This.I think most people scrambling are "new" owners of "new" caliber weapons. Two people I know bought AR's for the first time in Dec of last year....so buying ammo was a must if they wanted the capability of using it.
At the range a few weeks back was a guy with his new AR. Had it since Dec and finally found 40 rounds to put through it. He has his bolt action hunting rifles and a shotgun or two but never thought about the AR platform. But the tell was his statement, "The government wants to ban it so that means I have to have one." After putting his 30 rounds downrange saving 10 for 'later' he had this big grin. "Wow! This thing fits me like a glove and is so easy to shoot. I'm going to like this rifle." Another AR convert. Something more to read into it. The hunters are getting it. First the ARs then its their scoped bolt-action "sniper" rifles.
It's all good. We will get through this. Just be patient and the market will level itself out. Reading your post was like the path I took. Very slowly at first but now marksmanship with all arms is my hobby as well as my constitutional right. As you said you are in the camp of those who've had an awakening. Two things will come of this. We in the gun culture will be stronger politically in the future. Also you will plan for when the next crisis of the moment occurs and will be able to ride it out. Oh, and welcome to the shooting sports.I am in this group. -snip-
Michael Bane on his Downrange Radio podcast has a name for the change in the demographics of todays gun owner. Gun Culture V2.0. V1.0 was the traditional Dad taking Son to the range, doing a bit of hunting, and kinda maybe doing some formal target shooting. V2.0 is completely different. V2.0 is self defense oriented. Bought his first gun to protect himself and his family. Probably has a carry permit. Possibly competes in IDPA or USPSA.
I've been shooting USPSA for quite a while. Suck at it but a Sunday better spent than weedeating the yard. Anyhow it wasn't all that many years ago if we had 35 shooters we'd go 'Whoo hoo. Big turn out.' Last Sunday at Cajun Action we had 82. Looking around at the faces I found a bunch of what would be called Gun Culture V2.0 shooters. Can't argue with the numbers.