aka108
Member
Times have changed. When I was 11 or 12 I could buy 22 ammo anywhere if I had 52 cents for a box or 4.89 for a brick (which I seldom had). Being asked if the 22 is for a rifle or handgun defies logic.
Sometimes you just want two bricks of .22LR
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The Deer Hunter
Member
Man, people want to ban guns because they are scary lookin, nothing defies logic anymore.
IA_farmboy
Member
I was at Gander Mountain looking around the ammo shelves and noticed there wasn't any .22LR ammo in sight. I asked if they were out of stock. The gentleman informed me that any ammunition that will fit into a handgun must be placed behind the counter. He didn't say I'd have to show proof of age to buy any. Not having a rifle yet I didn't intend on buying any that day.
I also remember when in college that a friend was ranting that he couldn't get any ammunition for his rifle. Being under 18 no one would sell him any ammunition for his rifle since it could also be used in a handgun. While I don't agree with the policy of 21+ to buy handgun ammo I at least see that they were acting logically. Asking about the use of the purchase is relying on the purchaser being truthful.
The policy of asking whether a type of ammunition will be used in a handgun or rifle is absurd. I can imagine this taken to a higher level of absurdity...
"Sir, will you be using this ammunition in the commission of a felony?"
"Yes, I plan on killing a family of four next week."
"I'm sorry, sir, it is against company policy to sell ammunition to potential felons."
"Oh, in that case can you direct me to cutlery?"
"Of course. Take the escalator to the second floor and turn left."
"Thank you."
:banghead:
I also remember when in college that a friend was ranting that he couldn't get any ammunition for his rifle. Being under 18 no one would sell him any ammunition for his rifle since it could also be used in a handgun. While I don't agree with the policy of 21+ to buy handgun ammo I at least see that they were acting logically. Asking about the use of the purchase is relying on the purchaser being truthful.
The policy of asking whether a type of ammunition will be used in a handgun or rifle is absurd. I can imagine this taken to a higher level of absurdity...
"Sir, will you be using this ammunition in the commission of a felony?"
"Yes, I plan on killing a family of four next week."
"I'm sorry, sir, it is against company policy to sell ammunition to potential felons."
"Oh, in that case can you direct me to cutlery?"
"Of course. Take the escalator to the second floor and turn left."
"Thank you."
:banghead:
Blackbeard
Member
I went back to Wal-Mart to test this again today.
Clerk: Is it for a handgun?
Me: Yeah.
Clerk hits a key on the register.
Me: Is that something you have to enter?
Clerk: It asks us.
So, apparently their inventory control system is programmed to ask, and they probably collect the data down in Bentonville.
Clerk: Is it for a handgun?
Me: Yeah.
Clerk hits a key on the register.
Me: Is that something you have to enter?
Clerk: It asks us.
So, apparently their inventory control system is programmed to ask, and they probably collect the data down in Bentonville.
M1 Shooter
Member
Thank you all for reminding me why I don't buy ammo at Wal-Mart.
I did once, and they did ask me for ID(I was probably 25 or 26 at the time), and they asked if it was for a rifle or a pistol when I bought some .22LR ammo. I remember being taken aback by this, since nobody had ever asked for my ID or asked me what it was for when I bought ammo before. I answered "None of your business, why does it matter, I'm over 21!" Then they said they couldn't sell it to me if I didn't give them an answer, so I said, "Well, if you must know, the ammo is called .22 LONG RIFLE!!!!, does that answer your question?" The clerk shut up and sold it to me. That was the first and last time I ever bought ammo there. Now I only buy ammo from a select few gun shops, or from online vendors. I have to provide ID to the online vendors, but I only have to send them a copy once, and then I can order all the ammo I want from them. The gunshops and the online vendors have never once asked me if it was for a rifle or a pistol, I don't know why Wal-Mart does, especially when the purchaser is over 21 and it doesn't matter anyway.
I did once, and they did ask me for ID(I was probably 25 or 26 at the time), and they asked if it was for a rifle or a pistol when I bought some .22LR ammo. I remember being taken aback by this, since nobody had ever asked for my ID or asked me what it was for when I bought ammo before. I answered "None of your business, why does it matter, I'm over 21!" Then they said they couldn't sell it to me if I didn't give them an answer, so I said, "Well, if you must know, the ammo is called .22 LONG RIFLE!!!!, does that answer your question?" The clerk shut up and sold it to me. That was the first and last time I ever bought ammo there. Now I only buy ammo from a select few gun shops, or from online vendors. I have to provide ID to the online vendors, but I only have to send them a copy once, and then I can order all the ammo I want from them. The gunshops and the online vendors have never once asked me if it was for a rifle or a pistol, I don't know why Wal-Mart does, especially when the purchaser is over 21 and it doesn't matter anyway.
TimboKhan
Member
I hear all these stories about wal-mart asking where the .22 goes, and yet I have never been asked that question. Not that I want them too, but I just find it odd that apparently our two walmarts just don't care. Of course, maybe thats because I don't like poor service and so everytime I go to check out I stare at the clerks like I am one step away from snapping their necks, but still...
