Upon seeing it, I was taken aback by the uniqueness and innovation of this vending machine. While there are numerous types of vending machines available, this one stood out to me.
In grocery stores located in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, patrons can now purchase ammunition via computerized vending machines. This innovative approach to retail allows customers to easily acquire bullets alongside their usual grocery purchases, streamlining the process and saving valuable time. With this new development, the company is hoping to cater to the needs of gun owners who require quick and convenient access to ammunition.
Bullets can now be purchased at Lowe’s Market in Canyon Lake, Texas, conveniently positioned between the store’s ATM and ice machines.
Located at the entrance of the store, is an American Rounds ammunition vending machine.
It’s now possible to buy ammunition for handguns, shotguns, and rifles with just your driver’s license.
American Rounds, the manufacturer of new vending machines, uses innovative technology to sell ammunition. According to their website, their vending machines are equipped with artificial intelligence software, card capabilities, and facial recognition software to ensure that the buyer’s age and identity are verified before purchase.
Grant Magers, the CEO of the Texas-based company that began in 2023, revealed that they were approached by grocery stores and other entities with the proposition of automated ammunition sales. The company currently has one machine in Alabama, four in Oklahoma, and one in Texas, with plans for another one in Texas and one in Colorado in the coming weeks, as per Magers.
According to federal law, individuals are required to be 18 years old to purchase shotgun and rifle ammunition, while handgun ammunition can only be purchased by those who are 21 years or older. Magers further added that their machines have been programmed to restrict ammunition purchases to individuals who are at least 21 years of age.
In Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, several stores have introduced ammo-vending machines that utilize 360-degree facial recognition technology to verify a person’s age and identification.
In the near future, Lowe’s plans to install an additional vending machine at its Startzville/Canyon Lake branch.
The store’s hardware section will be the designated location for the machine.
When I contacted the Lowe’s store in Lubbock, they informed me that they do not have plans to obtain one.
