Ya, prices are crazy on the online auctions. Walmart mostly sold out of ammo. Was there last night and 8 boxes of 223 were being stocked and with in 10 minutes a guy bought them all. I am on backorder at cabelas for some m&p magazines at their original price and if you go online you can be too...
I never load any of mine except for my home gun and my carry. The rest stored unloaded. Guess the stored guns really dont matter but just feel safer with that even know the stored ones are locked in the safe.
Like most folks you are going to have to put your name on the list at you lgs. I have the 9mm shield and it's worth the wait! I was lucky enough to go get one right when they came out and not wait for reviews! Great choice on my part.