Walmart Taking Info on Gun Ownership?

So I just got back from Walmart to purchase some odds and ends and stopped by the sporting goods counter to see if they had some of my ammo. While standing there a gentleman purchased some .22 ammo and the point of sale system asked if he was 18 years old and then asked if the ammo was for a handgun or rifle? After the gentleman left, I asked the clerk why they asked and she said she didn't know and that it had just started asking on some of the ammo last week. I asked what ammo it asked about and it seemed that it was asking on ammo that could be used in either handguns or rifles. It apparently even asks on 410 shotgun shells. I have taken to purchasing ammo only with cash so that I can minimize the paper trail as much as possible. Has anyone else had this experience? I live in Georgia but the stores in Georgia and Tennnessee are both asking. I look forward to hearing about your experiences.

[edit on 2-4-2009 by Cloudsinthesky]

What about .223, there are tons of AR pistols out there!

If .223 was on the list, I bought some in WA yesterday with no questions asked.

I don't remember her saying .223, but I, like most people I believe, would consider that a rifle shell. I imagine that whoever might be using this info would be thinking that those buying .223 are using it for their "assault rifle", especially those people buying in bulk. I imagine that whoever is collecting this information would be expecting the worst for whatever shell you are buying. You might be purchasing 9mm for your Glock but they probably think you are stocking up for your fully automatic Tec-9.

Easy people, don't get in a panic. The only reason they ask is because you have to be 21 to buy handgun ammunition, 18 to buy rifle or shotgun ammunition. There is no conspiracy here. They are just protecting themselves from lawsuits due to them selling ammunition to a minor that will be used in a handgun.

Originally posted by LastPatriot
I have taken to purchasing ammo only with cash so that I can minimize the paper trail as much as possible.

It's no secret that most retailers harvest buying trends through receipts, but like you I will not buy ammunition with anything but cash. I didn't get the questions you experienced recently at WM but it just might be time to buy a couple of boxes to see if the policy has changed here as well.

I should make a run to town in the next few days and report back here to let you know how it went here

I was just at Walmart buying .22 and 7mm and they didn't ask me, but I did need to get the long rifle .22 for my Remington. Guess they didn't need to ask. They did not take my info, or question me.

Although, the shelves were quite sparse. I purchased 1 of 2 boxes of 7mm left in the case.

A_L

I would be willing to bet you look over 21 as well. They tend to be more strickt with those they can't tell.

Bought a couple boxes of .357 Mag hollowpoints a couple weeks back at our local Bass Pro Shops, and no questions asked.

Both myself at the gentleman that purchased the ammo were unquestionably over the age of 21. This gentleman looked to be late 40's early 50's. I am 27 and haven't been carded for cigs or alcohol in about 3 years. I don't tend to buy either regularly so I don't think the clerks recognize me. I'm not looking to start a conspiracy theory just thought it odd that they would start asking out of the blue, and only on certain calibers.

i don't have to do a background check to purchase a shot gun right?

Wrong, you must have a NICS check ran to buy a shotgun. Muzzle loaders are the only firearm that doesn't require it.

The clerk that asked was just doing his job. Maybe he is new and just wanted to follow the book. Another scenario is maybe the store got popped for selling handgun ammunition to a minor and has clamped down on the policy. The reason they only ask on certain calibers is due to their POPULAR crossover between handgun and rifle use. Key word is popular, of course there are exceptions to the rule.

The register at Wal-Mart tells the clerk to ask you "Rifle or Handgun" for ID(age limit) purposes. The clerk cannot do anything else until the message is answered. Watch the external price screen on the register (which show you the price) next time ; this process is visible plain as day.

On another note, I have a 9mm carbine rifle, but when I buy 9mm at Wal-mart it does not give the clerk the rifle option. I havent seen 9mm there since September though.