Those who honor the 2nd Amendment are justifiably worried about the gun-control legislation planned by the Biden-Harris administration. But we are already in the midst of severe gun control in the form of lack of availability of guns or ammunition.

For a year, since Covid-19 and lockdowns struck, there has been a severe shortage of firearms and ammunition. At first this was blamed on decreased production because of a shortage of workers, plus hoarding by worried consumers. But as the months dragged on, shortage of workers was considerably lessened. Hoarding might continue to a degree, but few have unlimited space and funds to store large quantities of unused guns and ammunition.

Yet a year later, severe shortages persist. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I have no good explanation for the shortages. Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and similar shortages have abated. Why not guns and ammunition? I don’t know.

In addition, the attrition of US firearms manufacturers continues. Remington our oldest gun maker was founded in 1816. But it went bankrupt and its assets were divided among creditors. Winchester, another iconic brand, exists in name only, with products made in Japan or Europe. Smith & Wesson is owned by others but persists. Colt was recently bought by CZ in the Czech Republic but reportedly will continue to make guns at its US factory. Savage is owned by the Italian firm Benelli, which in turn is owned by Beretta. Only Ruger, which bought Marlin, and some smaller companies remain as US arms makers.

Even if the Biden-Harris administration were friendly to the 2nd Amendment, persistent shortages of guns and ammunition, and continuing attrition of US firearms manufacturers, give gun owners cause for concern.