I've noticed 22 ammo showing up all over the Northwest the last couple of weeks. One store had 30+ boxes of 500 on the shelf and told me buy as many as I want because they had a lot more on the way. I think the Govt. Contract is filled and the shortage is over.
A friend asked an independent seller of ammo and guns why he always seemed to have .22RF among other hard to get items. He responded that he payed his bills. Eg: he phones the supplier and asked for 40,000 of this or that and gives the credit card number and it is shipped to him. Some of the big outfits, chains etc hold the supplier out to 90 or even 120 days for payment. So as a supplier who are you going to sell to first?
There's a shop in my area that does well to get stuff in: guns, ammo, components. There are even some good deals to be found. Mostly because I know him and ask. He is a talker. I'm guessing that he doesn't just place orders with companies and then sits around waiting. I believe he talks to people, including distributors, all the time, and makes sure he will get a bit of whatever is coming through. When all is said and done, the whole economy runs because of millions of people making decisions all day long. People who understand the meaning and worth of personal relationships get treated accordingly.
Yearned for a M64 over many years, but most at gunshows were overpriced for their condition. Got (really) lucky several years ago and glommed onto one (30-30) locally in a newspaper ad, for a mere $600.
Mint condition, unmolested except for a sling swivel in the butt. Also has the magazine cap swivel and the ol' boy even gave me the original mag cap.
A member here favored me with a period correct Lyman for a good price (actually came off'n another M64). Now my favorite lever rifle.
If three or more people think you're a dimwit, chances are at least one of them is right.