Discussing the .22 shortage with an industry insider (gun/reloading industry - not .22 LR manufacturing) and
he says that the .22 makers are working as hard as they can, but have not been convinced (beyond Remington)
to invest in another very expensive factory to make a round which has a very small profit margin, while they
are struggling to make enough center fire ammo and have no time or staff to put on the issue. Apparently
Remington has been working on a new factory for .22 rimfire. It seems like about 2 yrs ago they announced
a new factory would be coming on line "in two years". Hope it starts up soon.
I think the HUGE numbers of new guns sold have permanently bumped up the ammo consumption rates,
and the makers haven't really expanded - I think they keep telling themselves it is temporary and are unwilling
to put in a new factory that they think may be idled in a year or two. Of course, the knuckle heads posting
pix and videos of their stash of 25,000 rds of .22 LR (for the zombie apocalypse, apparently) aren't helping
to convince the makers that the usage rates are permanently higher so they can justify a new factory. Still,
the new gun sales have been literally MANY millions per year for many years and a lot of those folks SHOOT THEM!
Industry needs to expand. Although, Win was caught dumping their union problems and moving from
Illinois to the south -- Alabama maybe and building a whole new plant. Can't make expansion easier.
In any case, I have a number of different configuration Ruger Standard Autos, started with a 6" regular model
when I was 16 and haven't stopped getting new versions, not sure how many are in the safe. All excellent
shooters and very reliable. I wish I could find any .22 revolver that can shoot that good --- with one exception.
I have a S&W 22/32 "Bekeart" target model (but not in the real Bekeart SN range) that is jewel and super
accurate. All other .22 revolvers are good for "minute of pop can" at 10 yds and not much more, including a
gorgeous "blonde" M17 (just like the K22, 'blonde' - looks great, but can't cook). Grr!
Been eyeing a SP101 in .22 LR, SS with 4" bbl. at the LGS. Anybody know if these are accurate?