WalMart question when buying ammo

[pfgrone]

Location: Georgetown (if that makes any difference)
When I buy ammo at WalMart, the cashiers for several weeks have asked if the ammo is for a handgun. The question even appears on the self-checkout scanners after a supv. oks the transaction. When I ask why the question, the answer is always "I dunno." I just answer, "yes, its for a handgun" and finish the transaction.

Anybody know why the question? Does this happen anywhere other than Georgetown?

[carlson1]

That has happened to me. I am not for sure. I read on another thread that some Wal Marts will scan your drivers license. That has never happened to me. It will interesting to see if anyone knows.

[sskimber]

the reason behind the question I was told once, relates to the age limit for buying ammo.

[MoJo]

There are some long guns that are chambered for some handgun calibers if you are buying it for a rifle then you can buy it at 18 instead of 21.

It happens at the WM stores in my area too. I usually tell them it's for a rifle since I am only 18+43

[seamusTX]

This is correct. You must be 21 or older to buy handgun ammo. Academy got it programmed correctly into their computers a few months ago. Before that, they thought you had to be 18 or older to buy any type of ammo.

- Jim

[carlson1]

It happens at the WM stores in my area too. I usually tell them it's for a rifle since I am only 18+43

And you can still shoot I guess an indoor range at the rest home.

[Commander]

The Registers at the Rockwall WalMart ask if the buyer is 21; yes/no

[T3hK1w1]

Last time I tried to buy ammo at a wal-mart (357mag for a friend's levergun) they would not let me because I am under 21.

wal-mart guy--"is for handgun"
Me--"It's for a rifle that shoots this round"
Wal-mart guy--"no is for handgun you no buy"

[Drifter]

You actually got a clerk at the ammo counter?

I ALWAYS have to hunt an employee down, get them to page someone for sporting goods, wait for someone to appear (sometimes happens) then, IF anyone does appear, they have to search for the keys to the cabinets.

Last trip there I got tired of waiting and just walked away. I'll go back when I'm in a better mood.

Never got carded though -- I probably don't look a day over 60.

[KD5NRH]

Anybody know why the question?

Is this for a handgun?

Well, the case of 12ga and the box of .243 are, but the rest I'm just going to clamp in a vise and smack with a hammer so I can sell the brass for scrap.

[frizzen]

At least they ask now. A few years ago when my son was 12 I sent him through the line with $5 and a box of 20 guage shells. They sold him the ammo. I called the manager to minutes later and told her what happened.

[Flatland2D]

I'm 23 and always get asked for ID at Wal-Mart. The question is for the age restriction on handgun ammo. My Wal-Mart even has a sign quoting the law on it. Last time I was there (a few days ago) I stood there for 25 minutes while the employee helped two out of state ladies get their fishing licenses. I think the guy could have handled the situation better since my transaction took all of 30 seconds. An evil thought popped in my mind to use my CHL for age verification this time, but I regained control of myself and presented the old DL. After all this time waiting, and buying ammo from him many times before, I was just a *little* frustrated.

[KBCraig]

I'm 44, and don't look a day under 43. I like to mess with people by pointing out the ridiculous. Maybe I'll help them think, which usually cheers up people who are in a mindless drone job (for example, being a checkout clerk anywhere, not just Wal Mart).

And so when I venture over to the Arkansas side (the "wet" side) of State Line Avenue, I make note of the date, and subtract 21 years. Most stores' registers automatically prompt the clerk to ask for date of birth; I immediately respond with Month/Day/Year-minus-21.

Sometimes I'll get a double-take. "What? Don't I look like I'm at least 21?"

I usually get a laugh, and the bigger point is made without having to state it aloud.

Kevin

[HankB]

At least they ask now. A few years ago when my son was 12 I sent him through the line with $5 and a box of 20 guage shells. They sold him the ammo. I called the manager to minutes later and told her what happened.

Why would you do something like that? First, by sending the kid through, and then, afterwards, by complaining to the manager? What were you trying to accomplish - getting the store to tighten up ammo sales? Getting the cashier in trouble? Maybe convincing them to stop selling ammo altogether?

[stevie_d_64]

There are some long guns that are chambered for some handgun calibers if you are buying it for a rifle then you can buy it at 18 instead of 21.

It happens at the WM stores in my area too. I usually tell them it's for a rifle since I am only 18+43

I don't have my calculator! I need assistance...