Don't Buy Ammunition At Gun Stores

Is in a recent class, it was observed that one participant had great difficulty establishing a good firm zero.  Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that he had brought three different types of ammunition to the class. The instructions for the class were very clear and specific - bring xxx number of rounds, same make, same manufacture.  When asked why he did not bring all matching ammunition, the participant complained that what he brought was all that the gun store had.

At the same class, another participant had similar issues.  Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the loose ammunition he had purchased from the gun store had multiple different types included in the bag.  A couple of other participants were also having difficulties - mostly with jamming. Upon closer inspection,  it was discovered that the ammunition they bought at the local gun store seemed to be reloads, and had been put in a package of a reputable manufacturer (Winchester brass in a Federal box).

At debriefing at the end of the day, one of the pointers that the instructors gave was quite clear:

DON'T BUY AMMUNITION AT GUN STORES!

Why? Let's count off a few reasons:

1. The gun store may not have the quantity of ammunition you seek. Or they may limit how much you can purchase at a time.  This could prevent you from being able to buy the correct quantity of all matching ammunition.

2. Some gun stores will repackage ammunition so they can sell it at a higher price.  Or sell reloads as if they were new ammo. Before you start complaining that your gun store doesn't do that... are you 100% certain?

3. A "customer" may have tampered with the ammunition.

4. Many gun stores buy up mass quantities of ammunition from bigger stores, then re-sell it to you at a much higher price. 

5. Many gun store employees will (intentionally) misinform you about the performance of the ammunition, in an attempt to get you to buy it. 


Gun shops have their purpose, and most of them are good at fulfilling that purpose.  However, it is worth repeating:

DON'T BUY AMMUNITION AT GUN STORES!