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FAQ - Buying ammo and visiting LAX Ammo San Diego

Common questions from San Diego
shooters, answered

If you’re unsure what you need to buy ammo in California or what to expect when you visit LAX Ammo San Diego, you’re not alone. New and experienced shooters ask us the same core questions every day, so we’ve collected the most common ones in this ammo FAQ for San Diego customers.

 

On this page you’ll find quick answers about IDs and eligibility checks, age requirements, what calibers we carry, return policies, and how our in-store ammo deals work. Each answer is written in plain English, based on what we see at our Kearny Mesa shop, and links to more detailed pages when you want to go deeper.

 

For a step-by-step overview of the purchase process, check out our How to Buy Ammo in California guide. If your question isn’t covered here, call or text 858-987-0509 or stop by the shop and we’ll walk you through it.

1. What is LAX Ammo San Diego?

LAX Ammo San Diego is a locally owned ammo shop in Kearny Mesa. William (the owner) worked over a decade for LAX/Freedom (warehouse, cashier, sales, manager, regional manager, partner) and took over the San Diego store when corporate closed others. It runs like a mom-and-pop ammo house: fast service, fair prices, real help.

2. Do you sell guns, or just ammo?

We focus on ammunition: pistol, rifle, rimfire and shotgun ammo for range, self-defense and hunting. We also carry accessories (hearing/eye protection, magazines, cleaning kits, bags/cases, small safes, some reloading components), but we’re not a full firearms dealer.

3. Who is this shop really for?

Anyone who needs ammo and wants to be treated with respect:

 

  • New gun owners

  • Regular range shooters

  • Home-defense buyers

  • Hunters

  • Military & law enforcement

  • Locals from all over San Diego

     

If you’re new, we slow down and explain. If you’re experienced, we move fast and don’t waste your time.

4. What do I need to bring to buy ammo?

At minimum, a valid California ID (driver’s license or state ID). Depending on your situation you may also need:

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  • A firearm/receiver registered to your name and address in CA (or a COE)

  • Proof of address if you’ve moved or use a PO Box

  • Extra documents if your ID says “Federal Limits Apply”

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If you’re not sure, call 858-987-0509 and we’ll tell you what to bring.

5. How old do I need to be to buy ammo?

Age rules in California depend on the type of ammo and firearm you own, and they change over time. Handgun ammo and some rifle/shotgun ammo have different age requirements. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us and we’ll explain what usually applies, then point you to the latest official info.

6. I’m a brand-new shooter and don’t want to look dumb. Is that okay?

Yes. New shooters are a big part of why we’re here. Tell us it’s your first time buying ammo and we’ll:

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  • Double-check your caliber

  • Explain the process in plain English (or Spanish)

  • Answer questions without attitude

     

We’d rather you ask everything now than feel confused later.

7. How do I know which ammo is safe and correct for my gun?

Bring as much info as you can:

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  • A clear photo of the markings on your barrel/slide/receiver, or

  • Your owner’s manual, or

  • The exact make/model of your firearm

     

We’ll help you match the correct caliber and type to your firearm and your purpose (range, defense, hunting). If we’re not sure, we won’t guess.

8. What kinds of ammo do you usually carry?

We focus on the core calibers San Diego shooters use most:

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  • Pistol: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and more

  • Rifle: .223/5.56, .308 and related calibers

  • Rimfire: mainly .22 LR

  • Shotgun: target loads, buckshot and slugs

     

Within those, we stock range, match, self-defense and hunting ammo, new and remanufactured when available.

9. Are your prices competitive with other shops and online?

We work hard to keep our prices among the most competitive in California, especially on high-use calibers like 9mm, .223/5.56 and 12 gauge. When possible, we align with current LAX/Freedom online offers and build sharp bulk deals into our Deal of the Week and Deal of the Month.

10. What is the Deal of the Week / Deal of the Month?

Deal of the Week:

Chosen every Sunday based on real inventory. Runs Monday through Sunday close (or until sold out).

 

Deal of the Month:

A bigger or themed offer (e.g. 9mm month, .223 month, shotgun focus).

 

Both are in-store only. You can see them on our Deals page and in our weekly email.

11. Can I return ammo or accessories?

By law, ammo sales are generally final in California, so ammunition is all sales final once it leaves the store. If you believe ammo is manufacturer-defective and it’s in the same condition it left, talk to us and we’ll review it case-by-case.

 

For accessories and reloading components:

 

  • No returns on opened products

  • Unopened items can usually be returned until the end of the calendar month of purchase with receipt

12. What’s the best way to contact you and when are you open?

Hours:

 

  • Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

  • Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Location:

LAX Ammo San Diego

4411 Mercury St, Suite 103

San Diego, CA 92111

 

Best contact:

 

We usually reply to messages within a couple of hours during business hours.

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