Six Box Ammo Limit at Walmart?

[meak99]

Southpoint Walmart in Massaponax this afternoon. Wanted to stock up on some 9mm and .22LR. The kid with the key to the ammo cabinet, working in automotive, finally made his way over to sporting goods. I started listing off everything I wanted - he claimed I am only allowed to buy 6 boxes per day. I asked "Is that state law?", he said, "No, I think that's a National law!" Seriously? I think not. I'm guessing it's a Walmart policy, or maybe even a local store policy? Anyone know? Kid said "Not that I care, but it's like you're stocking up or something." No crap, that's exactly what I was trying to do.

So with this questionable six box limit, I could still end up buying 600 rounds of pistol ammo, or up to 3330 rounds of .22LR. How is limiting me to 600 any different than just letting me buy all I want? If I buy seven boxes, all of a sudden I am dangerous??

[totes6]

It was more of an issue where Walmart could not keep ammo in stock. Instead of raising prices to move demand far enough down to where it would meet supply, they put an arbitrary limit on what each customer can buy each day. All the Walmart stores I have been to in the NOVA area have done this. I believe this was a regional implementation as when I went out to a Walmart in Utah they did not have this limit.

There were also some RUMORS of local gunshops/ranges going to walmart and buying up all the ammo and taking it back to their store, marking up the price and reselling it. I have no actual fact to back this up which is why I say it is rumor, but if you look around, you will find it in other places as well.

My recommendation if you want to stock up on ammo, wait till there is free shipping at an online store or just go to Rick's store all-in-general (which has free shipping now) and drop the 500-1000$ in ammo you want to buy. Might take a week or two to get to you, but you get it without too much hassle. The other option is get a couple buddies to go with you and give them the cash to buy 6 boxes of whatever ammo you want. Depending on how many buddies you can get to go with, you can get 12 to 18 boxes pretty easily and clean out most stock of walmart carries in any given caliber or two.

[wylde007]

Online is definitely the way to go. Much cheaper if you do not mind the wait.

I would suggest supporting our local vendors first and, barring that, spreading out to places like AIMSurplus.com and ClassicArms.us.

[meak99]

So it's not a "National LAW?"

I was just shocked by the limit, totally didn't expect that. I've found plenty of resources online for decent ammo prices... just thought i'd pick some more up while I was there.

[ShortMan]

Its store policy to ensure they have enough for everyone. And if that guy was any expert on the law, he wouldnt be working at walmart.

Dont ever get legal advice from random strangers and especially not low-level employees at a store that keeps chinese children working 12 hours a day.

[davasmith]

Actually, I have seen the practice of shooting ranges doing exactly what was stated here. I was in a range in colonial heights and overheard the man behind the counter calling the colonial heights walmart. He asked if the new shipment had come in and how many cases he could get. Apparently, he a deal worked out with whoever was on the other end of the line. So, yes I can state that as an actual FACT! Coincedentally, I went to the walmart to see if I could get some of the winchester .40 ammo and guess what? They just arrived, but were all sold. Imagine my shock.

[gunderwood]

Yup, just store policy...unless you know someone. I've seen the six box limit ignored and worked around it on occasion.

Interestingly enough, they implemented it during a shortage which is exactly the wrong thing to do. I guess old Sam didn't teach his children/family about economics so well. During the shortage myself and many people I know bought six boxes every time they got a shipment in even if we didn't need it simply because we knew we would be limited to just six boxes when we did need it. Artificial restrictions like that combined with human action make the shortage worse.

The correct thing to do during a shortage is to raise the price until supply and demand are balanced (roughly, nothing is perfect). Those that really need x caliber will gladly pay the price. Those that are just hording will stop buying and use what they have more wisely so they can outlast the shortage. When ever you are limited on resources, especially during a "shortage," the rise in price makes sure that those who really need it get it and those who don't won't because they won't pay the higher price.

