The Role of Political Shifts in Market Volatility

At Last Resort Ranch, staying ahead of market trends is a key aspect of preparedness. One of the most overlooked yet critical factors in this is understanding how election cycles impact ammunition prices. Political rhetoric and potential policy changes during election years often drive significant fluctuations in the cost and availability of ammo.

Political Uncertainty Drives Ammo Demand

Election cycles frequently create uncertainty around gun control regulations, causing price surges. In 2008 and 2012, when President Obama was elected and re-elected, the fear of stricter gun laws led to panic-buying, driving ammo prices up by nearly 33% [1]. Similarly, the election of President Trump in 2016 initially slowed ammo sales, but prices spiked again by mid-2017 due to lingering supply chain challenges [2].

The 2020 election presented a perfect storm. Civil unrest and the pandemic drove prices up by 70% by summer, with 9mm rounds seeing the steepest increases [3].

Key Insight: Political uncertainty, especially regarding gun control, tends to increase demand and inflate prices. This means those looking to stock up may face higher costs during these periods.

Election-Year Price Trends

Here’s how ammo prices shifted in key election years:

• 2008: Obama’s election saw a 33% price increase.

• 2012: Obama’s re-election led to a 20% rise.

• 2016: Trump’s victory initially dropped prices by 10%, followed by a 15% increase by mid-2017.

• 2020: Biden’s election and social unrest caused a 70% surge in 9mm ammo prices.

Even the mere possibility of political change can cause significant market shifts. Understanding these patterns is crucial for strategic purchasing.

Smart Ammo Purchasing

Timing is everything when it comes to stocking up on ammunition. Between elections, prices generally stabilize, making these periods ideal for gradual buying. However, when the political climate shifts, it’s important to be prepared for price hikes driven by regulatory uncertainty.

Beyond Ammo: Comprehensive Preparedness

While having ammo is essential, it’s not the full picture. True preparedness for a doomsday scenario involves more than just stockpiling bullets—it requires food security, shelter, and community support. That’s where Last Resort Ranch comes in. We offer a complete survival strategy, providing the resources and support needed to thrive in any crisis.

Even with plenty of ammo, survival is about more than firepower. Let us help you secure your future. Schedule a call today to learn how Last Resort Ranch ensures you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Works Cited

[1] "Ammo Prices and Availability in 2008." Ammunition To Go, 2016.
[2] "The Trump Effect on Gun Sales." NSSF, 2017.
[3] "Ammunition Demand in 2020: A Pandemic Year Surge." Ammo.com, 2020.