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.
Use of New ATF Form 4473 Becomes Mandatory November 1st
Ah, the venerable BATFE Form 4473. That pesky bit of paperwork that we all have to fill out when purchasing a firearm. Sign here. Date there. One drop of virgin blood on line 96. Just when we’re getting used to the N/A box instead of just leaving the last line blank, gun purchasers are gearing up for the new and improved 2020 revision of our favorite bit of totally-not-a-registry busy work. The new form is required to be used starting 1 November, 2020.
Gone are the the days of “fill out the front page, sign the back, and the rest is for me.” In addition to increased options for personal information, the form is now a rousing game of pass-the-form-back-and-forth.
The new Section A is now the old page 3, now in a convenient, easy to reach top of page 1 – the details of the firearm or firearms being purchased – to be filled out by the seller before the purchaser gets to do their part. Something catches your eye and want to add it to your bill? I suppose you aren’t strictly following the instructions unless you fill out a second from. Continue reading
Brownells Releases Gen2 BRN-180 Uppers, Including 300 AAC Blackout
Brownells announced the next generation of its popular BRN-180 uppers, including the much-anticipated version chambered in 300 AAC Blackout, perfect for use with a suppressor.
Launched at SHOT Show 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the BRN-180 uppers combine features of the classic AR-180 with modern upgrades such as a full-length Picatinny rail and a free-float M-LOK handguard.
All BRN-180 Gen2 uppers are ideal for folding stocks or braces as the recoil mechanism is totally contained inside the upper.
The BRN-180 Gen2 updates include a new method of securing the handguard and adjustable gas blocks for all barrel lengths to optimize suppressor use. Continue reading
Savage’s Rascal Minimalist Brings Style to Micro Rimfires
Savage Arms has taken the quintessential introductory rimfire in another bold direction. The new Rascal Minimalist mirrors the stylish lines and laminate stock of its bigger brother, Minimalist, yet retains the features and compact sizing that has made Rascal America’s favorite firearm for teaching kids marksmanship and safety skills.
“The laminate stock and bright color combinations of Rascal Minimalist make this a stylish rifle,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage. “And it demonstrates, again, Savage’s commitment to providing the very best tools to every shooter—even those who are just learning to shoot.”
Savage’s Rascal is built on the industry’s safest micro rimfire action. Like the rest of the Rascal family, Rascal Minimalist is a single-shot rifle that cocks by lifting the bolt. It unloads just as easily – without the need to pull the trigger. The design builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger™ system and a threaded (1/2-28) barrel. Continue reading
NSSF: 2021 SHOT Show Moving Forward
The Show Must Go On
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has been shutting down businesses and grinding trade shows to a halt (I have missed exhibiting at two and attending another two already), firearms industry trade organization National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced that the 2021 SHOT Show will go on as planned.
The Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show, scheduled for January 19-22, is the largest show of its kind. With the expansion into the brand new Caesars Forum, this 43rd iteration of the SHOT Show will be the biggest one yet – featuring nearly three-quarters of a million square feet (nearly 17 acres) of exhibit space.
Despite rumors that several big names are already pulling back from the show over Coronavirus concerns, NSSF said that the SHOT Show team has spent the past month working with industry manufacturers and suppliers to confirm exhibitors and plans to have nearly 3,000 booths on display.
“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, media, and our employees is a foremost priority,” noted NSSF Senior VP, Chris Dolnack. “We are in constant contact with our partners monitoring the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as clarifying important safety protocols and guidelines for large events.”
Dolnack said that, although the 2021 SHOT Show may feel a bit different thanks to health and safety precautions (likely meaning mask requirements, lower attendance, social distancing guidelines, and so on), the critical buying and networking opportunities should be very much the same.
From the opening shots of the invite-only SHOT Show Range Day to the 17 acres of exhibit floor, the GunLink team will be at the show to bring you the latest news, product releases, and reviews as we celebrate our 10th year of SHOT Show coverage.
Stay tuned to the GunLink Blog and GunLink Forums for full coverage and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates before, during, and after the show.
Savage Now Building Southpaw Precision
In keeping with its long tradition of supporting southpaw shooters, Savage is pleased to announce the debut of new left-handed models of their dynamic Precision Series rifles. New Model 110 Elite Precisions and 110 Precisions will be available this summer, making precision long range shooting accessible to any left-handed marksman.
“Savage has built an extensive catalog of left-handed firearms, quite possibly the largest in the industry.” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage Arms. “Our customers come to expect it from us and these new Precision rifles once again demonstrate our commitment to serving all of our customers, equally.”
110 Elite Precision Left Hand
The 110 Elite Precision has changed the way shooters think of off-the-shelf rifles. The Model 110 action rides in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, this is a rifle built for a lifetime of Elite Precision.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- MDT ACC aluminum chassis with fully adjustable stock
- ARCA Rail along the entire length of the chassis
- Stainless steel, flash nitride target receiver
- Titanium Nitride bolt body
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- Self-timing taper aligned muzzlebrake (short action calibers only)
- MDT Vertical Grip and AICS magazine
110 Precision Left Hand
The 110 Precision pairs Savage’s legendary 110 action with a LSS XL chassis designed by the accuracy experts at Modular Driven Technologies. The 110 Precision is fully customizable. From the adjustable comb height and length of pull, to the capabilities of its AccuTrigger™, this aluminum-framed rifle is built for long-range accuracy and uncompromising performance.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- Matte black carbon steel heavy barrel, threaded 5/8-24
- MDT LSS XL Chassis with FDE Cerakote
- Exclusive skeletonized stock with fully adjustable comb height and length-of-pull
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- 20 MOA 1–piece EGW rail
- AICS magazine
- BA Muzzlebrake
