Top US Gun Manufacturers: Complete Guide to America’s Leading Firearms Companies

The Definitive Rankings: Top 10 US Gun Manufacturers

Based on the most recent ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (AFMER) data, here are the leading American firearm manufacturers by production volume:

1. Sturm, Ruger & Company (Ruger)

Total Firearms Produced (2023): 1,305,615

Founded in 1949 by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm with just $50,000 in initial capital, Ruger has grown to become America’s largest firearms manufacturer. The company operates manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, Arizona, North Carolina, and Missouri, producing over 400 variations across more than 30 product lines.

Ruger’s success stems from its diversified portfolio spanning rifles, pistols, and revolvers. The company is particularly known for its .22 caliber firearms, including the iconic 10/22 rifle introduced in 1964, and the GP100 revolver series. In 2024, Ruger celebrated its 75th anniversary while maintaining its position as the industry leader.

Key Products:

• 10/22 Semi-automatic rifles

• GP100 and LCR revolvers

• American rifle series

• Mark IV pistols

• Mini-14 rifles

2. SIG Sauer

Total Firearms Produced (2023): 1,020,755

Originally a Swiss-German company, SIG Sauer established significant US manufacturing operations in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1992. The company has built its reputation on military and law enforcement contracts, most notably winning the US Army’s Modular Handgun System contract for the M17 and M18 pistols.

SIG Sauer dominates the law enforcement market and has become synonymous with tactical and duty firearms. The company produces over 944,000 handguns annually, making it the second-largest pistol manufacturer in America.

Key Products:

• P320 modular pistol system (basis for M17/M18)

• P226 (Navy SEALS standard)

• MCX and MPX rifle platforms

• Cross precision rifles

3. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Total Firearms Produced (2023): 991,847

America’s oldest continuously operating firearms manufacturer, Smith & Wesson was founded in 1852 by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson. The company relocated its headquarters from Massachusetts to Tennessee in 2023, continuing its 170+ year legacy of American firearms manufacturing.

Smith & Wesson remains the definitive name in American revolvers while also producing a comprehensive line of semi-automatic pistols and rifles. The company’s M&P (Military & Police) series has gained significant market share among law enforcement agencies.

Key Products:

• Model 686 and other N-frame revolvers

• M&P series pistols and rifles

• Performance Center custom firearms

• .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers

4. Savage Arms

Total Firearms Produced (2023): 725,644

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts, Savage Arms has built a reputation for accurate, affordable hunting rifles and shotguns. The company experienced significant growth in recent years, with production increasing substantially from previous reporting periods.

Savage is particularly known for innovation in rifle accuracy, introducing the AccuTrigger system that allows user-adjustable trigger pull weights. The company produces primarily long guns, with rifles representing the vast majority of its output.

Key Products:

• Model 110 hunting rifles

• A-series precision rifles

• Stevens shotguns

• MSR rifle series

5. Palmetto State Armory (PSA)

Total Firearms Produced (2023): 581,769

Founded in 2008 and based in Columbia, South Carolina, Palmetto State Armory has rapidly grown to become one of America’s largest AR-15 manufacturers. The company operates both as a manufacturer and retailer, known for producing affordable AR-style rifles and components.

PSA’s business model focuses on providing entry-level pricing for modern sporting rifles, making them accessible to a broader consumer base. The company produces a wide range of AR-15 variants along with AK-style rifles and handguns.

Key Products:

• AR-15 rifles and pistols

• AK-style rifles

• Polymer handguns

• AR components and accessories

Industry Market Dynamics and Trends

Production Volume Analysis

The American firearms industry produced 9.8 million firearms in 2023, representing a 13% decrease from 2022 levels. This decline reflects the industry’s return to more normalized production levels following the unprecedented surge during 2020-2021, when annual production exceeded 13.8 million units.

