28 Gun Industry Statistics To Know

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Hey there, fellow explorers of the gun world! Buckle up, because we've got a front-row seat to the grand spectacle of the U.S. firearm industry. In a year where “controversy” seems to be the word on everyone's lips, we're diving deep into the stats, unveiling a panorama that's as complex as it is fascinating.

From the sheer volume of guns per capita to the pulse-quickening spike in gun deaths, we're laying it all out for you. So grab your favorite reading spot, maybe a cup of joe, and let's navigate through the 28 Gun Industry Statistics To Know. It's like a rollercoaster ride, but with numbers. Ready?

Gun Industry Statistics by Gun Manufacturing

So, let's talk guns. It's no secret that the firearm industry is on a perpetual treadmill, racing to keep up with the demand, both from the military and your neighbor next door.

Controversial? Yeah, maybe. But it's also an industry that puts food on the table for thousands across the good ol' U.S. of A. Here's the lowdown in a language we all speak:

Pumping Them Out Like There's No Tomorrow

Between the chill vibes of 2017 and the rollercoaster ride of 2022, we've been cranking out between 7 to 9 million guns each year.

In 2016, we hit the jackpot with almost 11.5 million pieces! Since then, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, staying in the 7 to 9 million ballpark. But hey, that's a far cry from the early 2000s when we were barely pushing 3 million a year.

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The Little Guys and the Big Shots

Guess what? Half of the gun-making folks in the U.S. are like your local artisanal coffee shop — cute, but not exactly churning out the masses. Yep, 50% of the 2,111 gun manufacturers recognized by the ATF produce less than ten guns a year.

Combine their efforts, and it's less than 10,000 guns. The big boys, on the other hand, are carrying 99% of the manufacturing weight.

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The Pistol Power Trio

In the world of pistols, it's a trio dominating the scene. Smith & Wesson Corp., Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc., and SIG SAUER Inc. — these three are the cool kids responsible for 58% of all the pistols made in the good ol' U.S. of A. Brand loyalty, anyone?

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Cha-Ching in the Firearms Industry

If you're thinking of joining the gun-making party, here's the financial scoop. The average paycheck in the firearms industry dance is between $38,000 and $40,000.

Whether you're hustling as a Gun Salesman or tinkering as a Firearms Technician, the green is pretty consistent. Unless, of course, you're the CEO — they're in a league of their own.

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Gun Industry Statistics by Types of Firearms

Now, let's dive into the symphony of firearms, each with its own melody and purpose. Whether it's a pistol for home security or a rifle for a day of bird hunting, there's a gun catering to every taste. Let's unravel the intriguing world of firearms:

The Pistol Parade

Pistols take the crown as the most common firearm in the U.S., making up a solid 43.4% of the guns produced. In 2019 alone, over 3 million pistols hit the assembly lines, and it's not surprising.

They're budget-friendly, user-friendly, and often come with fewer licensing headaches. Perfect for the everyday gun owner.

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Rifle Rendezvous

Following closely behind, rifles claim the second spot in the firearm hierarchy, constituting 28% of the guns produced.

Just under 1.96 million rifles rolled off the production line in 2019. Larger and pricier than pistols, rifles are the go-to for recreational activities like hunting. A bit more oomph for those who like their bangs with a side of adventure.

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The Quiet Players: Shotguns and Revolvers

In the world of firearms, shotguns are the wallflowers, making up only 7% of the guns produced. In 2019, approximately 480,000 shotguns found new homes, trailing behind the 580,000 revolvers sold.

Maybe it's the price tag or the kickback, but these guns aren't exactly the go-to for gun newbies.

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The AR-15 Dilemma

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the AR-15. Over 20 million of these semi-automatic rifles are legally circulating in the U.S. Known for its controversial role in significant mass shootings, the AR-15 isn't your run-of-the-mill firearm.

Despite misconceptions, it's not an automatic assault rifle, but it's not without its restrictions, especially in states like California or Massachusetts.

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Smith & Wesson's Pistol Party

When it comes to pistols and revolvers, Smith & Wesson steals the spotlight as the largest producer in the U.S., churning out a cool 1.2 million every year.

This corporate giant doesn't play small, with 60% of its sales coming from these handguns. It's a people's favorite too, with a whopping 91.2% of its firearms finding homes among domestic consumers.

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Remington's Rifle Resonance

Shifting our focus to rifles, Remington Outdoor takes the lead as the biggest producer in the U.S., crafting over 700,000 rifles annually.

