Which Walmart Stores Sell Guns and Ammunition
Not every Walmart sells guns, and availability depends on local laws, state regulations, and individual store policies. This evergreen guide explains how to find which Walmart locations offer firearms and ammunition, what rules apply across locations, and what you need to bring to make a compliant purchase.
How Walmart Firearms Sales Work in the United States
Walmart generally only sells long guns—rifles and shotguns—in stores, while handgun sales are typically restricted to stores in states where Walmart is licensed to sell handguns. Federal law requires a licensed firearm license (FFL) for certain sales and transfers, and Walmart stores that offer firearms are usually FFL holders. State and local laws, including background check rules, waiting periods, and age minimums, can differ widely and strongly influence whether a specific Walmart sells guns in any given market.
Key jurisdictional factors
- Federal firearms laws set baseline requirements for licensed sellers.
- State laws determine whether handguns can be sold in mass merchandisers.
- Local ordinances may further restrict where and how firearms are sold.
How to Find Which Walmart Locations Sell Guns
The most reliable method is to use the store locator on Walmart’s website with a layered approach: filter for Firearms & Ammunition availability or call the specific store directly. Because inventory and licensing can change by location and over time, confirming with the store before visiting saves time and avoids frustration. Gun departments, if present, are typically located in larger Supercenters rather than smaller Neighborhood Market or Express formats.
Requirements and Policies for Buying Firearms at Walmart
You must be at least 21 years old to buy a long gun federally, and federal law generally requires licensed sellers to complete a background check. Walmart typically requires two valid forms of identification, one of which should show your current address. Policies on ammunition, open carry, and return or exchange of firearms vary by store, so it is important to check with the local store before purchasing or bringing a firearm into the store.
Typical in-store process
Purchases are often handled at the customer service desk or a designated Firearms & Ammunition counter. A completed ATF Form 4473 is usually required, and some stores may use electronic systems to begin the background check in-store before a licensed manager completes the transaction. If the store participates in online orders with in-store pickup, additional verification steps may apply at pickup.
State-Level Differences in Walmart Firearms Sales
Because states regulate who can sell, who can buy, and which types of firearms are allowed, the same Walmart may sell guns in one state but not another. Some states require permits to purchase rifles or shotguns, impose waiting periods, or limit who can sell long guns through large retailers. These variations affect whether a Walmart location chooses to maintain a firearms department and how that department operates on a daily basis.
Illustrative state policy contrasts
| State | Typical minimum age for long guns | Permit or background check required | Notes on Walmart availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 21 | Background check required; may include additional state checks | Many locations sell long guns; handgun availability limited by local regulations |
| Texas | 18 for long guns | Background check federally required; no state permit for long guns | Many Supercenters sell long guns and ammunition where permitted |
| New York | 21 | Background check plus potential registration requirements | Availability varies by county and locality |
| Florida | 21 | Background check federally required; no state permit for long guns | Many locations offer long guns where permitted |
| Illinois | FID may be required for long guns in some casesBackground check required; local rules may apply | Availability varies significantly by county and local ordinances |
Alternative Options When Walmart Does Not Sell Guns
In markets where Walmart does not carry firearms, or where state rules restrict sales at mass merchants, other channels remain available. Local gun shops, federally licensed dealers, and sporting goods stores often maintain more flexible or specialized inventories. These retailers may offer a broader selection of accessories, training resources, and personalized guidance for buyers who prefer in-person advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Walmart sell handguns? Only in states where Walmart holds a license to sell handguns and local laws permit sales at mass merchandisers.
- Do all Walmart Supercenters sell guns? No; many do not, and availability depends on store size, location, and local regulations.
- Can I buy ammunition at Walmart? Yes, where permitted, subject to local laws on ammunition sales and age requirements.
- Do I need a license to buy a gun at Walmart? Not federally, but you must pass a background check and meet age and residency requirements; some states may require additional permits.
- Can I return a firearm to Walmart? Return policies vary by location and product condition; it’s best to confirm with the store at the time of purchase.