Here is my walmart story. I went to buy groceries the other night, and the clerk in my line was super slow. Right before I got there, this little Thai chicky took over, which made me happy because she has worked there a long time and is pretty fast. Plus, she is also cute. Anyway, right when I got up there, doofus came back from peeing, and she was going to turn it back over to him. I bluntly said "Hey, can you stay long enough to ring me out? This guy is way to slow.". Doofus got a little upset and walked away, at which point the cute Thai girl told me that everyone in the store calls him "Turtle". Then we shared a giggle and I left.
The moral of the story is that I am a little bit of an a-hole with slow clerks and there is a cute Thai girl that works at my walmart named Brenda.
Here is my walmart story. I went to buy groceries the other night, and the clerk in my line was super slow. Right before I got there, this little Thai chicky took over, which made me happy because she has worked there a long time and is pretty fast. Plus, she is also cute. Anyway, right when I got up there, doofus came back from peeing, and she was going to turn it back over to him. I bluntly said "Hey, can you stay long enough to ring me out? This guy is way to slow.". Doofus got a little upset and walked away, at which point the cute Thai girl told me that everyone in the store calls him "Turtle". Then we shared a giggle and I left.
The moral of the story is that I am a little bit of an a-hole with slow clerks and there is a cute Thai girl that works at my walmart named Brenda.
My issue was NOT with wal-mart. It is with being asked ID.
A similar thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=289128
When someone asks you for ID, they are basically saying I have the power to halt this sale. What happens when you show your ID for your ammo and the guy says, "Gee mister, I don't know, something about this is ID is fishy. I can't sell you any ammo". Bam. Now you can't get ammo.
A similar thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=289128
When someone asks you for ID, they are basically saying I have the power to halt this sale. What happens when you show your ID for your ammo and the guy says, "Gee mister, I don't know, something about this is ID is fishy. I can't sell you any ammo". Bam. Now you can't get ammo.
entropy
Member
For the nth time, yes the registers at Wally World are programmed to ask if the ammo is for a rifle or pistol if it is of certain calibers. (Ironically,.45-70 isn't one of them, yet pistols are made in that caliber. 
) The (using Blackbeard's very 'high road' term) "register monkey" must then acertain that the buyer is over 18 if rifle, 21 if pistol ammo.
I really get sick of all the Wal-Mart bashing on here, it's supposed to be The High Road.
I do that- but then, I work there.
) The (using Blackbeard's very 'high road' term) "register monkey" must then acertain that the buyer is over 18 if rifle, 21 if pistol ammo. I really get sick of all the Wal-Mart bashing on here, it's supposed to be The High Road.
I do that- but then, I work there.
Sniper4Life
Member
I am glad to live where I do, I am not 18 yet, and I can buy all the ammo I want, any kind, and any time (provided the store is open). Small town, maybe 130 people tops, everybody knows everybody, only the outsiders get carded
pdowg881
Member
What if your shooting a carbine or lever gun or any of the various rifles that shoot handgun ammo? Wouldn't that just defeat the purpose of the question?
And do gunstores ask the same qustion? Because if I get my ccp which I'm planning to, does that mean even though I have a ccp, I'm only 19 so I can't buy ammunition for it?
And do gunstores ask the same qustion? Because if I get my ccp which I'm planning to, does that mean even though I have a ccp, I'm only 19 so I can't buy ammunition for it?
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I look obviously over 21. When buying ammo at Wal-Marts here I never get carded. I can see the age requirement and rifle/handgun displays come up on the register, but they just push some buttons to skip right over that. But when buying alcohol they insist on and swipe my driver's license (only for the DOB).
When buying ammo at Wal-Marts here I never get carded. I can see the age requirement and rifle/handgun displays come up on the register, but they just push some buttons to skip right over that. But when buying alcohol they insist on and swipe my driver's license (only for the DOB). Spinner
Member
Guys, get upset all you like, but it seems to me pretty clear that if you go to many of the Walmart stores to buy ammo that could be chambered in either a pistol or a rifle you will be asked which firearm the ammunition is intended for. That's the deal .... you buy from Walmart, they will ask you. You may think its an inane question, and it may well be, but the store clerk is required to ask .... its a part of their job. If you really don't like being asked, then don't shop at Walmart. Whining about it online isn't going to change the situation.
As an important aside, I'm not overly impressed by some of the less than high road comments, in particular, use of the term "register monkey" and "Thai chicky". Would you use these terms to the respective people's faces? I really don't think it fosters accepatance of all people when you describe a "register monkey" as a "cute Thai chicky" and it really isn't very respectful of people who are just doing their jobs or women in general.
Spinner
As an important aside, I'm not overly impressed by some of the less than high road comments, in particular, use of the term "register monkey" and "Thai chicky". Would you use these terms to the respective people's faces? I really don't think it fosters accepatance of all people when you describe a "register monkey" as a "cute Thai chicky" and it really isn't very respectful of people who are just doing their jobs or women in general.
