Wally World questioned me today

[Fleshwound]

I went to Wally World today for some .22's When checking out, the guy not only asked me for my LTC or FID, but also asked if I were buying this ammo for a Handgun or a Rifle? This was a required answer. I just told him either or.

WTF is up with that? He said it was something that pops up on his computer now and needs to be answered prior to the sale completion. Thats not a good sign.

Strange..

[MrTwigg]

Corporate policy. Nothing new. They do it for every box of ammo you buy.

[ScottS]

I went to Wally World today for some .22's When checking out, the guy not only asked me for my LTC or FID, but also asked if I were buying this ammo for a Handgun or a Rifle? This was a required answer. I just told him either or.

WTF is up with that? He said it was something that pops up on his computer now and needs to be answered prior to the sale completion. Thats not a good sign.

Strange..It's always been that way, i.e. that "Is this for a handgun?" question. Federal law says you must be 21 to buy ammo for a pistol, but only 18 to buy ammo for a rifle. WallyWorld has always had that question as part of their check-out. Similarly, if you try to buy booze, cigarettes, some spray paints, etc, the register "squeals" and the appropriate age question comes up.

The LTC/FID thing is also, I believe, common, but I have no real-world experience there.

[PeteH]

Corporate policy. Nothing new. They do it for every box of ammo you buy.

I have never been asked that when buying ammo at WM

[doobie]

"I just buy them for the lead and powder."

Handgun ammo can't be sold to <21 yo's, IIRC.

[1903Collector]

I've been asked both at the Swansea Wally world and it's usually someone who doesn't even work in the sporting goods dept. they have no idea what the hell they are looking at. I could give them my stent implant card and they probably would sell me the ammo.

[Skald]

We get it here too, the normal guys just ignore it. He actually told his new trainee 'don't bother asking, just put handgun, its easier"

[ScottS]

I've been asked both at the Swansea Wally world and it's usually someone who doesn't even work in the sporting goods dept. they have no idea what the hell they are looking at. I could give them my stent implant card and they probably would sell me the ammo.Now that's funny.

[TomH]

The dumb thing is that there is no such thing as "handgun ammo". There are many calibers that cross into each.

[Turbocharged]

That's pretty dumb. There are rifles that use .45, .44mag, 9mm, .22, ect.; ands I've seem revolvers that use .308. It just doesn't make sense. There's no way to prove right there that the buyer doesn't own a rifle that shoots .45acp.
I would just answer rifle every time. They can't prove anything. :)

EDIT: TomH beat me to it.

[1903Collector]

I don't know if the other Wal-Marts did this, but when they did sell guns they used to have a bright orange or yellow sheet that they put over the 4473 and it had cut outs where all the answers needed to be. I always thought that was friggin hilarious.

[WayneWong]

"I was going to use a rifle. Do you think I can get the job done with just a handgun?" Followed by... "What about a silencer? Do you have any silencers?"

[DavidC77]

That's intresting that there are still WW's that sell ammo. As far as I know all the ones in western Mass here no longer sell ammo. Heck there gun section is next to nill also, it's a joke how little stuff they carry now.

[Palladin]

should have told him they were for your RamSet.

[vellnueve]

That's intresting that there are still WW's that sell ammo. As far as I know all the ones in western Mass here no longer sell ammo. Heck there gun section is next to nill also, it's a joke how little stuff they carry now.

Um, most of them sell ammo. Or do when it's in stock (not often). The ones that don't are the exception, not the rule.

These questions have been part of their sales for a long time and is mainly to remind the clerk to check your license (for MA stores) and to make sure that the person is over 21 for handgun ammo.

[ScottS]

The dumb thing is that there is no such thing as "handgun ammo". There are many calibers that cross into each.No one said "handgun ammo." The question is, or is supposed to be, "Is this ammo for a handgun?" See the difference?

The only person to whom this would be an inconvenience is someone between 18 and 21. For everyone else, it's just background noise (literally.)

