Consumers did not reduce the number of guns and ammunition purchased during the last recession; instead the demand for firearms actually accelerated.
- With demand for industry products surging over the past five years, the Gun and Ammunition Stores industry has grown strongly during the last five years due to concerns of security and regulatory oversight. This is despite the heavy competition the industry faces from other gun and ammunition retailers, and sporting goods and outdoor stores.
- The gun and ammunition industry has grown at an average annual rate of 10.6% over the last five years.
- In 2014, the guns and ammunition manufacturing annual revenue in the United States was just over $11 million.
- 32% of American households have at least one gun.
- In 2013, there were 31,625,161 hunting licenses, tags, permits, and stamps sold throughout the United States.
- According to the NRA, Americans have bought more than 100 million brand new guns during the last 15 years, on top of the 200 million they already had.
- The competitive advantage that specialized gun and ammunition stores provide is more personalized service and advanced knowledge about firearm and ammunition specifications. This is a leading factor in business growth.
- Industry revenue is anticipated to grow to $4.0 billion in the five years to 2019, driven by increasing disposable income, sports participation rates and impending gun reforms.
- In 2014, 8,130,000 active concealed weapons permits were issued in the United States.
- In 2014, 6 million people purchased at least one firearm, according to the NRA.
- Women and seniors are the rising population of gun owners. According to the National Shooting Sports foundation, 80% of gun retailers reported an increase in female customers in 2012 and the numbers continue to rise.1
- Moreover, with the aging of the baby-boomer population feeling defenseless, many seniors view gun ownership as a means of protection.
