So, your local gun shop hasn’t been carrying what you like to shoot, or surging demand has kept the shelves bare – and now you’re trying to figure out how to buy ammo online and where to buy it.
Even if you’ve never bought ammo online before, that’s no problem. It’s good to learn how to do it so if you’re ever low on ammo, you don’t need to be constrained by your local supply chain.
Plus, ammo, unlike firearms, doesn’t need to be shipped to an FFL. You can generally have it shipped right to your home, and on top of that, shopping online will give you tons of flexibility.
So, with that said, here are some of the best ways to shop for ammo online and get a deal on what you prefer to shoot.
Be Lenient with Your First Choice
So you found an online ammo retailer and you ideally want Federal Top Gun 12 gauge target loads for shooting clays, size 8s, but the shop you found only has 9s in stock.
Tough; the clays aren’t going to know any better and if your gun really patterns that differently with 8s and 9s maybe you have a bigger problem. If you need ammo, small concessions like these can make sure your ammo cans are always full.
Shoot Steel Cased Ammo
Now let’s say you’re used to shooting premier brass-cased 9mm FMJ, but you can’t find your preferred ammo online.
Unless you’re a competitor or reload, try steel-cased ammo. It’s typically cheaper (sometimes considerably so) than virgin brass-cased ammo. If all you’re doing is plinking, settle for steel (or aluminum).
And no, it won’t ruin your gun. The steel used to make cartridge casings is annealed, which means softened – so it won’t scratch your chamber or otherwise harm your gun.
Shop Specials
When you visit an online ammo shop, the first thing you should do is look in the menu for specials or sales or deals. Most of them have them, and most of the time you can find a great deal on something good.
Buy in Bulk
Lastly, if you know what you’re getting, buy in bulk. Remington Range 9mm 115 grain FMJ is the same no matter where you buy it from, but if you can get it in bulk, you can keep down the per-round cost.Where to Buy Ammo Online (and What to Look for)
Now that you’re officially on the trail of a shop where you can buy ammo online, here are some things to look for.
- Try to stick with companies that have been around a while. There are probably some good new ones out there, but anything established must mean it has a satisfied customer base and good policies.
- Be aware of any shipping restrictions. Some online ammo shops will not ship to certain states or other jurisdictions; you must be aware of this before ordering.
- Read reviews. Do your homework. Real customers will tell you if an online shop is legit or not.
Now to start with a short list: visit Able Ammo first. They’ve been in the business a long time and carry a huge range of ammo, along with firearms and other shooting accessories. Make them your first stop and add them in your rotation before you buy ammo online.