As I've said before, if the clerk asks the right question, i.e. "Is this for a handgun?" (Which is what the register actually asks), then I'm a good boy and say, "Yes." If the clerk starts free-lancing, and asks "Is this for a rifle or a handgun?" (which is not what the register asks. There is no place to input "handgun" or "rifle." There is only "Y" and "N"), then I say "machine gun" and watch their tiny little brains try to process it.

[Mikey]

I always say yes, even if it is 12ga slugs.

[DavidC77]

Um, most of them sell ammo. Or do when it's in stock (not often). The ones that don't are the exception, not the rule.
.

Ya theres around 8 to 12 stores in the Northampton / Springfield area here and the ones I have been in no longer sell ammo.

Heck about all you can get at those stores are the air soft guns and the BB guns that they have are locked up in a case.

[fubar]

Q: Is this for a rifle or a pistol ?
A: Yup.

[60 buckscash]

it is a question that their stupid computer asks. I have had it happen in several different states.

[dagwag77]

Q: Is this for a rifle or a pistol ?
A: Yup.

Isn't it easier to not confuse the village idiot, which will then expedite your departure from WW?

[T3andme]

"I was going to use a rifle. Do you think I can get the job done with just a handgun?" Followed by... "What about a silencer? Do you have any silencers?"

[laugh2]
I like that answer...don't know if I have the balls to try it

[Mike_Diako]

i tell them to guess. i usually get a http://www.kawiforums.com/images/smilies/general/tard.gif look. i then give them my money and proceed towards the exit. [smile]

[lemonlime571]

I've never been asked. Of course, they dont have ammo half the time......[smile]

[terraformer]

They do it for every box of ammo you buy.

And you do mean every box. Literally every box of ammo the clerk gets asked those two questions. Some will ask you them and others just take the first answer and repeat it.

[Becka]

I've bought some at two different Walmarts (Raynham and Framingham) and wasn't asked that question at either loctaion...

[FPrice]

That's intresting that there are still WW's that sell ammo. As far as I know all the ones in western Mass here no longer sell ammo. Heck there gun section is next to nill also, it's a joke how little stuff they carry now.

The Hadley Wal-Mart still sells ammo.

[Rob]

I've never been asked the question at the WMs in southern NH but if and when I do and assuming the employee follows the rules to the letter...I plan to alternate answers with each box boxe. Maybe mix it up a little.

*Scan box*
-"Is this for a pistol?"
-"Yup"

*Scan box*
-"Is this for a pistol?"
-"No, not that one."

*Confused look as they scan another box*
-"Is this for a pistol?"
-"No, I don't plan to shoot any of that."

And so on.

[ScottS]

I've bought some at two different Walmarts (Raynham and Framingham) and wasn't asked that question at either loctaion...Watch the register next time. When they scan the ammo ("boop!") you can see in the register (where you would see the price) "Handgun <y/n>". The clerk is probably just typing in an answer without asking you.

[billmelater]

When buying a brick of 22LR...
"Is this for a rifle?"
"Yeah, 364 of them are. The rest are for my pistol."
"Huh?...well...mumble..I don't.."
"OK, yes, a rifle."
"Whew, thanks."(wipes forehead)

[Jedhed]

I've bought tons of ammo a wally world and was never asked that... but thanks the heads up... This will be my response.

Clerk: "Is this for a rifle or pistol"

Me: "Neither, I hate guns! They're scary!"

Clerk: " [hmmm] "

Me: "Would these things work better with a gun?"

[Mike_Diako]

good responses in here. im gonna have to try a few of these out next time i get "the question"

[Zappa]

I remember buying a box of .44 mag at a K-Mart in Rochester NH about 10 years ago, and the clerk asked if I had ever been charged with domestic violence.
WTF ????

I thought this was very strange considering I'm single and I don't even own a sleeveless T-Shirt

[Kalahari]

Federal law says you must be 21 to buy ammo for a pistol, but only 18 to buy ammo for a rifle.

Um, what? Is this true? You can buy a handgun here in Texas when you're 18, but you can't buy ammo for it?

[GLOCK.Perfection]

Um, what? Is this true? You can buy a handgun here in Texas when you're 18, but you can't buy ammo for it?

yep

[Zappa]

Um, what? Is this true? You can buy a handgun here in Texas when you're 18, but you can't buy ammo for it?