Spinner
Average Joe
Member
The last time I bought .22 ammo, the young girl behind the counter asked me if I was 21 ( I am 55) I told her " No " she looked up at me , and we both had a good laugh.....Lighten up folks, its only a queston...
SaMx
Member
the reason walmart does it is because they assume the person at the register is too dumb to figure out if you are over 21 or 18. It's illegal to sell pistol ammo to anyone under 21, and illegal to sell any ammo to anyone under 18. Wallmart is just afraid that some dumb "register monkey" will break that law and they will get in trouble.
IA_farmboy
Member
What I don't get is that they ask if the ammunition is for a rifle or handgun but given the fact that the ammunition can fit in a handgun and a rifle then the ammunition is both rifle and pistol ammunition. I thought the rules were that handgun ammunition was not to be sold to someone under 21. If so they are essentially asking the purchaser to promise that they won't put the ammunition into a handgun.
Once that ammunition leaves the doors of the store there is nothing, except their word, from keeping them from loading that ammunition into a handgun. I think that any store that uses the word of the purchaser on where that ammunition will end up should be charged with selling handgun ammunition to a minor. That store just broke the law.
I'm going to come up with a few possible responses should I get asked the question, "Will this ammunition be used in a rifle or handgun?"
"Both." That should blow their mind since I doubt that is one of the options on their register screen.
"It's for my howitzer."
"Yes."
"What's the difference? They both go 'bang' don't they."
"I was thinking of throwing them in the campfire and watch them cook off, so neither."
"I'm not sure. I'm buying it for my brother that just got out of prison, hold on and I'll get him on my cell phone.
The best one is probably something like, "None of your business."
Once that ammunition leaves the doors of the store there is nothing, except their word, from keeping them from loading that ammunition into a handgun. I think that any store that uses the word of the purchaser on where that ammunition will end up should be charged with selling handgun ammunition to a minor. That store just broke the law.
I'm going to come up with a few possible responses should I get asked the question, "Will this ammunition be used in a rifle or handgun?"
"Both." That should blow their mind since I doubt that is one of the options on their register screen.
"It's for my howitzer."
"Yes."
"What's the difference? They both go 'bang' don't they."
"I was thinking of throwing them in the campfire and watch them cook off, so neither."
"I'm not sure. I'm buying it for my brother that just got out of prison, hold on and I'll get him on my cell phone.
The best one is probably something like, "None of your business."
MrTwigg
Member
I want one !
Sorry, couldn't resist.
I know, I know, its really a pump...
FieroCDSP
Member
On any pistol ammo besides 22LR, they are supposed to assume it's being used in a pistol, and not sell to under 21. 22LR is supposed to be the only exception, but I'm not sure that ruling has carbines in mind, as the older carbines were either SMG (Thompson) or a smaller rifle caliber (M1Carbine.)
With the advent of 9mm and 40cal carbines, It would be a valid question to ask on those calibers also. I think it's a dumb rule, but 22 is used to hunt, and 18 is legal rifle age everywhere. You can't tell a legal hunter he can't get the ammo. :banghead:
Anyway, have fun mesing with the counter-jockeys. I like the box-writing story. just try to be nice. They need to make a living too.
pdowg881
Member
So basiaclly if your buying handgun ammo to put through a longun they are relying on your word that none of it finds it's way to a pistol? Isn't than an unenforcable law?
Feanaro
Member
You are starting to catch on, pdowg. Firearm laws aren't passed because they make sense.
pdowg881
Member
So theoretically could I just say the .357 is for my levergun and it would be sold to me? Or can I not buy any pistol/rifle ammo regardless if I am shooting through a rifle?
evan price
Member
The last time I was at the rifle side of my range the RO yells out, "Who's been shooting pistol on my rifle range?"
Nobody raised their hand.
"C'mon, now, who has been shooting nine-mill in the rifle bays?"
I raised my hand.
"No pistols in the rifle bays," he shouted, pointing at me, "Or next time it's YOUR **S out the door!"
I didn't say antything, but held up my Kel-Tec Sub-Rifle 2000. In 9mm.
The RO did a double take, came over, and said "Wow, that's pretty neat."
I let him blast off a half a mag and that ended the 9-mm in the rifle bays issue.
Last time Wal*mart asked me was Friday. I said, "Both." The clerk looked at me, typed in whatever, and the sale went on.
Nobody raised their hand.
"C'mon, now, who has been shooting nine-mill in the rifle bays?"
I raised my hand.
"No pistols in the rifle bays," he shouted, pointing at me, "Or next time it's YOUR **S out the door!"
I didn't say antything, but held up my Kel-Tec Sub-Rifle 2000. In 9mm.
The RO did a double take, came over, and said "Wow, that's pretty neat."
I let him blast off a half a mag and that ended the 9-mm in the rifle bays issue.
Last time Wal*mart asked me was Friday. I said, "Both." The clerk looked at me, typed in whatever, and the sale went on.
General Geoff
Member
my response to that question is always, "Machine gun."
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