It would put Americans out of work, and it would make us dependent on imported firearms.

In talking with fellow gun enthusiasts at the Mitchell show, most of us see no need for magazines that hold more than five rounds. We would be happy to see these largecapacity magazines banned if we could only believe that gun control efforts would stop at this point. This would make the Colt AR-15 or Ruger Mini-14 with a five round clip just another semi-automatic rifle instead of a so-called “assault rifle.” These rifles are especially popular with our West-River ranchers for predator control.

I’m not out to alienate anyone. I am obviously a pro-Second Amendment guy. I once saved my life and the life of the girl I was with by merely pointing my S&W .357 magnum pistol. I hunt, spend time at the range, and reload my own ammo. Yes, we have misfits who kill people, and we need to look harder at troubled people. But the mere presence of a gun saves countless lives every day. I’ll make every effort to keep you informed on the latest gun legislation.

See you next week.