Coronavirus, election impacting gun and ammo sales in Boise

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Worker shortages and concerns about the election are impacting the supply and demand of ammunition across the country, even here in the Treasure Valley.

Staff at Cliff's Guns Safes and Reloading spoke about the effect this is having on their business. Many first time gun buyers are going to Cliff's in the leadup to the election.

But the coronavirus is causing a worker shortage in ammo factories, slowing retailer's ability to get ammo on the shelves.

This is creating more demand for popular types of ammo, like .380 ACP and 9mm, than stores can supply. And because of COVID-19, there's no telling when ammo production will pick up again.

"Factories have shut down because their employees get sick," Cindy Pratt-Carrell, compliance officer at Cliff's, said. "So now you don't have it being made, and you don't have it being shipped, so even if you had the product, how do you get it to our shelves?"

She said typically sales go up during national elections, regardless of which party takes power.

"You have two fears: I want to be able to protect my family, or I don't want anyone taking away what I already have or what I think I might want," Pratt-Carrell said.

Because of those fears, both gun sales and ammo sales at Cliff's have been on the rise since March.

Staff believe sales could be even higher without the current production shortage.

"Either direction that we go, fear is an incredible motivator," Pratt-Carrell said.

Other rounds that Cliff's is struggling to get ahold of right now include .40, .45 ACP and .38 special.

Some larger retailers are no longer allowing customers to buy ammo in bulk, typically limiting them to three boxes.

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