A rationing system is an attempt to limit use, but it never works and simply encourages people to work around it. Only raising the price will encourage the people to limit their use.

[meak99]

Dont ever get legal advice from random strangers and especially not low-level employees at a store that keeps chinese children working 12 hours a day.

I certainly wasn't considering that to be legal advice. I was just trying to get a reason for the limit and that's what he told me....

[DWinter]

I bought 10 boxes in various calibers ( 4,22lr, 2,38, 2,357 and 2,45ACP) from the Walmart in Newport News recently without incident. Maybe the young lady didn't get the email. Thinking back I was wearing my Glock Jacket, grey flame beany and sunglasses, which according to one of the girls I work with, makes me look like a "Sons of Anarchy" castmember. I probably wouln't have sold it to me either but she did.

[Radiac]

You got ten boxes at the one in Newport News? There has been a six box limit here in Hampton for quite some time.

[DWinter]

Yup, sure did. Maybe she was new or just didn't give a damn. I see it with some of our associates sometimes. Like my Dad says, you get what you pay for, be it product or employees.

[gunderwood]

Yup, sure did. Maybe she was new or just didn't give a damn. I see it with some of our associates sometimes. Like my Dad says, you get what you pay for, be it product or employees.

Employee's tend to revolt against stupid policies regardless if they are good or bad.

[rromeo]

I think it's corporate policy to blame the limit on state /federal law.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Diomed]

I think it's corporate policy to blame the limit on state /federal law.

I think that's common in more businesses and fields than just Walmart, too.

[zephyp]

I think it's corporate policy to blame the limit on state /federal law.

I think that's common in more businesses and fields than just Walmart, too.

Indeed and most people never question anything that comes before or after the magical phrase "...its the law..."

[Palladin]

Yup, just store policy...unless you know someone. I've seen the six box limit ignored and worked around it on occasion.

Interestingly enough, they implemented it during a shortage which is exactly the wrong thing to do. I guess old Sam didn't teach his children/family about economics so well. During the shortage myself and many people I know bought six boxes every time they got a shipment in even if we didn't need it simply because we knew we would be limited to just six boxes when we did need it. Artificial restrictions like that combined with human action make the shortage worse.

The correct thing to do during a shortage is to raise the price until supply and demand are balanced (roughly, nothing is perfect). Those that really need x caliber will gladly pay the price. Those that are just hording will stop buying and use what they have more wisely so they can outlast the shortage. When ever you are limited on resources, especially during a "shortage," the rise in price makes sure that those who really need it get it and those who don't won't because they won't pay the higher price.

A rationing system is an attempt to limit use, but it never works and simply encourages people to work around it. Only raising the price will encourage the people to limit their use.

And the Walter Williams Economics Award goes to gunderwood!

That's the same reason we will never run out of petrol...

There be sooooo much ammo in the USA since the Current Occupant took office. If the S ever does HTF, it'll be just like in video games - you just run around picking up ammo laying hither and yon...

[allingeneral]

I never buy ammo at Wal-mart

[DWinter]

I never buy ammo at Wal-mart

You got a better "hook-up" than the rest of us.

[allingeneral]

I never buy ammo at Wal-mart

You got a better "hook-up" than the rest of us.

VGOF members have as close to the same hookup as I can afford to give

If there's something you're looking for, check my site to see if I have it and send me an email - rick-at-vgof.net - I'll do the best I can to hook you up.

[smltooner]

I shop Walmart in Roanoke (SW County, not Valley View) and in Rocky Mount.
I've never had a problem with employee attitudes and never seen anything about limits. The only problem was last year when no one had any ammo to sell.
They would only get 2 or 3 boxes of 9mm in stock, but would sell you all of them if that is what you wanted.
I was in Walmart last year to buy 9mm ammo. I told the clerk that I wanted 2 boxes of 50.
She said OK, or she would sell me 1 box of 100 and save me $2.00. That works for me.