Who knew if you wanted to get anti-gun advocates riled up, you just had to create an ammo dispensing vending machine? In a move straight out of the Borderlands series of video games, a little company called American Rounds created a series of vending machines designed to dispense ammunition. This small American company has hit the mainstream media and hit it hard.
American Rounds is a Dallas-based company, and its machines have popped up in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. I’m a bit surprised and saddened that Florida was left out in the cold. Maybe soon? The American Rounds machines have also caused quite a news stir. Pearls are clutched, but in reality, it’s just part of a rising fad of smart shop-style machines. Most of the headlines talk about buying ammo at your grocery store, but hell, I’ve been doing that my entire life.
They aren’t the first ammo vending machines. A small spread of them made their way to gun shops and gun ranges in the past. These were lower-tech systems and were in places that already sold ammo. This is the first time we’ve seen ammo sold in normal, everyday places and locations. The current crop of American Rounds machines is exclusive to grocery stores.
How Do The American Rounds Machines Work?
State and federal laws regulate who can buy ammo in accordance with their age. As a 19-year-old, I once argued with a clerk at Dick’s Sporting Goods because he refused to sell me ‘pistol’ ammo because I wasn’t 21. The ammo in question was .22 Long RIFLE! I’m still a little salty about that one. To stay in compliance with the law, American Rounds machines require you to scan your ID to verify your age.
Your ID is scanned, your card is swiped, inserted, or tapped, and you make your ammunition selection. Similar technology is used in machines that sell alcoholic beverages, vapes, and cigarettes. Much like these regulated items, the machine keeps things legal. Sure, anyone can steal an ID and buy ammo, but the system apparently uses facial ID to verify the face on the ID. I imagine the biggest problem you’ll run into is growing a beard that isn’t present on your ID.
The idea is to offer convenience to shooters who might not have a local gun store or ammo counter at their grocery store. It’s about the convenience factor, and the machines likely won’t do well outside small towns simply due to greater selection at gun stores. Unlike the ammo counter at Walmart, you won’t have to wait 15 to 20 minutes for an employee with the key to show up.
Cost? Selection? What are the Details?
Sadly, most articles focus more on the pearl-clutching rather than the fine details of the American Rounds machine. I had to search forums high and low to find some kind of mention of the prices. In all my searching, I found one first-person impression of the machine. The prices seem high, with a box of 50 rounds of FMJ 9mm rounds selling for 22 dollars. You are certainly paying for convenience.
Sadly, I didn’t have much other information. It’s unclear what calibers are sold, but from some information, it seems like a mix of rifle, shotgun, and handgun rounds. I see Federal represented, but I’m not sure if other brands are getting into the action.
Federal makes enough ammo to do a bit of everything. It’s likely the machines will be stocked with the most popular calibers, but they will also likely vary depending on the area and the demand for specific calibers. I imagine we’ll see 9mm, .223, 12 gauge, .22LR, but I wouldn’t expect to see 5.7 or anything odd.
Worth It?
I love the idea behind the American Rounds machines. It’s very cyberpunk, but in a good way. It’s the most American vending machine ever. Instead of dispensing sugary soft drinks, it’s dropping freedom! What do you think? Is it worth the installation? Would you use one? I might for the novelty.
I wouldn’t expect these to pop up in national chains. Don’t expect your local Target to start carrying American Rounds vending machines, even if the two would seemingly brand very well together.