Are you sure about that?
IIRC, federal law prohibits sale of Handguns by FFL's to those under 21.
Are you referring to private FTF sales?

[Staind503]

That's intresting that there are still WW's that sell ammo. As far as I know all the ones in western Mass here no longer sell ammo. Heck there gun section is next to nill also, it's a joke how little stuff they carry now.


The Hadley Wal-Mart still sells ammo.

Westfield too.

[ScottS]

Um, what? Is this true? You can buy a handgun here in Texas when you're 18, but you can't buy ammo for it?

Can't buy a handgun (or ammo) from a dealer. See it here:


The Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618

Chapter 44 Firearms

§ 922. Unlawful acts

(b) It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver -

(1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than eighteen years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age;

[Blitz1]

I remember buying a box of .44 mag at a K-Mart in Rochester NH about 10 years ago, and the clerk asked if I had ever been charged with domestic violence.
WTF ????

I thought this was very strange considering I'm single and I don't even own a sleeveless T-Shirt

Come on...I'm skeptical on that one. [wink]

[Fleshwound]

I'm glad that I am not the only guy asked that question. No one has ever asked before, so it took me by suprise.

Thanks guys

[thisguyrighthere]

I just picked up two boxes of .22's from WalMart Sunday. No questions, no ID checks, just a smiling clerk behind the counter and a "have a nice day." That was in NH. When I was in CT I ran into a 24hour WalMart for a box of .22's at 3AM or so and was told by the clerk he couldnt sell them past 8PM. CT has some backwards laws but I found out later what the clerk told me was complete bull. You have stupid people working from their perceptions of reality occasionally tossing in little tidbits of what their 'superiors' tell them is law (which is never grounded in fact). It's a chain of ignorance and stupidity beginning in D.C. and ending with the cashier at WalMart. Unfortunately the customer suffers the effect of said stupidity every time.

I always hated the "no handgun ammunition" policies. So much ammunition is used in firearms across the spectrum. If I were under 21 I couldn't get ammo for my CX4? Is a clerk or otherwise 'official' going to follow me home and make sure those .22lr's don't end up in a handgun?

It's the logical inconsistencies of these policies and regulations that really drive me crazy. To buy into them you are forced to abandon reason. When so many people are willfully abandoning reason in effort to make the round peg of their arbitrary regulations and policies fit the square hole it really says something sad about a society.

[tj western ma]

That's intresting that there are still WW's that sell ammo. As far as I know all the ones in western Mass here no longer sell ammo. Heck there gun section is next to nill also, it's a joke how little stuff they carry now.


The WW in Westfield has some .223 the other day and (1) carton of 357 mag.. bunch of shotshells and .22's

[Lynne]

I go to the Plaistow, NH one. Only thing they ever asked for was my ID.

[Windwalker]

I might have been asked once, a long time ago. Not anymore. They either don't care, or take one look at my obvious "mature" appearance, and know it doesn't matter.

[guinness126]

When I was in CT I ran into a 24hour WalMart for a box of .22's at 3AM or so and was told by the clerk he couldnt sell them past 8PM. CT has some backwards laws but I found out later what the clerk told me was complete bull.

You were actually able to pick up ammo at a Wal-Mart in CT off of a shelf? HOLY CRAP!! 99% of all WW that sell ammo here in CT are under lock n' key in "back rooms" and "require" an employee to walk the purchase to a register!!!

[jcr]

it is a question that their stupid computer asks.

I know a guy who who worked at a big box hardware store.

The computer register popped up a "date of birth" question (and wouldn't proceed until it was answered) when certain cans of spray paint were rung up.

They guy had never seen a kid in there trying to buy spray paint. He had no idea if the age requirment of 18yr was because of grafitti or huffing.

Everyone who checked out at his register with spray paint was identified as being born July 4, 1776 -- the buyer was never asked.

[Roadblock]

When I looked younger they asked me the rifle/handgun question...now they don't. I'm assuming its because they just enter something since the answer doesn't matter anymore (being over 21).

