So you heard the latest kooky, nutjob, tinfoil hat craziness floating around the internet, right? Those nutjobs are making a big deal about the feds buying more bullets than every man woman and child in the US, right? Problem is, I sourced the story right back to the press release and it’s really true. Here’s from the press release:
ANOKA, Minn., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — ATK ATK +3.65% announced that it is being awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS, ICE) for .40 caliber ammunition. This contract features a base of 12 months, includes four option years, and will have a maximum volume of 450 million rounds. PR NEWSWIRE
And wow, what great bullets they are:
“We are proud to extend our track record as the prime supplier of .40 caliber duty ammunition for DHS, ICE,” said Ron Johnson, President of ATK’s Security and Sporting group. “The HST is a proven design that will continue to serve those who keep our borders safe.”
Ha! Great! The Sporting Group.
And if you’re thinking to yourself, “Man, I gotta get me some of them…I always wanted a few 40 mm rounds around.” Well, Gunny Sarge, you’re out of luck. That’s cause there’s shortages of ammo all around town. And all around the internet. From what they tell me.
Oh, and it’s not 450 million. It’s lots more over a series of years. And not just bullets, but all sorts of fun stuff that goes along with guns, especially stuff to clean them after you’ve burned trough a few rounds. And it’s not just 40 mm, it’s NATO’s favorite, the always in style (for human destruction) .223. (More Here)
Now why oh why are domestic law enforcement agencies stocking up on enough rounds to give one to every citizen in the US? And what other kinds of orders are being placed that are not broadcast in a press release?
Never mind, I’m sure this is all just perfectly normal. Please return to your regularly-scheduled program.
