American Rounds ammunition vending machines have recently been installed in multiple U.S. grocery stores, allowing firearm owners to buy ammunition in a way that redefines “convenience in ammunition purchasing.”
According to the company’s website, the ammunition vending machines allow customers over the age of 21 to purchase ammunition by using machines that it claims are “as easy to use as an ATM.”
The website states, “Our automated ammo dispensers are accessible 24/7, ensuring that you can buy ammunition on your own schedule, free from the constraints of store hours and long lines.”
According to American Rounds, the ammunition vending machines utilize artificial intelligence technology, facial recognition software, and card scanning capabilities. The company claims that the software is capable of verifying a buyer’s identity and determining whether any false identifications are attempted.
Grants Magers, CEO of American Rounds, told Newsweek that eight ammunition vending machines have either already been installed or are currently being installed in four states.
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According to Newsweek, the first machine was installed at a Fresh Value grocery store located in Pell City, Alabama. Four other machines were subsequently installed in Oklahoma’s Super C Mart stores, as well as a Lowe’s Markets location in Canyon Lake, Texas.
Magers told Newsweek that another Canyon Lake location will be added soon and that another ammunition vending machine is scheduled for installation at LaGrees Food Stores in Buena Vista, Colorado.
Emphasizing the popularity of the machines, Magers told Newsweek, “We have over 200 store requests for AARM [Automated Ammo Retail Machine] units covering approximately nine states currently and that number is growing daily.”
Magers also emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting “law-abiding, responsible gun ownership.”
“Currently ammunition is sold off the shelf or online. These environments lead to inadvertent sales to underaged purchasers and or, in the case of retail stores, a high theft rate,” the CEO said. “What we loved about this concept is the AARM units use state-of-the-art ID scanners combined with facial recognition before a transaction can be made.”
While Newsweek reported that gun control advocates have already expressed opposition and concerns regarding the new ability of American firearm owners to purchase ammunition from vending machines, the company claims that “all transactions comply with federal and local regulations, maintaining the highest standards of responsible sales.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provided a statement to Newsweek, saying, “A federal license is not required to sell ammunition. However, commercial sales of ammunition must comply with state laws as well as any applicable federal laws.”
