Ammo is in case of violent civil unrest. As a European here is the complete list of European countries that did not have a civil war and were not invaded in Europe 1900-2000. Sweden, Switzerland, Lichtenstein.

Considering the first - and second world wars during this time period I'm not sure if that statement is really relevant for the issue.

European civil wars, 1900-2000

Russia, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Yugoslavia three times, Spain, Poland, Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania

A lot of Americans have fantasies about killing their fellow citizen in some sort of "zombie", "collapse", or "boogaloo" scenario.

A good look into what this looks like would be the Algiers Point shooting in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath.

The argument is essentially that if there comes a time of great shortage, whatever you've stashed for your own survival can be taken from you on a whim if you haven't the resources to defend that stash from those who would seek to take it from you for themselves.

Suppose someone else wants your stockpile of food and masks? Or that riots happen. Or that emergency services are overwhelmed and crime is a problem.

Ammunition is relatively cheap and extremely high value if it's needed, and more likely to be needed in an emergency.

Perhaps because those people who "want your stockpile" might have guns too.

As a european just look inwards at our neighbor - Switzerland.

Switzerland has fairly strict gun possession laws, people have a military issue rifle at home, but do not possess ammunition. They also aren't allowed to carry/transport it except very specific situations (eg going from/to shooting range for training).

So yes not comparable.

During Hurricane Sandy in the New York area, I was flooded in Jersey City and there was no power — there were roving gangs stealing throughout the neighborhoods. The police response was impossible. So yes, in the event of a serious catastrophe, you aren’t going to be able to depend on police to protect you.

During Katrina, there was widespread looting but also violent gang rapes and other assaults. People, especially in inner cities, are easily victims of violence and theft.

If you’re talking about the convention center, that was blown way out of proportion