Buying ammo in NH

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

I recently tried to buy some .22LR at Walmart here in NH, but I was rejected because I have a non-NH driver's license. I was told that out-of-state license holders need to show a "FID" (or maybe "FOID") card in order to buy ammo. Walmart probably does this in NH because MA residents are frequently in NH, and MA residents are required to show an FOID when purchasing ammo on their home turf (I think). It seems a little silly that NH would be trying to enforce MA's laws -- especially on non-MA residents -- so I'm hoping this is a Walmart policy and not a NH law. Anyone know for sure?

FWIW my driver's license is from Maryland, and FOID's are not required in Maryland. So apparently I'm simply unable to buy ammo at Walmarts in NH. Lame.

 

[General Geoff]

probably neither, and it's just a case of an ignorant clerk. Ask for a manager next time.

 

[Mazeman]

I live in Central NH and have never been ID'd for buying ammo anywhere. Not in gun stores, general stores, WalMart or KMart. Also, I can cross the border into VT and buy there too, no questions asked.

Where in NH was this? Probably near the MA border. The political idiocy from much of that state is ruining southern NH in more ways than one. I don't mean to offend Mass residents, but the type reading this on THR are not the ones I'm referring to.

I'd ask the manager what this "policy" (if there is one) is based on. Then I'd write a letter to WalMart corporate HQ.

 

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

Where in NH was this? Probably near the MA border. The political idiocy from much of that state is ruining southern NH in more ways than one.

Yeah, in the Seacoast region (Epping). It's about 20 miles to MA.

I'd ask the manager what this "policy" (if there is one) is based on. Then I'd write a letter to WalMart corporate HQ.

If I get the chance I'll call the store and ask to talk to the manager there, at the very least.

 

[Mazeman]

Well if you're spending some time in NH, check out Riley's gun shop in Hooksett, or the Kittery Trading Post (sort of like an LL Bean, with lots of guns) in Kittery, ME. Not sure what Maine laws are for buying ammo though.

 

[TearsOfRage]

I can confirm that its only certain Walmarts near the MA border.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

At Riley's we only need an FID card from Mass Residents if you are buying a long gun. Not necessary for ammo purchases.

 

[joffe]

I'll say the same thing I said on another forum you posted this in - boycott Walmart and support your local gun stores. They support your local pro-2nd amendment associations as well, can't see Walmart doing that.

 

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

I'll say the same thing I said on another forum you posted this in - boycott Walmart and support your local gun stores. They support your local pro-2nd amendment associations as well, can't see Walmart doing that.

If I had a local gun store, I'd be happy to get my ammo there instead of at Walmart. Unfortunately it's at least a 30 minute drive to any gun store I'm aware of, whereas Walmart is right next door. I don't get out much, gas is expensive, and Walmart has very low prices on plinking-grade .22LR.

I think the best course of action would be to get my Walmart to change its behavior, and sell me (and others in my situation) ammo. That is unlikely, but it's the approach I'm trying first. If that doesn't work, then I'll consider a boycott, and probably end up buying my ammo through mail-order.

 

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

At Riley's we only need an FID card from Mass Residents if you are buying a long gun. Not necessary for ammo purchases.

I figured it was not a NH law -- at least for the ammo. Do you know if the FID card for long-gun-buying MA residents is NH law, or store policy?

 

[Igloodude]

I've bought ammo at the Windham NH WalMart four times. One time they asked me for my ID "to prove that I was over 21" (I'm 37 and not particularly young-looking), one time they asked me for my ID "to prove that I was an NH resident", one time they asked me for my ID "because they require it for all ammunition purchases", and one time they didn't ask me for my ID at all, and couldn't think of any reason they'd want to. (Yeah, I asked all four times.)

I'm pretty sure they just have clueless clerks, and/or Massachusetts employees that are making assumptions about policy.

 

[pdowg881]

I get carded and given a very very hard time at Wal Mart when trying to buy .22 ammunition. I am often told it is handgun ammo and being under 21 means I cannot buy it. Keep in mind I live a mile from the Mass border.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I am often told it is handgun ammo and being under 21 means I cannot buy it.

In most places they're supposed to ask if it's for rifle or pistol. But in your location you're probably hosed.

 

[Chipperman]

You usually will be asked for ID in Salem, NH, but not Manchester, which is further North.
They are afraid of being harrassed by the MA Attorney General, the way the internet sellers have been. Most internet places will not even ship ammo, mags, or guns to MA anymore.

 

[Live_Free_Or_Die]

Update

First, apologies for not doing a search prior to posting this thread. After searching I found quite a few threads -- most which originated last summer -- discussing Wal-Mart's "new" policy on selling ammo. Most of the threads were related to the 18/21 ages and rifle/pistol distinction. Most of the threads were closed by a moderator irked at the prospect of another dead-horse beating.

My question/issue is distinct from what I found while searching however. To recap: the clerk didn't think he could sell me .22LR ammo because I had an out-of-state ID, and lacked an FID card -- something the state that issued my driver's license neither requires nor offers. Hence we were at an impasse.

I called Wal-Mart 5 times. The first two times, no manager, co-manager, or assistant manager were available. Third time was the charm. I got "Mike", a courteous assistant manager who tried his best to be helpful. After listening to my situation, he indicated that he believed the clerk was correct, and I needed some sort of FID card. I pointed out that there was no FID card available to me in Maryland or NH, so he said he'd go and "investigate" whether they could sell MD residents ammo, and he'd call me back.

A week later, he had not called me back. I called Wal-Mart again this Thursday and talked to another assistant manager, "Christine" I think. After explaining everything, she told me she heard Mike talking about this with the manager, and that she would remind him to call me back the next day during his shift. She didn't know the answer herself, and assumed that Mike had just forgotten to return my call.

Mike did not return my call yesterday.

I called again this morning, and this time got lucky -- I talked to a co-manager "Rob". Rob, polite as the rest of them, listened to my situation. As soon as I was done, without any hesitation he said, "The clerk was incorrect. We only require an ID for age identification purposes, and we should have sold you the .22LR ammo. I'll remind our employees of this policy."

A couple more pleasantries later, and I was off the phone, satisfied at least for the moment. I'm going to head down to the store later today (while Rob is still on shift) and see if things go as smoothly as they ought.