Gunsploitation: Ammo on Demand

Texas introduces ammo ATMs: a new low in the war on gun control

American Rounds, a Texas-based company is bringing a dangerous new product to local stores: ATMs for gun ammunition. With the tagline "ammo sales like you’ve never seen before," they've installed their first machine in a San Antonio grocery store, with plans to roll out more across the state and beyond.

One of the ways we’re changing the landscape of ammunition sales is by making it more available. Being able to move it to places like your grocery store or supermarket makes it much more available to the public - Grant Magers, American Rounds CEO

How do these machines work?

These ATMs use ID scanners and AI facial recognition to verify a customer's age, a process which federal law requires to be 18 for shotgun and rifle ammo and 21 for handgun ammo. After verification, customers can choose from rifle, handgun, or shotgun rounds. American Rounds assures the public that their security system complies with federal and local regulations.

A Dangerous & Insidious Plan

The company's marketing strategy is focused on increasing convenience, with 24/7 access and no lines or store hours to worry about. This, they claim, is the future of ammunition sales, and over 200 stores in Texas are reportedly on board with hosting these machines.

A Divided Response

The response to these ammo ATMs has been mixed, to say the least. While some commentators have praised the idea, many have called it "insane," "bonkers," and "disgusting." The very real dangers of making ammunition more accessible in a country with a horrifying history of gun violence and mass shootings cannot be overstated. Not to mention the heightened security risks of having easily identifiable ATMs near store windows, making them vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

Local leaders have also spoken out against the concept, with the City Council President of Tuscaloosa, Alabama decrying the normalization of ammunition purchases. Unfortunately, the ATM installed in Tuscaloosa was removed due to profitability concerns, not public safety.

A Southern Takeover

American Rounds has already installed these dispensers in around 10 grocery stores across Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, with Colorado in their sights next. The CEO hopes to expand throughout the South and Southeast, bringing his dangerous and misguided vision to as many states as possible.

Sources: American Rounds Website | USA TODAY, Michael Loria