Yes, Walmart still sells guns in 2025—but with significant restrictions. The world's largest retailer carries a limited selection of hunting rifles and shotguns in select stores, while having discontinued handguns, AR-15-style rifles, and certain ammunition types.
If you're looking to buy a firearm at Walmart, here's everything you need to know about their current policies, what they sell, and what to expect when you visit.
What Guns Does Walmart Sell?
Walmart's firearms selection focuses exclusively on hunting and sporting long guns. Here's what you can typically find:
Firearms Walmart Currently Sells
- Bolt-action hunting rifles – Common calibers like .30-06, .270, .243, and .308
- Shotguns – 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore in various action types
- Rimfire rifles – .22 LR rifles for small game and target shooting
- Single-shot and break-action shotguns – Budget-friendly options for new hunters
- Air rifles and BB guns – Non-firearm options in many calibers
Firearms Walmart Does NOT Sell
- Handguns – Discontinued nationwide (previously sold only in Alaska until 2019)
- AR-15-style rifles – Discontinued in 2015
- Modern sporting rifles – Semi-automatic rifles in tactical configurations
- High-capacity magazines – Not sold in any Walmart store
Walmart positions its firearms department to serve hunters and sport shooters, not tactical or self-defense buyers.
Walmart's Ammunition Policy
Walmart significantly restricted ammunition sales in September 2019. Here's what's available:
Ammunition Walmart Sells
- Shotgun shells (birdshot, buckshot, slugs)
- Traditional hunting rifle calibers (.30-06, .270, .243, .308, etc.)
- Rimfire ammunition (.22 LR, .17 HMR)
Ammunition Walmart Does NOT Sell
- Handgun ammunition – 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, etc.
- Short-barrel rifle ammunition – .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
- Any ammunition usable in "military-style weapons" with large-capacity magazines
Before 2019, Walmart sold approximately 20% of all ammunition in the United States. After the policy change, that dropped to an estimated 6-9% market share.
Important: Walmart's online marketplace prohibits all firearms and ammunition sales from third-party sellers. You cannot order ammunition online from Walmart.
Which Walmart Stores Sell Guns?
Not every Walmart carries firearms. Gun sales are typically limited to stores in:
- Rural and suburban areas with strong hunting traditions
- States with fewer firearm restrictions
- Locations where sporting goods demand supports inventory
Urban and suburban Walmart locations in many markets have phased out firearms entirely. Walmart doesn't publish an official list of stores with gun departments.
To find a Walmart that sells guns near you:
You can also call your local Walmart's sporting goods department directly to confirm availability.
Walmart's Gun Purchase Requirements
Walmart enforces stricter policies than federal law requires. Here are the key requirements:
| Requirement | Federal Law | Walmart Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age (long guns) | 18 years old | 21 years old |
| Minimum age (ammunition) | 18 for long gun ammo | 21 for all ammunition |
| Background check | Required via NICS | Required via NICS |
| Delayed background check | Dealer may transfer after 3 days | No transfer without approval |
The key difference: Walmart will never release a firearm without an explicit "proceed" response from the NICS background check system, even if federal law would allow transfer after three business days.
How to Buy a Gun at Walmart
The process follows standard FFL transfer procedures, with some Walmart-specific steps:
Step 1: Confirm Availability
Call ahead to verify the Walmart you plan to visit sells firearms and has the type of gun you want in stock. Use our Walmart gun counter locator to find stores.
Step 2: Bring Required Documents
You'll need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID showing your current address
- Any state-required permits or certificates
- Proof of residency if your ID address doesn't match (some states)
Step 3: Complete ATF Form 4473
You'll fill out the standard Firearms Transaction Record with your personal information and answer eligibility questions about criminal history, drug use, and other disqualifying factors.
Step 4: Pass the NICS Background Check
The associate submits your information to the NICS background check system. Most checks return within minutes, but some are delayed for additional review.
Remember: Walmart will not complete your sale unless NICS returns an explicit approval, regardless of how long it takes.
Step 5: Pay and Take Possession
Once approved, pay for your firearm and take it home. Some states have mandatory waiting periods that apply regardless of when the background check clears.
Additional Walmart Procedures
- All firearm sales are video recorded at point of sale
- Only specially trained associates can process firearm transactions
- Walmart may refuse sales at their discretion
Can You Buy a Gun Online at Walmart?
