A company called American Rounds has introduced computerized vending machines that sell ammunition in grocery stores in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. These machines were installed to allow customers to purchase bullets along with their everyday groceries. American Rounds stated that their vending machines utilize identification scanners and facial recognition software to confirm the buyer’s age and are designed to be as convenient as using a tablet.
While the company argues that their age-verification technology makes transactions as secure as, or even more secure than, online sales or in-store purchases, some advocates are concerned that making bullets available through vending machines could potentially lead to an increase in gun-related incidents in the United States.
CEO Grant Magers emphasized that they are strong supporters of the Second Amendment and advocate for responsible gun ownership. He mentioned that the company has received positive feedback from communities interested in having a more convenient way to purchase ammunition, particularly in rural areas where retailers may be scarce.
The vending machines require customers to scan their driver’s license to confirm they are at least 21 years old, and then undergo a facial recognition scan to verify their identity before completing the purchase. The entire process typically takes about a minute and a half once customers are familiar with the machine.
A March report from Everytown for Gun Safety pointed out that several online retailers selling ammunition did not appear to verify the age of their customers properly, despite legal requirements. This concern about age verification particularly resonates following a lawsuit settlement where families of victims from a 2018 Texas school shooting alleged that the shooter, who was 17 at the time, bought ammunition from an online retailer without proper age verification.
Vending machines for selling age-restricted items are not a new concept. Similar technology has been developed for selling alcohol, and automated kiosks for cannabis products are marketed in states where marijuana is legal. Another example includes a Pennsylvania police officer who established a company 12 years ago that installs bullet-vending machines in gun clubs and ranges for patrons’ convenience.
Despite the convenience these vending machines offer, American Rounds revealed that one machine had to be removed from a location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, due to underwhelming sales. The company noted that early interest in the machines mainly stemmed from rural communities lacking easy access to ammunition retailers. These vending machines are currently available in grocery stores in small cities such as Pell City, Alabama, and Noble, Oklahoma.