[DavidC77]

That's intresting that some of them in Western Mass still sell it. I must have hit them on days that they were out. I check every time I'm in one and they never have any.

[dwarven1]

I've bought some at two different Walmarts (Raynham and Framingham) and wasn't asked that question at either loctaion...
Sorry to point this out to you, dear, but I'm guessing that they don't think you're under 21... maybe they actually know the law.


good responses in here. im gonna have to try a few of these out next time i get "the question"

People... WHY are you giving these clerks such a hard time?? I mean, sure, you think you're funny... but these people are just doing their JOBS. If they're making up laws, sure, you call their manager and get it corrected.

But when you're a dick to the guy who DOESN'T know the law and is just following the policies that his manager makes him follow... he's looking at you and thinking "Man, these gun owners are assholes!" And then when a new gun control law comes up, he thinks of YOU and he either DOESN'T call his rep to urge him to vote against it... or he DOES call his rep and says "Vote for it!!"

Last two times I was in Walmart buying ammo, I engaged the clerk in conversation. I told them about Project Appleseed... got one guy who's coming to a shoot, and the young lady who waited on me last night turns out to be a SHOOTER, and her fiance is involved in Restore The Republic. Neither of these would have happened if I'd been a smartass to the clerk.

Guys... I know "the law is an ass". I know it sucks to have to answer these stupid questions all the time. BUT DAMMIT, YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER FOR ALL OF US WHEN YOU ACT LIKE AN ASSHOLE TO THE STORE CLERKS!!!

Grow up. Deal with it. Take some of that righteous indignation and write your congresscritter, your senator and your local reps. Don't take it out on folks who are just trying to make a living.

[dagwag77]

BUT DAMMIT, YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER FOR ALL OF US WHEN YOU ACT LIKE AN ASSHOLE TO THE STORE CLERKS!!!

Grow up. Deal with it. Take some of that righteous indignation and write your congresscritter, your senator and your local reps. Don't take it out on folks who are just trying to make a living.

Thanks Dwarven for posting this - seriously, even if you're just trying to be funny, just think about it from their perspective. They dont want to deal with smartasses just as much as you dont want to answer silly questions. They just want to get their paycheck and go home, and you just want your ammo.

If you feel the need to make idle conversation, just flirt with the clerk. [wink]

[dwarven1]

If you feel the need to make idle conversation, just flirt with the clerk. [wink]
That's how I found out she was engaged! [laugh]

[EDD]

Sorry to point this out to you, dear, but I'm guessing that they don't think you're under 21... maybe they actually know the law.



People... WHY are you giving these clerks such a hard time?? I mean, sure, you think you're funny... but these people are just doing their JOBS. If they're making up laws, sure, you call their manager and get it corrected.

But when you're a dick to the guy who DOESN'T know the law and is just following the policies that his manager makes him follow... he's looking at you and thinking "Man, these gun owners are assholes!" And then when a new gun control law comes up, he thinks of YOU and he either DOESN'T call his rep to urge him to vote against it... or he DOES call his rep and says "Vote for it!!"

Last two times I was in Walmart buying ammo, I engaged the clerk in conversation. I told them about Project Appleseed... got one guy who's coming to a shoot, and the young lady who waited on me last night turns out to be a SHOOTER, and her fiance is involved in Restore The Republic. Neither of these would have happened if I'd been a smartass to the clerk.

Guys... I know "the law is an ass". I know it sucks to have to answer these stupid questions all the time. BUT DAMMIT, YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER FOR ALL OF US WHEN YOU ACT LIKE AN ASSHOLE TO THE STORE CLERKS!!!

Grow up. Deal with it. Take some of that righteous indignation and write your congresscritter, your senator and your local reps. Don't take it out on folks who are just trying to make a living.

Thank You.

[dagwag77]

That's how I found out she was engaged! [laugh]

Come on.... rookie mistake! Gotta look for the ring, then proceed!

[EDD]

Isn't it easier to not confuse the village idiot, which will then expedite your departure from WW?


Thanks Dwarven for posting this - seriously, even if you're just trying to be funny, just think about it from their perspective. They dont want to deal with smartasses just as much as you dont want to answer silly questions. They just want to get their paycheck and go home, and you just want your ammo.