That's nearly three times the production compared to Smith & Wesson's pistols. The numbers have only been climbing, leaving their 2005 production of 300,000 rifles in the dust.

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Gun Industry Trends and Projections Statistics

Buckle up, because we're diving into the ever-evolving world of firearms. Controversial? Absolutely. Growing? You bet. The numbers speak for themselves, so let's check out the trends and projections that keep the firearm industry in the headlines:

The Buying Spree

Picture this: between 2019 and 2020, gun enthusiasts were on a shopping spree, and purchases skyrocketed by a staggering 60%. In 2019, 13.5 million guns found new owners, and that number shot up to 21.6 million in 2020.

Sure, the dust settled a bit in 2022 with 16.4 million purchases, but that's still a lot of firepower finding its way into the hands of Americans.

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Doubling Down on Firearms

The past decade has been a double-barreled blast in terms of sales. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of guns sold in the U.S. more than doubled.

In 2010, there were around 10 million guns making their way to gun safes across the nation. Fast forward to 2020, and that number exploded to over 21 million. It's not just a trend; it's a boom.

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The Industry's Moolah

Let's talk dollars and cents. As of 2022, the U.S. Guns & Ammunition Manufacturing industry is flexing its financial muscles with a market size of $19.5 million.

That's a hefty 31.75% increase from the $14.8 million it flaunted in 2018. While the revenue rollercoaster hit a peak in 2020, hovering around $19 million yearly is no small feat.

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Global Ammo Ambitions

Zooming out a bit, the global Guns and Accessories industry is set for a wild ride. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.15% expected between 2020 and 2027, the industry, valued at $6.14 billion in 2019, is projected to hit a whopping $9.33 billion by 2027.

North America, with its trigger-happy consumers, claims a chunky 52.8% of the global market share in 2019.

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Gun Industry Statistics by Location

In the grand tapestry of gun ownership, the United States paints a diverse picture, with each state holding its own in the firearm industry. Let's take a stroll through the country, unlocking the insights our research has unearthed about the firearm landscape in different states:

Lone Star Arsenal

Texas, the behemoth of gun culture, isn't just big in size; it's leading the pack in job opportunities within the firearms industry, boasting over 31,600 open positions.

Hot on its heels is the Golden State, California, surprising us with its second-place status, flaunting 29,000 available firearm-related jobs. Rounding out the top five are Florida (22,300), Pennsylvania (18,800), and Ohio (15,200).

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Background Check Chronicles

When it comes to background checks in 2021, Illinois takes the spotlight, conducting over 1 million checks—double the efforts of runner-up Kentucky with just over 400,000 checks.

The top five also feature Indiana, Texas, and Florida, states popular among gun enthusiasts, showcasing the nation's diverse interest in firearm ownership.

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The Texas Tally

Texas not only dominates in job openings and background checks but also claims the throne for the most registered guns, with a whopping 588,696 statewide.

However, it's a tale of percentages, as Texas falls behind some neighbors in terms of gun ownership, with 45% of its population owning firearms. Nearby Oklahoma, with a mere 71,269 registered guns, outpaces Texas in ownership, boasting 54.7%.

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Montana: The True Gun Territory

Montana stands tall with 66.3% of its population proudly owning a gun, surpassing every other state. The trend continues in sparsely populated states like Wyoming (66.2%), Alaska (64.5%), and West Virginia (58.5%), where a majority of the populace embraces gun ownership.

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The Gun-Shy States

On the flip side, states like Massachusetts and New Jersey tie for the lowest rate of gun ownership in the U.S., with a mere 14.7%.

They share the podium with Rhode Island (14.8%), Hawaii (14.9%), and New York (19.9%). In Rhode Island, the scarcity of guns per capita is particularly striking, with only three firearms for every 1,000 residents.

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Wyoming's Firearm Frenzy

While Rhode Island treads lightly, Wyoming goes big. It boasts the highest number of guns per capita, with a staggering 229 firearms for every 1,000 people, showcasing a stark contrast in the gun culture across states.

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Gun Industry Statistics by Gun Owners

Behind the booming firearm industry stands a legion of gun owners, each contributing to the staggering statistics that define the American relationship with firearms. Let's take a closer look at the intriguing dynamics of gun ownership in the United States:

Gun Galore: 120.5 Guns Per Capita

In the land of the free, guns reign supreme. As of 2021, the U.S. boasts a mind-boggling 120.5 guns for every 100 residents. To put that in perspective, there's a whopping 393 million civilian-owned firearms across the nation.

