Buying Ammo at Walmart

[Liberty]

I received a new rifle this year and I have been in the process trying to stock up on food for it. For the last few years I have buying my ammo at Acadamy .. The prices are pretty reasonable. and its easy to go in and get out. And has a larger variety of Ammo than some of the bigger stores such as Cabellas and Bass Pro. I found in the past that Walmart was usually just a little bit cheaper though.

I stopped going to Walmart because, whenever I went there there was usually no one to unlock the case at least at the Galveston store that is near by me. Last week I tried the store in La Marque I waited 10 minutes and no one showed up at the sporting goods counter. no one showed up. I walked away and saw some one standing around so asked if they could help me. She asked for someone to come to the sporting goods ..I waited another 5 minutes and no one showed up.

Yesterday I went to the Kemah store. I was surprised to see someone at the sporting goods desk. I asked to get some ammo behind the glass. She said she didn't have the key. She called for someone over the intercom. I waited 10 minutes and some one finally came unfortunately she didn't have the keys. Some one else has the keys. I waited around for a few more minutes and left empty handed.
.
Does Walmart actually sell ammo anymore? Is there a secret to getting service there? Is this just a local issue to this area?

[carlson1]

I thought it was just me, but your story is the same as mine. This happens at every Wal Mart I go to.

I have picked up the phone on the counter and called their operator and that usually gets me a manager.

[16Adams]

Often the same scenerio in Amarillo. However Hereford Walmart store always seems to have a key available. 99% of my ammo purchases are at Academy. Academy near me is always well staffed with knowledgeable personnel, the store is neat clean and well organized.

[Liberty]

I thought it was just me, but your story is the same as mine. This happens at every Wal Mart I go to.

I have picked up the phone on the counter and called their operator and that usually gets me a manager.

Why are they locking up the ammo anyway? Its expensive .. but not that expensive Academy doesn't any more.

[twomillenium]

Academy doesn't lock it up because the pistol ammo is behind a manned counter, it is locked when no one is at gun counter. (which is unusual) I buy a lot of ammo at Walmart and rarely is my wait over a very few minutes. I was once told the employee with key was in an employee meeting and it would be 15-20 minutes and it was. I usually look to see if they have what I want and then ask first employee I see and they put the call in and the wait is minimal. Guess I am just lucky.

[carlson1]

Academy doesn't lock it up because the pistol ammo is behind a manned counter, it is locked when no one is at gun counter. (which is unusual) I buy a lot of ammo at Walmart and rarely is my wait over a very few minutes. I was once told the employee with key was in an employee meeting and it would be 15-20 minutes and it was. I usually look to see if they have what I want and then ask first employee I see and they put the call in and the wait is minimal. Guess I am just lucky.

The Academy in North Richland Hills does not have their handgun ammo behind the counter or not at least the ammo I have bought. They even have specials and they will fill the end caps with handgun ammo.

[TexasSully]

Academy doesn't lock it up because the pistol ammo is behind a manned counter, it is locked when no one is at gun counter. (which is unusual) I buy a lot of ammo at Walmart and rarely is my wait over a very few minutes. I was once told the employee with key was in an employee meeting and it would be 15-20 minutes and it was. I usually look to see if they have what I want and then ask first employee I see and they put the call in and the wait is minimal. Guess I am just lucky.

The Academy in North Richland Hills does not have their handgun ammo behind the counter or not at least the ammo I have bought. They even have specials and they will fill the end caps with handgun ammo.

None of the Academy stores I have been to in Austin, San Antonio or points further south have handgun ammo locked up.

[16Adams]

Amarillo Academy ammo is wide open on its own aisle. Academy Amarillo keep 22 caliber behind the counter as there is a store policy daily purchase limit.

[Jusme]

Amarillo Academy ammo is wide open on its own aisle. Academy Amarillo keep 22 caliber behind the counter as there is a store policy daily purchase limit.

The only ammo behind the counter at Burleson Academy, is 22lr. But they had it out on the end cap the last time I was there no limits on quantity.

[twomillenium]

I cannot account for all Academies or all Walmarts, Just those in my area or that I have been too. I have seen some rifle and larger caliber pistol ammo out at Academy during sales but when stock quantity allows it is usually behind the counter. I will admit that I have not bought ammo at Academy in over 6 months due to pricing and availability at Walmart.

[RPBrown]

This is just one of many reasons I have not been to Walmart since I did my Wally walk a looooonnnng time ago

[TxRVer]

After shopping in stores without any luck, I found out that Academy only carries Hornady 168 gr 308 Win. online. I placed my order and received it in 2 days. With no shipping charges the price was great and with the shipping time, this may be the way to go for all ammo in the future.

[AJSully421]

Complain to a manager. Better yet, email corporate with the stores mentioned. Might do the trick.

[RoyGBiv]

www.sgammo.com

Usually cheaper than WalMart, even after including delivery cost.
Don't have to leave the house.
Problem solved.

[warnmar10]

There are 3 Walmart's's I consider local. In all three if nobody is manning the ammo isle I walk to the Automotive service desk and ask them for ammo access. It is a bit of a pain but it is their system.

Ammo at my 2 local Academy stores is on the shelf for all calibers.. not sure about .22 though.

With few exceptions I can find ammo online for less than either Walmart or Academy even when freight is factored. This has been a pretty good resource: https://www.wikiarms.com/