A former Pennsylvania cop who retired after 25 years service to start an ammunition manufacturing and wholesale business has now developed vending machines that dispense 'pretty much everything ' when it comes to bullets . But while Sam Piccini , of Rochester , says that gun clubs from all over are 'chomping at the bit ' for their pay-as-you-go dispensaries , complaints about the machines and their safety seem just as widespread . Piccini has installed two at his local gun club , the Beaver Valley Rifle and Pistol Club , which , like many , refuses to sell 'non-jacketed ' rounds of ammunition , making the machines popular among members . Controversial : An ammunition salesman and former cop has installed two vending machines that dispense ammunition at his local gun club in Rochester , Pennsylvania . 'It 's not like someone walking off the street can get in and buy ammunition ' : Former cop Sam Piccini says the machines are perfectly legal and that he created them for the convenience of gun club members only . The machines are kept behind locked doors that require a digital key fob - which all members have -to open . The swipe cards grant 24-hour access to the club 's grounds shooting ranges , where the ammunition vending machine is located . All members have to be over 18 to get a swipe card . In Pennsylvania , people ages 18 and over can buy long gun ammunition , and people over 21 can buy bullets for handguns . Piccini has defended himself against cries that the devices will allow minors easy access to ammo . 'It 's not like someone walking off the street can get in and buy ammunition , ' he told Fox News . The machines sell nearly every caliber of bullet from .22 to .45 . 'The machine sells pretty much everything , ' said Piccinini , . 'From .22 long rifle to .45 Long Colt and every standard caliber in between except .32 and .25 automatic . 'It 's got 380 , 9 , 38 , 40 , 45 , .357 SIG . I manufacture all of it myself . ' They keys are given to members 18 years and over , meaning people under 21 could possible purchase handgun bullets they are not legally entitled to . However local newspaper The Beaver Countian report receiving 'several tips ' from locals raising concerns about the machines . Not candy : This vending machine - operated by Sam Piccini , a candidate for Beaver County Sheriff - which distributes firearms ammunition is raising some eyebrows . A spokesman for the Federal Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives - which regulates the sale of ammunition - confirmed to the newspaper the machines could provide bullets to minors . ' I do n't want to speculate as to what is or is not happening in this particular situation , but a licensee can not sell ammunition to anyone under the age of 18 , and importantly you can not sell handgun ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 , ' ATF Special Agent Stephen Bartholomew told the paper . Piccini said he had the idea years ago , and spent time modifying the machines so they could accept larger bills and credit cards , with the price of bullets much higher than that of candy . Piccini , who is a current candidate for Beaver County Sheriff , said he consulted lawyers about the machines and maintains that operating them is perfectly legal .
Piccinini retired from the force after 25 years service to start an ammunition manufacturing and wholesale business . He has installed two vending machines that dispense ammunition at his local gun club in Rochester , Pennsylvania , that sell 'everything ' They can only be accessed by members , who must be the age of 18 . Local press say residents are concerned about the safety of the machines .