2023 Production Breakdown:

• Handguns: 4.7 million units (48% of production)

• Rifles: 3.1 million units (32% of production)

• Shotguns: 583,000 units (6% of production)

• Miscellaneous: 1.3 million units (14% of production)

Economic Impact

The firearms and ammunition industry generates substantial economic activity across the United States. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry:

• Employs over 383,000 people directly and indirectly

• Generates $91.7 billion in total economic impact annually

• Contributes over $886 million to wildlife conservation through Pittman-Robertson excise taxes

• Pays more than $10.97 billion in various taxes

Geographic Distribution

Leading States by Direct Employment:

• California: 13,086 jobs

• Texas: 11,630 jobs

• Florida: 9,393 jobs

• Pennsylvania: 7,398 jobs

• Ohio: 5,847 jobs

The Complete Top 30 Rankings

Beyond the top 10, the American firearms manufacturing landscape includes numerous specialized and regional manufacturers:

Ranks 11-20:
11. Heritage Manufacturing – 308,040 firearms
12. Kimber – 230,325 firearms
13. Aero Precision – 202,265 firearms
14. Kel-Tec – 196,118 firearms
15. Beretta USA – 180,447 firearms
16. Colt – 158,797 firearms
17. Anderson Manufacturing – 157,264 firearms
18. Remington Arms – 155,999 firearms
19. FN America – 138,595 firearms
20. Taurus USA – 123,025 firearms

Ranks 21-30:
21. Radical Firearms – 121,600 firearms
22. SCCY – 113,159 firearms
23. Century Arms – 106,970 firearms
24. Hi-Point Firearms – 87,800 firearms
25. Daniel Defense – 81,435 firearms
26. Shadow Systems – 76,685 firearms
27. Legacy Sports International – 75,310 firearms
28. American Tactical – 64,562 firearms
29. Christensen Arms – 69,053 firearms
30. Keystone Sporting Arms – 60,269 firearms

Industry Specializations and Market Segments

Military and Law Enforcement

Companies like SIG Sauer, FN America, and Colt focus heavily on military and law enforcement contracts. These manufacturers often leverage their military relationships to build civilian market credibility.

Hunting and Sporting

Traditional manufacturers like Savage Arms, Henry Repeating Arms, and Mossberg dominate the hunting market with rifles and shotguns designed for sporting applications.

Personal Defense

The concealed carry and personal defense market is served by companies like Smith & Wesson, Glock, and numerous smaller manufacturers producing compact pistols.

Modern Sporting Rifles

The AR-15 platform market includes manufacturers like Palmetto State Armory, Daniel Defense, and Aero Precision, serving both civilian and law enforcement markets.

Regulatory Environment and Data Sources

All production data comes from the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (AFMER), which collects mandatory reports from all Type 07 and Type 10 Federal Firearms Licensees. This data represents firearms distributed into commerce during the reporting year and excludes:

• Imported firearms

• Firearms produced but not yet distributed

• Military production for US armed forces

The AFMER system ensures comprehensive tracking of domestic firearms production while protecting proprietary business information through delayed publication.

Future Industry Outlook

The American firearms industry continues to evolve with several key trends shaping its future:

Technology Integration: Manufacturers are incorporating smart technology, improved materials, and precision manufacturing techniques to enhance performance and safety.

Market Diversification: Companies are expanding product lines to serve multiple market segments, from hunting and sport shooting to personal defense and law enforcement.

Geographic Shifts: Several major manufacturers have relocated operations to more business-friendly states, particularly in the South, following regulatory and tax considerations.

Supply Chain Resilience: The industry has invested heavily in domestic supply chain capabilities following recent disruptions, reducing dependence on international suppliers.

The top US gun manufacturers represent a mature industry with deep American roots, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. These companies continue to serve diverse markets from military and law enforcement to sporting and personal defense applications, contributing significantly to American manufacturing and the broader economy. Understanding these industry leaders provides essential insight into both the business dynamics and cultural significance of firearms manufacturing in the United States.