COVID-19 hoarders stockpile on guns and ammunition ahead of lockdown

Guns are bullets are flying off shelves almost as fast as toilet paper and hand sanitiser as the coronavirus turns everyday Australian’s into doomsday preppers.

While some nervous residents are hording bare essentials in the event a Victoria-style lockdowns spreads across the nation, others are turning to stockpiling weapons and ammunition in fear of a ‘breakdown in society’.   

Gun shops are reporting sky-rocketing trade with dozens upon dozens of people coming in each week to inquire about obtaining a weapon and license.

G&A Tactical owner Lee Haslett said sales at his shop at Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast were going ‘through the roof’.

Mr Haslett sold 2.5 tonnes of ammunition in a week alone in March, with one customer spending $8,000 on bullets in one transaction.

‘Don’t forget, ammunition is led so it’s heavy – we’re not talking about two truck loads of bread,’ he said. ‘Prices range from $0.20 a piece to $5 a bullet.

G&A Tactical owner Lee Haslett (pictured), of Burleigh Waters, said sales were going ‘through the roof’, with dozens upon dozens of people coming in each week to enquire about obtaining a gun and license

While some are accumulating the bare essentials – such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser and tinned goods (pictured) – others are reaching for guns out of fear of running out of food and a spike in crime.

‘We sold out in March and we’re starting to sell out again because of what’s happening in Melbourne.’

The 59-year-old, who opened G&A Tactical in 2017, said 12 gauge shotguns were the most popular weapon among licensed preppers, followed .233 bolt-action and 308 cobalt rifles.

Other popular items included balaclavas, bags, equipment and clothing, such as radio communications and uniforms for police. 

The 59-year-old, who opened G&A Tactical (pictured) in 2017, said 12 gauge shotguns were the most popular weapon among licensed preppers, followed .233 bolt-action and 308 cobalt rifles

Other popular items at G&A Tactical included balaclavas, bags, equipment and clothing, such as radio communications and uniforms for police

‘We have a lot of officers come in talking about crime rates in the area, saying it’s turning into a war zone at night and that people are breaking into cars and stealing,’ Mr Haslett said. 

‘This is why people are preparing. They’re really worried about what’s going to happen and the breakdown of society if things get worse. 

‘People are worried they’ll starve or their homes will be broken into.’

Mr Haslett this week even had to hire a larger space for extra people wanting to undertake a firearm safety course to get a license.

‘We had 30 people sign up on Wednesday when we usually only take 10,’ he said. 

The surge in ammunition and gun sales at G&A Tactical is reflected of the United States, Mr Haslett said, which ‘has sold out of a majority of ammunition and guns’

‘They’re not being extreme – they’re just looking at the fact that we sold out of toilet paper and then food started to disappear when the pandemic began. 

‘They’re just preparing so they feel safe’. 

The surge in sales is reflective of the United States as well, Mr Haslett said, which ‘has sold out of a majority of ammunition and guns’.

‘It is a flow on effect,’ he said. ‘But we won’t see what they see over there. It’s not like it is on TV. People won’t just walk in and walk out with a gun. 

‘Most are law abiding citizens who go through a number of checks to get a permit.’