Never have bought individual ammunition. My Mom and Dad didnt get a charge account (Montgomery Wards) until I had moved out of the house. My Dad had a gas card of some sort for emergencies, but, I dont think it was ever used, he also had a $20 stashed in his car.
My folks didnt get a color TV until 1981, or air conditioning until 1985. My Mom never understood the uproar about TV violence until she had a color set.
Im still the only guy in my local circle that has a 16. There was a USMC
Vietnam Vet that my Dad knew, up the block, that had a Sweet 16 with a poly choke on it, but, I dont think he ever used it.

Best,
Ted