Re: Local gun shops OUT of semi autos.
After being unable to contact my local dealer by phone Tuesday and Wednesday (busy/message queue full), I drove down yesterday around midday.
Parking was only available about a block away, and the line inside was like a snake. After waiting 20 min, I got to ask him whether the pair of 91/30's I had asked him to order several weeks ago had come in. "No". I thanked him, shook his hand, and complimented him for keeping an even keel for so long under the circumstances. He thanked me for being his customer.
That done, I left and continued on my round of errands.
There were about 2 dozen guns in his rack (it was about half full, not all that different from normal) and his ammo supply was reduced from stacks of cases in the middle of the floor to what would fit on the shelves. The door to the back room was closed, and I can only speculate on what was behind that. The only semi rifle I saw in the rack was a Garand, and I had seen that there on my previous visit the preceding Tuesday. People wanting handloading components were getting what they came for promptly and with a smile.
People in line were engaging each other in speculation, mostly wild/unfounded, and it was not a discussion I'd want to enter lightly. I did what I came to do and left ASAP.
I believe I made my continued interest in the 91/30's clear, and firmly intend to stay out of my dealer's hair for at least another week of two. If I get them, fine; if not, I'll count my blessings and keep a low profile with regard to my dealer. He knows who I am and where I'm coming from. Close enough for the moment.
Greg