No. Walmart does not sell firearms online. Their marketplace explicitly prohibits:
- Firearms of any type
- Ammunition and firearm components
- Ship-to-store firearm purchases
If you want to buy a gun online, you'll need to purchase from an online firearms retailer and have it shipped to an FFL dealer for transfer. Learn more about how to buy a gun online.
Does Walmart Do FFL Transfers?
Policies vary by location. Some Walmart stores accept FFL transfers from online purchases, while others do not. If your local Walmart does accept transfers:
- Transfer fees typically range from $25-$50
- The firearm must comply with Walmart's sales policies
- Processing time may be longer than dedicated gun shops
Call your local Walmart sporting goods department to ask about their FFL transfer policies and fees.
Timeline: How Walmart's Gun Policy Evolved
Walmart's firearms policies have changed significantly over the years, often in response to mass shootings and public pressure:
| Year | Policy Change |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Stopped selling handguns in continental U.S. (continued in Alaska) |
| 2015 | Discontinued AR-15-style rifles and modern sporting rifles |
| 2018 | Raised minimum purchase age to 21 for all firearms and ammunition |
| 2019 | Stopped selling handgun ammunition, short-barrel rifle ammunition (.223/5.56), and handguns in Alaska. Requested customers not openly carry in stores. |
CEO Doug McMillon stated in 2019: "It's clear to us that the status quo is no longer acceptable." The 2019 changes followed the El Paso Walmart shooting and other high-profile incidents.
Walmart vs. Other Major Retailers
How does Walmart compare to other big-box retailers that sell firearms?
| Feature | Walmart | Bass Pro / Cabela's | Academy Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handguns | No | Yes | Yes |
| AR-15-style rifles | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hunting rifles/shotguns | Yes (limited) | Yes (extensive) | Yes |
| Handgun ammunition | No | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum age | 21 | 18/21 (varies) | 18/21 (varies) |
| Online gun sales | No | Yes | Yes |
Dick's Sporting Goods largely exited the firearms market after 2018, removing gun departments from most stores.
What Else Does Walmart Sell for Gun Owners?
Even if your local Walmart doesn't sell firearms, the sporting goods department typically stocks:
- Gun safes and security cabinets – Various sizes from pistol safes to 18+ gun cabinets
- Gun cases – Soft and hard cases for transport
- Cleaning kits and supplies – Oils, solvents, brushes, and patches
- Hunting accessories – Scopes, slings, bipods, and targets
- Hearing and eye protection – Essential safety gear
- Hunting clothing and gear – Camo, boots, blinds, and decoys
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart sell AR-15s?
No. Walmart stopped selling AR-15-style rifles and similar modern sporting rifles in 2015. They only sell traditional hunting rifles and shotguns.
Does Walmart sell handguns?
No. Walmart discontinued handgun sales in the continental U.S. in 2006 and ended Alaska handgun sales in 2019. They no longer sell handguns anywhere.
Does Walmart sell 9mm ammo?
No. Walmart stopped selling all handgun ammunition (including 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and others) in September 2019. They only sell rifle and shotgun ammunition for hunting.
Does Walmart sell .223/5.56 ammunition?
No. Walmart classified .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO as "short-barrel rifle ammunition" and discontinued sales in 2019.
Can I open carry in Walmart?
Walmart has requested that customers not openly carry firearms in their stores, even in states where open carry is legal. Concealed carry with a valid permit is generally permitted where legal.
Do I need to be 21 to buy ammo at Walmart?
Yes. Walmart requires customers to be 21 or older to purchase any ammunition, even though federal law allows 18-year-olds to buy long gun ammunition.
Why did Walmart stop selling guns?
Walmart hasn't stopped selling guns entirely—they've restricted what they sell. Policy changes followed high-profile mass shootings and public pressure. They now focus on serving hunters rather than tactical/self-defense buyers.
Is Walmart a licensed gun dealer?
Yes. Walmart stores that sell firearms operate as Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). Learn more about what an FFL is.
Find Walmart Gun Counters Near You
Looking for a Walmart that sells firearms? Browse our directory of Walmart locations with gun departments.
Or search for FFL dealers in your area, including independent gun shops and other retailers.