NSSF Releases Most Recent Firearm Production Figures
Gun Industry Goes BRRRRRRRRR
Nearly 20 million Modern Sporting Rifles in Circulation
NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, released the 2020 edition of its Firearm Production Report to members.
The report compiles the most up to date information based on data sourced from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reports (AFMER) as well as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).
Key findings for public release showed:
- In 2018, 11.4 million total firearms were produced or imported in the United States (less exported firearms).
- Approximately one-half (48%) of all rifles produced and imported (less exports) in 2018 were Modern Sporting Rifles.
- Since 1990, there are an estimated 19.8 million Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) in circulation today.
- An interim 2019 estimate showed a total of 6 million total firearms were produced in the United States. Of those, 3.6 million were pistols and revolvers, 2 million were rifles and 480,000 were shotguns. Those are interim figures that will be updated when complete reports become available from the ATF.
- In 2019, there were approximately 3.3 million firearms imported into the United States which included 2.3 million pistols and revolvers, 301,000 rifles and 678,000 shotguns.
- From 1991 to 2019, nearly 214 million firearms have been made available to the U.S. market.
- According to reports such as: ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States, ATF AFMER and Congressional Research Service data, there are an estimated 434 million firearms in civilian possession in the United States.
- There are approximately 71.2 million pistol magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and 79.2 million rifle magazines capable of holding 30 or more rounds in circulation.
- Firearm and ammunition manufacturing accounted for nearly 12,000 employees producing over $3.9 billion in goods shipped in 2018. An estimated 8.7 billion rounds of all calibers and gauges were produced in 2018 for the U.S. market.
NSSF Announces 2021 SHOT Show is CANCELLED!
Despite earlier statements that everything was going smoothly, nobody had anything to worry about, and acres of mask material with tanker ships full of hand sanitizer to keep everyone safe and healthy, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced today that the 43rd Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show – a/k/a SHOT Show – has been cancelled.
Whether it was due to legitimate health concerns at the show itself, or vendor pull-out based on coronavirus worries, the 2021 gathering of the firearms industry in Las Vegas this January is no more.
Despite what NSSF President & CEO Joe Bartozzi called remarkable work by SHOT Show staff to “work around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved” at the top of the list, he made the announcement this morning. Continue reading
Federal, CCI and Speer Ammunition Contribute $100,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign
NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Federal, CCI and Speer Ammunition, leading firearm ammunition manufacturers part of Vista Outdoor, have contributed $100,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.
“Gun owners new and old need to make sure their voice is heard at the ballot box in order to protect the Second Amendment,” said Federal, CCI, Speer Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “There are more than five million new first-time gun owners who already decided to jump off the fence and exercise their right to purchase and possess a firearm. NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign will help these Americans be more informed, engaged and confident in protecting their Constitutional rights as they head to the polls. We whole-heartedly support the #GUNVOTE effort and is proud to make this contribution toward success in November.” Continue reading
Taurus USA Contributes $100,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign
NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Taurus USA, one of the nation’s leading firearm manufacturers, has contributed $100,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.
“In order to make sure Americans’ Second Amendment rights continue to exist, we need every gun owner, old and new, to cast their ballot in November for candidates who will uphold the Constitution and protect the individual right to keep and bear arms.” said Taurus USA CEO Bret Vorhees. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign is a critical resource to educate and activate millions of Second Amendment supporters across the country. At Taurus USA, we’re proud to make this contribution to help achieve these shared goals in November.”
“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bret Vorhees, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Taurus USA is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Taurus USA’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.” Continue reading
Firearm Industry Commends U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s Commitment to True Gun Safety
NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, joined U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R – S.C.) at Palmetto State Armory, in Greenville, S.C., to commend him for his commitment to Real Solutions for Safer Communities. NSSF revealed Senator Graham is receiving an A+ rating, the highest possible score, in the trade association’s congressional scorecard. Senator Graham earned the score for his leadership on firearm safety initiatives, true gun safety legislation and programs that prevent firearms from being possessed by prohibited individuals while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
“The firearm industry is proud to award Senator Graham our highest rating,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel, who joined Senator Graham at the Palmetto State Armory event. “His commitment to firearm safety and protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens is long-standing. Senator Graham has been a champion for the industry’s ‘Real Solutions. Safer Communities’ campaign, which is focused on ensuring those who should never possess a firearm are not able to get hold of one. Senator Graham continues to push for legislation to protect federally-licensed firearm retailers and hold criminals accountable for thefts and robberies that put our communities in danger. At the same time, he’s a vocal proponent of NSSF’s Project Childsafe, a proven safety program to safely store firearms in the home and keep guns from those who should never have them.” Continue reading
NSSF Statement on New York Attorney General’s Intent to Dissolve the National Rifle Association
NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization. The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.
NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.
This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.