That's enough firepower for every man, woman, and child to have their very own gun, and we'd still be left with 67 million extras. Talk about a trigger-happy nation!

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The Gender Reload: Men vs. Women

Who holds the power in the gun ownership arena? Well, 57.8% of U.S. gun owners are men, with the remaining 42.2% being women. Interestingly, women often gravitate towards handguns, while rifles and shotguns are more commonly wielded by their male counterparts.

Copy Code!

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Colorful Triggers: Breaking Down by Race

When it comes to racial breakdowns, white Americans take the lead in gun ownership, with 47% of white individuals and households owning at least one firearm. The stats shift with 37% for Black, 26% for Hispanic, and 20% for Asian individuals and households in the U.S.

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Age and Ammo: Who Packs the Most Heat?

Age brings wisdom, and apparently, a fondness for firearms. People and households aged 65 and above claim the top spot in gun ownership, with 45% packing at least one piece. However, the competition is tight, with 43% of the 18-29 age group and 50-64 age group also locked and loaded.

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America: The Global Arsenal

In a world where over 190 countries exist, the U.S. stands tall, accounting for a staggering 46% of the worldwide total of civilian-held firearms. No other nation comes close, not even Yemen or the Falkland Islands, with both trailing behind in per capita gun ownership.

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Gun Industry Statistics by Gun Safety

In the intricate tapestry of the U.S. firearm industry, safety concerns cast a shadow, weaving a complex narrative. As we delve into the realm of gun safety, essential statistics emerge, shedding light on the challenges and consequences associated with firearms:

Lethal Surge: A 14% Spike in Gun Deaths

The numbers paint a somber picture, revealing a 14% increase in gun deaths from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, 45,222 individuals succumbed to gunshot wounds, compared to the 39,707 lives lost in 2019.

This surge can be attributed, at least in part, to the unprecedented spike in gun purchases and manufacturing during the tumultuous year of 2020.

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Firearms in the Shadows: The Stolen Arsenal

Behind closed doors, licensed dealers grapple with a staggering challenge – approximately 18,700 firearms are pilfered from them each year.

While estimating exact figures may be challenging, the undeniable truth is that thousands of guns fall into the wrong hands annually. Stolen firearms pose a substantial safety threat, as those who snatch them evade background checks, often harboring malicious intentions.

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The Police Firearm Conundrum: Unraveling Fatalities

In the complex dance between law enforcement and firearms, a stark statistic emerges – 96% of U.S. civilian deaths caused by police involve a firearm.

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However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn as only 15% of those shot and killed by the police are armed themselves. The demographics of these tragic events reveal a skewed reality, with 95% of victims being male.

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Disturbingly, Black individuals, comprising only 13% of the total population, account for 27% of these fatalities, underscoring a deep-seated issue that demands attention and reform.

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Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour through the heart of the gun industry, where statistics tell a tale as dynamic as the controversies that surround it. We've peeked into the state-by-state gun sagas, danced with the demographics of gun owners, and delved into the shadows of gun safety.

As we bid adieu to this statistical safari, one thing is clear: the firearm industry is a beast of its own, with highs, lows, and a fair share of surprises. Until next time, stay curious, stay safe, and keep the conversation going. The gun world is complex, but understanding it? Well, that's a journey worth taking. Cheers to knowledge and the stories it tells!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many guns are there per person in the U.S.?

In 2021, the U.S. boasted an astonishing 120.5 guns for every 100 residents, totaling a whopping 393 million civilian-owned firearms, making sure everyone could have their own piece and still leave 67 million extras.

2. Which state leads in the number of open jobs in the firearms industry?

Texas takes the lead, with over 31,600 job opportunities, showcasing not just its size but its undeniable influence in the ever-growing world of gun-related professions.

3. What's the trend in gun deaths from 2019 to 2020?

There was a 14% increase in gun deaths during this period, with 2020 witnessing 45,222 fatalities compared to 39,707 in 2019, reflecting the complex interplay between rising gun ownership and the broader societal landscape.

4. How many guns are stolen from licensed dealers annually?

Licensed dealers grapple with an alarming challenge, losing approximately 18,700 firearms each year to theft, underlining a significant safety threat as stolen guns often end up in the wrong hands without undergoing background checks.

5. What percentage of U.S. civilian deaths caused by police involve firearms?

A staggering 96% of U.S. civilian deaths caused by police involve the use of firearms, revealing a complex and pressing issue in law enforcement. However, only 15% of those shot and killed by the police are found to be armed themselves, underscoring the nuanced and controversial nature of these fatalities.