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FACT BRIEF

Have gun ammo vending machines been installed in Oklahoma?

By Sue Bin Park
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YES

Automated vending machines selling ammunition have been installed in multiple Oklahoma grocery stores.

Manufactured by the Texas-based company American Rounds, the machines require an ID and facial recognition check before dispensing ammunition to customers 21 years or older.

The company claims the kiosks counter theft and online purchases by minors while providing convenience to legal customers. Gun control advocates have argued that the machines normalize firearms in everyday public spaces while failing to address underlying issues, such as a lack of regulations mandating background checks.

American Rounds has also installed machines in Alabama and Texas. The company has indicated plans to expand further, with more locations in Colorado and Texas set to open by the end of July 2024.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
KOCO News 5 Ammo vending machines installed in Oklahoma grocery stores
The New York TImes Gun Ammunition Vending Machines Installed at Grocery Stores in 3 States
NPR Bread and bullets: Some Southern supermarkets now sell ammo out of vending machines
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Oklahoma Watch
Oklahoma Watch is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) corporation that produces in-depth and investigative journalism as a public service for the benefit of all Oklahomans. Through investigative, fact-driven journalism, we dig deep and examine significant issues facing our state. Our work engages all Oklahomans, amplifies the discussion of important issues and leads to change. We help develop the journalists and journalism of the future.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.