The hoarding isn't quite over.....

[nightmare69]

Ammo is coming back. I've seen 9mm and 223/556 at academy and Walmart the past couple of weeks. It's been in stock till the evening.

[RottenApple]

More than different markets (though there can be other markets and even inverse demand curves), there are individuals who are willing to pay more than other individuals.....such that, for example, on one end of the curve, the prices individuals may be willing to pay for a 500 round box of 22 is $5 and at the higher end of the curve, $50....with most people willing to pay $15. Of course suppliers are willing to provide plenty at $50 a box, and very little or none at $5, and between what sellers are willing to provide at a given price and buyers are willing to purchase, the bulk of sales will occur at an equilibrium price...perhaps around $15 in this example. That doesn't preclude sales to people willing to pay more, and those willing to pay less, and some sellers may be able to market to those people as well. But when there is equilibrium, supplies are readily available. The presence of a shortage means an equilibrium price has not been reached.....which as you said, means supply is selling out too quickly because the prices are too low. So, yes....right.

Even post hurricane, for say, gasoline in high demand....there would be no shortage if prices were allowed to rise --what people call gouging-- but what really distributes supplies to those whose demand for them is greatest, as expressed by their willingness to pay high prices. If there was no interference in the market, it would also serve to increase inventories, since people who couldn't afford the higher prices would keep gasoline on hand, knowing that they won't be able to pay the higher prices after the hurricane. That will also dampen demand somewhat and reduce how far prices will rise.

*sigh* My head hurts.

Just kidding. The way you explain it lines up with my (limited) economics knowledge and makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the excellent info.