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This may be part of the reason Walter, but other forces are at play here as well. I have noticed a trend of Buds prices being tied to inventory levels. As the stock levels get low, prices go up and vice versa. I have seen high stock upper models priced ridiculously close to low stock base models. And I'm talking hundreds of dollars in some cases.

Panic buy is a large part of the price increase panic causes more people to buy. Then the inventory level start to fall which increases prices which increases the panic. It is a cycle after every mass shooting.

Walter, I have seen all the AR prices go up $200-$300 in the last couple of days. Check the website everyday to see when a new order arrives and that is when you'll get the best price. I had an AR in my cart and went back to finalize order and price went up $50. That same AR is $200+ more today 2 weeks later. Check everyday day and you will find a great value/deal. Prices are tied to inventory and new models coming in. You can find great deals on the Adams Arms AR's on BUDS that Adams does not sell any more because of their new P series coming out.

While the answer about inventory is partially correct, it is the old supply and demand forces at work. In essence if a particular product becomes popular and demand for it goes up, the supply (read inventory will drop). Consequently, it will take a while for manufacturers to catch up with increased orders from retailers. At this point, two very capitalistic things happen. The manufacturer generally will increase wholesale prices to the retailer or temporarily limit quantities that can be purchased (there's a lot more underlying things going on but outside the scope of this answer). The retailer, sensing a strong demand, and declining inventory on a popular item with prospects of quick replenishment not happening soon enough, will raise prices to offset the lack of product to sell and otherwise result in less profit. Another factor to keep in mind, that by the time a manufacturer can catch up with the surge in demand, that demand may wane and the manufacturer and possibly the retailer i