The coronavirus panic started us down this path in March. The fear of this new and unknown virus was hyped to such extremes that people feared more of a “zombie apocalypse” scenario in its aftermath rather than the virus itself. And the great 2020 gun and ammo buying event was underway.
ARs are still available. You just need to dig a little deeper into the checkbook to buy a good one:
Here in the little town of Mark we have a small company that makes rifles and parts. Contact information is as follows:
MMC ARMORY
10549 Mennies Lane
Mark, IL 61340
Take a look at the Ruger Mini’s, mini 14 and mini 30.
My local has about 10 ARs even had 6 stripped lowers.
Yeah I have an Palmetto AR
Here in Southern Nevada, it’s much the same as other places. However, there are a few ARs around but the prices surely meet the demand, high. I have handguns and a long gun but wanted another. I was able to find a Diamondback AR15 NATO for just over $575 brand new as was a friend of mine. Granted, it’s not the top of the line but I added a few things, and it’s as good as any for now. Honestly, it’s pretty awesome. Ammo is a chore most days. I find locally here Thursday mornings are the best. The problem, like arms, the ammo here is .60-0.78 cents a round. $600 gets you a 1000 rounds. CRAZY. Next? a simple shotgun.
Welcome to the community,train hard and stay safe. from Michigan 
Thank you! You as well.
I still see ARs around, and technically a few AKs, but who’s counting those? IF you have the money to spend you can purchase high end ARs, AKs, and oddities like Bullpups from smaller custom shops, directly on their website. The lead time is months however. Point is you can still get what you want, just have to look harder, and maybe pay a bit more then usual.
Ammo is the problem at the moment. It don’t exist 
and what does goes for triple the price.
I think the best home defense weapon is a MP5 or something similar.
Finding your AR or AK is only part of the problem. You are also going to have to find ammo.
I would consider a 12 ga shotgun. I suspect it would also be a lot easier finding shells for it than rounds for the rifles.
If you are on a budgey check out the Stoeger home defense shotgun. It is not top of the line but it will get the jib done. Stoeger has a good name for making qualitty budget friendly firearms.
Seems like there is still plenty of shotgun shells around. Or at least around here it does.
There are other guns besides ARs that could be used for HD rather successfully with a little training. I have a Rossi ‘92 lever action in .38/.357 that would rain hell on bad people and they can be had used in the $400 range. As a bonus they are usually legal in places where ARs are banned.
A good lever action rifle, aside from being a good hunting rifle is a good home defense rifle. A lever in .22 LR holds a significant number of rds… and a good .357 Mag allows for one type of ammo if you carry a .357 Mag 2 in or 4 in.
A .30 M1 Carbine… is an excellent firearm, but can be rather expensive.
Shotguns have always been good home defense weapons… and remain good defensive weapons…
Yes, an AR or an AK with a 30 rd magazine is good… but, if you can not find one or the ammo… a good 12 ga. or 20 ga. or even a .410 will work
If you want a pistol caliber carbine, try to match it with your choice of handgun. A Hi-Point 10 mm would be good, but 10 mm is expensive and if you purchased 1,000 rds of 9mm for your handgun, and only have 100 rds of 10mm, well.
Some of the carbines come in .45 LC, and some in 9mm… and even .45 ACP
With ammo scarce, it is a good idea to not waste any… and if you have lead, and a good flintlock, that works also.
MP5SD would be great… saves the ear drums.
My dream gun, H&K MP5 in .45 ACP. One can always dream. 
Mossberg Youth Models in 410 or 20 gauge with defense ammo.