If you feel the need to make idle conversation, just flirt with the clerk. [wink]

Quite a contrast in your posts. Or do you still think all Walmart clerks are idiots?

[Garys]

People... WHY are you giving these clerks such a hard time?? I mean, sure, you think you're funny... but these people are just doing their JOBS. If they're making up laws, sure, you call their manager and get it corrected.

But when you're a dick to the guy who DOESN'T know the law and is just following the policies that his manager makes him follow... he's looking at you and thinking "Man, these gun owners are assholes!" And then when a new gun control law comes up, he thinks of YOU and he either DOESN'T call his rep to urge him to vote against it... or he DOES call his rep and says "Vote for it!!"

Last two times I was in Walmart buying ammo, I engaged the clerk in conversation. I told them about Project Appleseed... got one guy who's coming to a shoot, and the young lady who waited on me last night turns out to be a SHOOTER, and her fiance is involved in Restore The Republic. Neither of these would have happened if I'd been a smartass to the clerk.

Guys... I know "the law is an ass". I know it sucks to have to answer these stupid questions all the time. BUT DAMMIT, YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER FOR ALL OF US WHEN YOU ACT LIKE AN ASSHOLE TO THE STORE CLERKS!!!

Grow up. Deal with it. Take some of that righteous indignation and write your congresscritter, your senator and your local reps. Don't take it out on folks who are just trying to make a living.

If there was a NES Post Hall of Fame, this would belong in it.

Really, do you guys think this makes you seem cool or something? Or is it some sort of emotional Viagra for you flaccid egos?

[dagwag77]

Quite a contrast in your posts. Or do you still think all Walmart clerks are idiots?

I'm not allowed to flirt with idiots? Meh, i guess thats somewhere in the MGLs..... [sad]

[jdubois]

Really, do you guys think this makes you seem cool or something?

Especially considering the clerk has probably just heard the same stuff from the last million folks who came in. When you work retail, you learn very quickly how to pretend that you've never heard that clever joke before.

[hdhntr2000]

Why do I have an anxiety attack everytime I walk into the Walmarts and up to the gun and ammo counter? Just tell them that you don't shoot any of them because you don't own any gunz yet.Watch their faces.heheh

[Garys]

Especially considering the clerk has probably just heard the same stuff from the last million folks who came in. When you work retail, you learn very quickly how to pretend that you've never heard that clever joke before.

One of the reasons I couldn't wait to get out of retail 30 years ago.

[ScottS]

Why do I have an anxiety attack everytime I walk into the Walmarts and up to the gun and ammo counter? Just tell them that you don't shoot any of them because you don't own any gunz yet.Watch their faces.hehehWTF??

[GLOCK.Perfection]

Why do I have an anxiety attack everytime I walk into the Walmarts and up to the gun and ammo counter? Just tell them that you don't shoot any of them because you don't own any gunz yet.Watch their faces.heheh

wow, your a moron/ a troll

[offcamber]

I have never been asked that when buying ammo at WM

Same here....I tell the guy I want XYZ..he pulls it out of the case and I pay for it...on my way...

Must be a MA thing

[hdhntr2000]

Why am I a moron for my post? Maybe I was misunderstood. When they ask if the rounds are for handguns or rifles I would say that they're not for either because I don't have hand guns or rifles...I'm just buying them because someday I might buy a gun to shoot those rounds out of.

[jdubois]

(New mod says: watch the name calling guys.)


When they ask if the rounds are for handguns or rifles I would say that they're not for either because I don't have hand guns or rifles...I'm just buying them because someday I might buy a gun to shoot those rounds out of.

As dwarven1 pointed out a few posts ago, the whole exercise is kind of futile and only serves to annoy the person behind the counter, if that. Just answer them yes or no, pay for your ammo, and go home.

[ScottS]

(New mod says: watch the name calling guys.)



