As a long-time hunter, shooting sports enthusiast, and outdoor industry writer, I’ve seen firsthand the shifts in ammunition availability and quality over the past decade. Lately, questions about Remington shotgun shells, the company’s struggles, and the current state of Remington ammunition have been constant. The story of Remington is complex, marked by both a rich history and recent turmoil. This article dives deep into the issues surrounding Remington ammunition catalog offerings, the reasons why certain rounds like 35 Remington ammo are hard to find, the fallout from the optics and ammo lawsuit, and the ongoing Remington Accutip shortage. We’ll also look at what the future might hold for this iconic American brand.
Remington Arms has a legacy stretching back to 1816, initially as a manufacturer of firearms for the U.S. government. For nearly two centuries, they were synonymous with quality and innovation in the American firearms industry. From hunting rifles and shotguns to ammunition, Remington products were staples for generations of sportsmen and women. However, the 21st century brought a series of challenges. Poor management decisions, declining sales, and a series of lawsuits began to erode the company’s financial stability.
The company filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and again in 2020. These filings were largely attributed to a combination of factors, including declining demand for traditional firearms, increased competition from foreign manufacturers, and the significant financial burden of legal claims. The optics and ammo lawsuit, specifically, played a major role.
The lawsuit, stemming from allegations that Remington improperly marketed its firearms to young men, contributing to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, was devastating. While Remington argued they were not responsible for the criminal actions of the shooter, the families of the victims successfully argued that Remington’s marketing tactics were negligent. The $73 million settlement significantly impacted the company’s finances and contributed to its subsequent bankruptcy filings. The New York Times provides a detailed account of the settlement.
The recent history of Remington has directly impacted the availability of their ammunition. During the bankruptcy proceedings, production was often disrupted, leading to shortages across various calibers. While the company has been restructured and is now owned by Sierra Bullets, the effects of those disruptions are still being felt.
The scarcity of 35 Remington ammo is a particularly frustrating issue for many hunters. This caliber, popular for its effectiveness in wooded terrain, has been consistently difficult to find on store shelves. Several factors contribute to this. First, it’s a relatively low-volume cartridge compared to more mainstream options like .223 or 9mm. Second, production capacity at Remington was significantly reduced during the bankruptcy periods. Third, increased demand for ammunition overall, spurred by the pandemic and political uncertainty, exacerbated the problem. American Hunter magazine offers further insight into the 35 Remington shortage.
The Remington Accutip shortage is another example of these production challenges. The Accutip, a popular bonded core bullet known for its accuracy and terminal performance, has been intermittently unavailable. This is partly due to supply chain issues affecting the sourcing of the bonded core material, and partly due to the overall reduction in Remington’s manufacturing capacity. While Sierra Bullets is working to ramp up production, it will take time to fully restore availability.
Despite the challenges, Remington continues to offer a range of ammunition products. The current Remington ammunition catalog includes:
However, it’s important to note that availability varies significantly depending on the caliber and retailer. Checking multiple sources is crucial.
Determining exactly when did Remington go bad is complex. There wasn’t one single event, but rather a series of compounding issues. Many point to the early 2000s as the beginning of the decline. Increased competition from Sig Sauer and other manufacturers, coupled with a failure to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, started to erode Remington’s market share. The 2007 move of manufacturing from Ilion, NY to Arkansas, while intended to reduce costs, was also seen by some as a blow to the company’s heritage and quality control. The optics and ammo lawsuit, however, was the final, crippling blow.
The acquisition of Remington by Sierra Bullets in 2020 offers a glimmer of hope for the future. Sierra Bullets, a respected manufacturer of high-quality bullets, has a strong track record of operational efficiency and product innovation. They have invested in modernizing Remington’s manufacturing facilities and are working to restore production capacity.
Here’s what we can anticipate:
However, it’s unlikely that Remington will return to its former dominance overnight. The company faces significant challenges, including rebuilding consumer trust and competing in a crowded marketplace.
Given the current ammunition landscape, here are some tips for finding the rounds you need:
Here are some helpful resources for staying up-to-date on ammunition availability and Remington news:
The story of Remington is a cautionary tale about the importance of innovation, responsible marketing, and sound financial management. While the company has faced significant adversity, the acquisition by Sierra Bullets offers a path forward. As a shooter and outdoor enthusiast, I’m hopeful that Remington can regain its position as a leading American manufacturer of quality ammunition and firearms. For now, navigating the current market requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to explore all available options when searching for Remington shotgun shells and other ammunition.