| Updated: 1/17 9:01 am |
Published: 1/16 5:57 pm
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Two weeks ago, FOX23 learned gun stores were selling out of ammunition.
Now, we’re learning it is affecting training for local law enforcement.
"Ammunition is what everyone wants right now," said Bixby Police Sergeant Tim Scrivner.
The shortage is hurting officers on the shooting range. Law enforcement in Oklahoma uses semi-automatic assault rifles semi-annually for CLEET and as often as every day to stay sharp.
"If an officer is actively engaged in a shooting type situation, they've got to be able to run the gun and be successful because obviously you want to go home at night," said Scrivner.
He and fellow officer Michael Konshak are working to make sure the men they work with are prepared and confident in their rifle training with a Patrol Operator Course.
The men are looking to use cheaper bullets to train with on the range.
"That's exactly why we're looking at using 22s," said Konshak.
Officers tell me the smaller bullets (the 22s) cost four to six cents each and the bigger rounds (the 223s) could cost anywhere from $1-$2.
Semi-automatic rifles and the ammunition to go along with it are hot commodities right now.
"That has necessitated officers and agencies alike thinking outside the box on how they're going to use their resources," said Konshak.
The officers say one of their ammo suppliers is now pushing back orders by eight to nine months.