As dwarven1 pointed out a few posts ago, the whole exercise is kind of futile and only serves to annoy the person behind the counter, if that. Just answer them yes or no, pay for your ammo, and go home.
That's certainly one opinion of how to handle it. As far as I'm concerned, as I said in my post, if they ask the correct question, i.e. the one that's in the register, then I politely answer. I always have. Go off the script, and all bets are off, IMHO.

The idea that being obtuse and perhaps even annoying in answering this question will somehow reflect itself legislatively in a negative way is...well, silly.

[kevin9]

Sorry to point this out to you, dear, but I'm guessing that they don't think you're under 21... maybe they actually know the law.



People... WHY are you giving these clerks such a hard time?? I mean, sure, you think you're funny... but these people are just doing their JOBS. If they're making up laws, sure, you call their manager and get it corrected.

But when you're a dick to the guy who DOESN'T know the law and is just following the policies that his manager makes him follow... he's looking at you and thinking "Man, these gun owners are assholes!" And then when a new gun control law comes up, he thinks of YOU and he either DOESN'T call his rep to urge him to vote against it... or he DOES call his rep and says "Vote for it!!"

Last two times I was in Walmart buying ammo, I engaged the clerk in conversation. I told them about Project Appleseed... got one guy who's coming to a shoot, and the young lady who waited on me last night turns out to be a SHOOTER, and her fiance is involved in Restore The Republic. Neither of these would have happened if I'd been a smartass to the clerk.

Guys... I know "the law is an ass". I know it sucks to have to answer these stupid questions all the time. BUT DAMMIT, YOU'RE MAKING IT HARDER FOR ALL OF US WHEN YOU ACT LIKE AN ASSHOLE TO THE STORE CLERKS!!!

Grow up. Deal with it. Take some of that righteous indignation and write your congresscritter, your senator and your local reps. Don't take it out on folks who are just trying to make a living.As I said in the rep, the voice of reason and maturity rears it's ugly head.

[jdubois]

The idea that being obtuse and perhaps even annoying in answering this question will somehow reflect itself legislatively in a negative way is...well, silly.

No, I don't see it as a legislative or moral issue. I just see it as a waste of your and the clerk's time. But we've all got our first amendment rights (for now [thinking]), so knock yourself out.

[ScottS]

No, I don't see it as a legislative or moral issue. I just see it as a waste of your and the clerk's time. But we've all got our first amendment rights (for now [thinking]), so knock yourself out.
I didn't mean to imply you did. Sorry.

My point was that someone in the thread did take it to that extreme.
And then when a new gun control law comes up, he thinks of YOU and he either DOESN'T call his rep to urge him to vote against it... or he DOES call his rep and says "Vote for it!!"

[Zombieoutfitters]

I went to Wally World today for some .22's When checking out, the guy not only asked me for my LTC or FID, but also asked if I were buying this ammo for a Handgun or a Rifle? This was a required answer. I just told him either or.

WTF is up with that? He said it was something that pops up on his computer now and needs to be answered prior to the sale completion. Thats not a good sign.

Strange..

Yeah - I've been asked that in Danvers. Reason is that long arms only require FID but handguns require LTC in MA. They are just covering their butts. It still felt weird, I had to go home and shower afterwards. [laugh]

[DirkDiggler]

I've never been asked what i'm buying ammo for but recently i bought 800 rounds of shotgun ammo and they guy seemed awfully nervous. my brother was with me and after we left the store he told me that the employee in question asked one of the guys he was working with if it was ok to sell me that much ammo. weird.

[ScottS]

I've never been asked what i'm buying ammo for but recently i bought 800 rounds of shotgun ammo and they guy seemed awfully nervous. my brother was with me and after we left the store he told me that the employee in question asked one of the guys he was working with if it was ok to sell me that much ammo. weird.By the way, does it strike anyone else as funny that the centerfire and rimfire ammo is all kept strictly under lock and key, and shotgun ammo is stacked up at the end of the aisle like macaroni and cheese boxes?

[CrossFrire]

I've never been asked what Imwas buying ammo for in any WalMart, even here in Mass.
When I buy ammo at Walmart back in PA it's just all out of a shelf and no one has to unlack anything, you just garb your ammo and go.
Shotgun ammo is very popular by the case and it's stacked up like laundy soap.