NSSF: Firearms Industry Booming Since 2008

by
posted on April 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nssf_logo_new_f.jpg

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released its 2016 industry economic impact report, and the numbers are staggering: The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $49.3 billion in 2015, a 158 percent increase. Meanwhile, the total number of full-time jobs in the industry rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 288,000, a 73 percent spike.

The full report, titled "The Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2016," can be accessed here.

More recently, the industry's economic impact rose from $43 billion in 2014 to $49.3 billion in 2015, a nearly 15 percent increase.

"Our industry is proud to be one of the truly bright spots in our economy as an unprecedented number of Americans have chosen to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports," said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF president and chief executive officer. "In response to that dynamic, we have increased our direct workforce by about 21,000 in the last two years alone, adding jobs that pay an average of more than $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 144 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 92 percent and state business taxes by 96 percent."

For more information, go to NSSF.org.

Latest

Lederuger And Beretta
Lederuger And Beretta

Ruger and Beretta Reach Agreement

Ruger and Beretta Holding—two of the most beloved names in the hunting industry—reached a strategic cooperation agreement last week. Officials from both companies said the terms were mutually beneficial. Read on for the details.

Hardware Review: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware review of this dedicated hunting handgun from Taurus.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-10x24mm FFP

The latest Strike Eagle 1–10x24mm FFP from Vortex Optics plants a stake in the middle ground between close-range speed and long range performance, delivering more reach and a compact footprint that saves space for rail-mounted accessories. Deerwoods hunters and predator hunters, take serious note.

Review: Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50mm

Contributor Phil Massaro reviews the Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50 binocular, which offers a stellar image at an attractive price.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Defender Vision Pro LSF

The Defender Vision Pro LSF is Browning Trail Cameras' 2026 livestream cellular trail camera, built for users seeking immediate visibility and real-time awareness from the field. It is designed for both property and game monitoring.

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.