In December 2012 , a new wave of panic buying was driven by the perceived likelihood of new firearm control laws being passed by Congress and state governments in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting . This led to a severe shortage of ammunition for most handgun calibers and some rifle calibers , especially the previously easy-to-find and cheaply priced .22 LR
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
2008–13 United States ammunition shortage