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.
Sig Sauer to Donate $500,000 to NSSF for Industry Support
Company Says it Supports SHOT COVID Decision, “Disappointed that We Will not be Able to Meet at SHOT Show”
Today Sig Sauer, Inc. announced the donation of $500,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to support the important work the NSSF is doing on behalf of the entire shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSSF was instrumental in defending the industry and insuring retailers and manufacturers alike were declared essential to personal safety and the defense of America and kept our respective businesses open.
“It’s disappointing that we will not be able to gather as an industry in 2021 at SHOT Show. However, given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world we fully support the difficult decision of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to cancel SHOT Show,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The NSSF, and its staff, are truly remarkable and all of us at Sig Sauer are thankful for their continued efforts. In the absence of SHOT Show, SIG is pleased to announce a $500,000 donation to support the NSSF’s ongoing work in education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and operational needs for 2021.”
To learn more about the National Shooting Sports Foundation visit nssf.org.
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
NSSF Releases 2020 Congressional Report Card
NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, released its 2020 Congressional Report Card, grading all 431 U.S. Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators on key legislation that was of critical importance to the firearm and ammunition industry, Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and America’s hunters and target shooters. Four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remain vacant.
“This scorecard is of vital importance to voters as we head into November elections. This tells voters exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues they care about like recreational shooting and hunting and the right to keep and bear arms,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The unparalleled firearm sales this year reflect the importance of ensuring lawmakers continue to protect and support the industry that makes it possible for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This nonpartisan scorecard reflects the voting record of each legislator. These grades indicate their public voting record as well as the weight and importance of these lawmakers sponsoring and co-sponsoring key legislation, their work on committees, letters signed to support issues and leadership to stand for our industry.” Continue reading