can a person open an ammo store only?

[USAJon]

I am wondering about opening a legal ammo store only/no guns/ in Maryland or Delaware..

does anyone know how to?

 

[frogman68]

I am wondering about opening a legal ammo store only/no guns/ in Maryland or Delaware..

does anyone know how to?

Go with Delaware then you can also sell proper capacity "clips"

 

[NormH3]

I'm no expert, but if you are going to sell ammo, you are going to need to stock a fairly large amount and a wide selection. Buyers are going to expect to find what they use and if you don't have it, I can't see how you can maintain a client base. There are already numerous online retailers that fill the void.
Not trying to dissuade you, just thinking through it.

 

[rockstarr]

I'm no expert, but if you are going to sell ammo, you are going to need to stock a fairly large amount and a wide selection. Buyers are going to expect to find what they use and if you don't have it, I can't see how you can maintain a client base. There are already numerous online retailers that fill the void.
Not trying to dissuade you, just thinking through it.

very solid points made here

 

[WheelHead]

As a person who has been working with the ATF and the local county for his FFL over the last few weeks, it all depends on the zoning of the property. I'm in Worcester county and am having part of my property rezoned to commercial since with a residential zoning you are not allowed to sell ammo. FIRST, I would consult with the county you intend to do business in and follow all the proper channels.
I have been drop shipping cases of ammo under my MD business licensed web site and was told it was ok to do that but NO storefront until I get permission from the county.....

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Make sure you stock some of those disposable Coloradan magazines too.

Joking aside, I don't an think Ammo-R-Us would work well.

You'd have to stock everything under the sun at rock-bottom prices or folks would go elsewhere.

 

[rob-cubed]

As others have said, ammo sales is a tough business. Unless you can sell it for less than the cheapest guy online + shipping, you aren't going to move much product. You will also be competing directly with brick-and-mortar places like Bass Pro and Dick's, who can leverage huge buys to get a few more pennies off the cost of each round.

 

[Dieselfool]

Sounds like a lot of work for little return. There's too much competition these days especially with an online market. Don't get me wrong. I will support local businesses 100% of the time if it were economical, But its the convenience factor that plays a major role in purchases. E.G. If I were to at your store, and you didn't have what I was looking for. You say it can be ordered. But it takes 3 days. I would rather sit and home order it online, possibly cheaper. And have it sent directly to my house.... Not bashing your idea. But I'm sure there's a reason its not common.

 

[CrueChief]

Of course all the competition from online sellers would go away if and when the online sales of ammo gets legislated away. So this may be an idea a few years ahead of its time.

 

[bbrown]

I think TomKat ammo has done just that:

http://www.shop.tomkatammo.com

 

[Biggfoot44]

Adding an ammo counter to your existing sucuessful business could be a good option.

An inbetween level side project would be to do the various gun shows with a truckload of ammo.

 

[Alphabrew]

Probably best to do it like C&J Ammo or Emac's Tactical does it, just sell at gun shows. Problem is, they're already deeply entrenched in that market, and there's probably too much competition already at each show.

 

[BlackBart]

I don't see why you couldn't do it but a brick & mortar store will need more than just ammo. Holsters, powder, presses, targets, BP accessories and bullets themselves.....

Good luck if it ever happens.

 

[NormH3]

Adding an ammo counter to your existing sucuessful business could be a good option.

An inbetween level side project would be to do the various gun shows with a truckload of ammo.

Reminds me of my Grandfather's hardware store that he owned in Irvington (Baltimore City) back in the 60's. (Irvington Hardware...I think it was a True Value) He sold shotguns, rifles and ammo. Probably the next aisle over from the garden tools.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Reminds me of my Grandfather's hardware store that he owned in Irvington (Baltimore City) back in the 60's. (Irvington Hardware...I think it was a True Value) He sold shotguns, rifles and ammo. Probably the next aisle over from the garden tools.

Back when New Merica was AMERICA.

 

[Name Taken]

Just like farming...sounds like you can make a small fortune at this as long as you start with a large one.

 

[Jaybeez]

you dont get wholesale pricing just because you have a store/store front. you have to buy a truckload before your price beats the internet price... and even then its a slim margin.

 

[BigDaddy]

And what are you going to do when there is another mass shooting and the ammo supply drys up for a year?

What you need to do is to figure out how to make quality 22 LR in China and import it at a profit.

 

[BigDaddy]

Reminds me of my Grandfather's hardware store that he owned in Irvington (Baltimore City) back in the 60's.

Estill, SC circa 1990's, there was a hardware store with an open box of .380 and they were selling it by the round! I guess you have to buy it that way if you need to knock over the ABC store on Friday night and don't have much money.

 

[Blacksmith101]

Ammo store sounds great. All you need to do to be successful is offer a large stock of a wide variety of .22 rim fire at a reasonable price. It will sell like hot cakes.