Gun Ownership

Warm Up

1. Do you use vending machines?

2. What do you buy at the grocery store?

3. What are some speciality stores you like?

   
   

Reading

Gun owners in some parts of the US can now buy bullets from vending machines in grocery stores. Before, people could buy bullets from special stores or online, but a company called American Rounds has made it possible to buy bullets from vending machines.

Some people online think these machines are a bad idea, calling them "dystopian," but many others are happy to see them in stores. The company said people can now buy bullets anytime, without waiting in lines or for stores to open.

These machines are "easy to use." They ask customers to scan their ID and use A.I. to scan their faces to make sure the faces match the ID.

In the US, people must be at least 18 years old to buy rifle bullets and 21 to buy handgun bullets. The machines will also keep a record of who buys the bullets, just like many other shops. Some people worry that the company might take or sell their personal data. But the CEO of American Rounds, Grant Magers, said the company won't do that. He said the vending machines are the "safest" way to buy bullets in the US.

The first machine was set up in Alabama, and Magers said many stores are interested in getting these machines. However, some people worry that the vending machines could be hacked, which might allow bullets to be sold to people under 18.

Reading Comprehension

1. How old do people in the US need to be to buy ammunition for rifles

2. What problem do some people say they have with the machines?

3. Where was the first bullet vending machine installed?
   

Discussion Questions

1. What are your thoughts on American Rounds' bullet vending machines?

2. Can you imagine bullet vending machines being used outside of the US?

3. Would you be concerned about gun crime if you were visiting the US?

4. What do people have to do to be able to own a gun in your country?

5. What are the main reasons people own guns?

6. Have you ever fired a gun? Was it a rifle or handgun?

7. In your opinion, who should be allowed to own guns and for what purpose?

8. How would you define responsible gun ownership?

9. Is there much gun crime in your country? Why do you think this is the case?

10. Should there be a class you have to take to own a gun? Why or why not?