pistol vs. rifle ammunition question

[.cheese.]

He was probably being facetious

DOH!

 

[Marbles]

Don't say machine gun.

MGs use medium or full power battlerifle ammo.

Say subgun. Then when they struggle as to whether it's a rifle or a pistol, it is neither. A SMG is not a pistol, and it is not a rifle either. "But it has a shoulder stock!" It is still not a rifle.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Bring your manual next time so you can show it is for a rifle, demand a manager if you must.

Akodo, that advice *MIGHT* get results--but I would plan on a more detailed explanation delivered at the 'level' of the audience--maybe a sock puppet or bag puppet show.

The institutional culture of the big box rewards those who follow rigid policy and don't engage in decision making that could result in potential liability no matter how logical or rational. And this is part of the 'why' many stores are dropping firearms and ammo altogether; it requires a gatekeeper with enough authority to understand how 'law' and 'policy' are inter-related and still independant.

 

[pyle]

Wow, I feel silly. I thought 18 was the legal age for ammo sales. Oh well, if Walmart didn't have such great prices - I wouldn't bother with them at all just because of their goofy policies.....

 

[SCPigpen]

I'm glad Im not the only one that tells them the ammo I buy is for a sub-gun.

Federal law states you have to be over 21 to purchase a pistol or it's ammo.(pretty sure of that) States differ on their pistol possesion laws. SC just made it legal for 18 yr olds to possess a pistol without a person over 21 present. They still can't buy a pistol @ a gun store(fed controled) so all you have to do is buy one 2nd hand if ou are under 21.

I know that has nothing to do with the topic @ hand but it is the law as I know it and thought it might shed some light on the question being raised.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I thought the law was only that those under 21 couldn't purchase new handguns, and that the law allowed anybody over 18 to purchase any kind of ammo? Maybe I'm wrong.

Yes, you are wrong. The law is that 18-year olds may purchase ammunition for rifles and shotguns, but you have to be over 21 to purchase ammo for a handgun.

But ... the law is written around the gun. If you own a Ruger Single Six revolver in .22 caliber, you can't buy ammo for it unless you are 21. If you own a Ruger 10/22, you can legally buy the same ammo that fits the Single Six when you're 18.

If the clerk at Wal-Mart doesn't understand the law, ask for a manager. As long as you explain to them that you are buying the ammo to shoot out of a .357 caliber carbine, they have no reason not to sell it to you.

 

[.cheese.]

Aguila Blanca - is that federal law? This whole time I just thought it was Walmart policy only.

If you happen to have a link to the law, that would be appreciated as obviously I was not in the know on this one.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

From the BATFE FAQ at http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#f6

(F6) Does a customer have to be a certain age to buy firearms or ammunition from a licensee? [Back]

Yes. Under the GCA, long guns and long gun ammunition may be sold only to persons 18 years of age or older. Sales of handguns and ammunition for handguns are limited to persons 21 years of age and older. Although some State and local ordinances have lower age requirements, dealers are bound by the minimum age requirements established by the GCA. If State law or local ordinances establish a higher minimum age, the dealer must observe the higher age requirement.

[18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1), 27 CFR 478.99(b)]



(F7) May a licensee sell interchangeable ammunition such as .22 cal. rimfire to a person less than 21 years old? [Back]

Yes, provided the buyer is 18 years of age or older, and the dealer is satisfied that it is for use in a rifle. If the ammunition is intended for use in a handgun, the 21-year-old minimum age requirement is applicable.

[18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1), 27 CFR 478.99(b)]

Legal cites are included in the FAQ. Note that item (F7) directly addresses the question, and that the law does not support Wal-Mart's (or that Wal-Mart clerk's) position. If the ammo is to be used in a rifle, an 18-year old can buy it (absent a state law providing otherwise). So an 18-year old can buy 9mm for a Ruger PC9 carbine, but cannot buy the same ammo to shoot out of a Ruger 9mm handgun.

The sticky wicket lies in the "dealer must be satisfied" part. Wal-Mart may simple choose to avoid any possible controversy by not entering into the determination of how they can be "satisfied" 18-year old Johnny really has a carbine and not a Glock.