(NewsReady.com) – Vending machines are a convenient way for people to get a little snack or a drink. In recent years, they’ve been upgraded a bit, and some dispense things like gourmet cupcakes. Now, there’s a new kind of machine that could benefit gun owners.
In November 2023, American Rounds, a Dallas-based company, introduced its first ammunition vending machine. The first state to have one was Alabama. CEO Grant Magers told the media that the company has expanded to three states and has a total of six vending machines operating right now, but two more are expected soon.
So far, the machines can be found in Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma. However, there are plans to expand to Colorado as well.
The vending machines are located in grocery stores, making them easy to access. According to Magers, not everyone can purchase bullets from them. The company uses age verification and facial recognition technology to ensure people are old enough. The CEO argued his machines are more secure than online sales, where purchasers might not have to submit proof of age, and retail stores, where criminals can shoplift the ammunition.
Federal law requires people to be 18 years old to purchase rifle and shotgun ammunition. They have to be 21 to buy ammo for handguns. To keep it simple, Magers says American Rounds’ vending machines require all purchasers to be at least 21 years old. Consumers must scan their driver’s license to show they are of appropriate age. Then, the machine scans the face of the purchaser to make sure it matches the license.
American Rounds isn’t the first company to create bullet vending machines. About 12 years ago, Sam Piccinini, a Pennsylvania police officer, made a vending machine. He told The Associated Press that he did not have age verification technology because it was cost-prohibitive at the time, but he did place the machines in locations where only people who met a certain age requirement could access them.
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