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Smokeless Powder and Ammunition

Ronald J. SnowRonald J. Snow Member Posts: 1,346 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have been the firearms/ammunition business for many years. Years ago we had to record the name/ID of each person purchasing handgun ammo etc. Thank goodness we do not have to do that now. Today a customer came in and we got into a discussion regarding his purchase of smokeless powder and ammunition directly from a discount house. No problem. I have been under the impression that you had to submit a statement and/or a copy of your drivers license with a statement attesting to your age and legality of purchasing the powder/ammo. Does anyone know of any regulation(s) regarding this matter? I know about 18/21 year old requirements for ammo purchases, but, is there anything specific about components?
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Comments

  • Ronald J. SnowRonald J. Snow Member Posts: 1,346 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    25 readers and not one reply/opinion! Must be some kind of record.
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  • spclarkspclark Member Posts: 408 ✭
    edited November -1
    In Illinois, to purchase propellants, primers, or ready-made ammunition, you must have a valid F.irearm O.wner I.D.entification card. I've been asked to provide proof of age (I believe over atleast 18) when I've purchased stuff like this from out-of-state vendors.

    Other, more knowledgeable list-watchers may have more to add to this but the information I've mentioned is all I'm currently aware of.
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  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ron-I believe that there are no uniform regulations/laws covering the mail order purchase of ammunition and powder. There may be a State law here and there. Last time I looked a dealer here could not sell ammunition specifically used in a handgun to a person under age 21, but a person age 18 could buy rifle ammo including .22 ammo which has the potential to be used in a handgun. I believe that most firms selling by mail require I.D. and a minimum age as a slight shield against liability. An associate of mine who's passion is reloading frequently orders 8 lb. kegs via telephone with a credit card and has never been asked to submit I.D. or a statement. If he has been asked his age he could have lied; so one must conclude that there is no effective control or requirement.
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  • Ronald J. SnowRonald J. Snow Member Posts: 1,346 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you for the replies. I have made a few calls and will let you know what I find out from the powers that be.
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ron, as far as I know the age limits apply regardless of venue or sales channel; it is Federal law. There are additional restrictions in some beknighted jurisdictions such as the People's Republiks of Kalifornicate, Kennedy and Daleyago. As someone who buys / sells collectible ammo on the Net, I require all my buyers to submit proof of age & eligibility, if only to CMA. I've never bought any shooting ammo from commercial sources off the Net, but I've seen these requirements in catalogs from such places as Cheaper 'N Dirt. I have no idea why or how your customer was able to make such a purchase w/o these proofs, but my best guess is that he'd better get his bargains while he can; they aren't likely to be in business too long.
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  • mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Some places seem to ask for proof, others do not as far as ammo. Usually, the fact that someone is using a credit card is enough to verify that at least an adult is the purchaser. I suspect that there will be some tightening of laws regarding this over time.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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