By WHITNEE ICE St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A scarcity of ammunition and firearms came with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.Owner of Brothers Arms Clay Bricker in St. Joseph said manufacturing companies have been hurt by the shutdown from the pandemic."I can contest to say that COVID has been the biggest contributor to the scarcity of ammunition," Bricker told St. Joseph Post.Bricker said statistics have shown a significant increase in gun purchases."There were 3.2 million new or beginner firearm purchases from people in 2020," said Bricker.Now that the circumstances of the pandemic have started to improve, St. Joseph Gun and Knife show organizers are excited to host the show this weekend at the Civic Arena.Bricker says this event is something everyone can apricate during the pandemic."Vendors coming into this event to bring a good variety of ammunition, firearms, accessories, all sorts of different merchandise to this event that I think truly everyone can appreciate," said Bricker.March 13th and 14th, 250 tables of guns and ammunition with dealers from six states will be at the Civic Arena ready to sell or trade. Guns won’t be the only show-stoppers this weekend, lipstick knives, personal alarms, and stun guns will be available as well. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 years old.

A pandemic effect: Gun sales up, ammunition scarce