Since Barack Obama’s election to the presidency, gun retailers report a large run on weapons and ammunition, creating not only higher prices on industry items, but shortages of ammo in Texas and across the nation, as reported in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"People are panicking and buying," said Glen Furtardo, assistant manager at Winchester Gallery gun store in east Fort Worth. "The crime rate is high, and they are flat scared of what is going to happen in the next few years with the economy and the country. Manufacturers weren’t prepared for this."

The paper reports both retailers and consumers believe there’s a widespread expectation the Obama administration will reinstate the “assault” weapons ban, and a possible increase in taxes on guns, ammo, and firearms-related items that have given rise to the ammo shortage. Also, people’s anxiety over the economic downturn has prompted first-time buyers to purchase guns and stockpile ammo. But current economic conditions could make it difficult for manufacturers to get credit to buy supplies to meet demand, according to the paper. In any case, gun stores across the country must deal with back-ordered requests and, in some instances, must wait six to eight months for delivery.

"It’s so bad," said DeWayne Irwin, owner of Cheaper Than Dirt in Fort Worth. "It’s crazy. And for the foreseeable future, it’s not going to get any better. It’s going to get worse."

At Irwin’s store, a box of 50 rounds for a 9 mm pistol sold last year for $12.97. Today, it costs $29.97.

"This is the same thing the oil industry did to us, but now it’s with ammunition," said Tom Mullenix of Oklahoma, who recently shopped at Cheaper Than Dirt in Fort Worth.

Even people who try to save money by making their own ammo aren’t immune to the current economy. Chad Lane, a competitive shooter, told the paper that last year it cost him $123 to make 100 rounds. Now, those same 100 rounds costs him $165.