The American firearms industry is a special mix of rich heritage, state-of-the-art technology, and the ongoing push and pull of international happenings.
Whether you’re a military strategist, a competitive shooter, or just interested in learning who is making America’s best-selling guns, knowing the market leaders informs you about the direction of the industry. Here’s a closer examination of the 10 largest U.S. gun manufacturers, what sets them apart, and how they are defining the future of guns in the United States and overseas.
10. Henry Repeating Arms
With roots dating back to 1860, Henry Repeating Arms is equal to the lever-action rifle—a classic bit of Americana. Although lever guns are their hallmark, Henry also manufactures pump and single-shot rifles that win over hunters, sport shooters, and collectors. Staying true to old-fashioned craftsmanship keeps them a force to be reckoned with in the long-gun market.
9. Mossberg
O.F. Mossberg & Sons has been a household name for shotguns for generations. Home to icons such as the pump-action Model 500 and the compact 590 Shockwave, Mossberg made a reputation built on hardy dependability.
It is still the United States’ number one shotgun manufacturer, a position it has maintained through steady performance and no-nonsense designs.
8. Glock (U.S. Operations)
Though Glock originated in Austria, its American production wing has become a force to be reckoned with. Renowned for their polymer-framed handguns, Glocks are the go-to of law enforcement and civilian self-protection. In 2022, U.S. production alone reached 465,117 firearms, not including the substantial number still manufactured in Austria.
7. Palmetto State Armory
Based in South Carolina, Palmetto State Armory has made a niche for itself by providing cheap, dependable AR-15 and AK-style rifles, as well as pistols and accessories ranging from full stocks to trigger pulls. Its value and variety have appealed to first-time customers as well as experienced shooters, surfing the boom in modern sporting rifles.
6. Springfield Armory
Merging historical American heritage with modern-day firearm manufacturing, Springfield Armory makes anything from traditional 1911 pistols to AR-patterned rifles. Springfield also imports iconic Croatian-made handguns into the U.S. market. In 2022, Springfield produced 562,446 firearms and continued as one of the best-known names in the business.
5. Savage Arms
With over 125 years of heritage, Savage Arms has built its legacy for making extremely accurate rifles, along with quality shotguns and handguns. Competitive shooters and hunters both go to Savage for its innovative products and emphasis on accuracy, keeping the company solidly in the top echelon of American gun manufacturers.
4. Smith & Wesson
Established in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the most revered names in American firearms. Famed for pistols, revolvers, and rifles, the company remains committed to making reliable firearms for self-defense, sport, and law enforcement. Smith & Wesson’s continued drive for innovation keeps it a name at home in shooting communities.
3. SIG SAUER
SIG SAUER emerged as a leading power, providing arms to the U.S. military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. Renowned for reliability and innovative designs, SIG acquired huge defense contracts, such as the Next Generation Squad Weapon program of the U.S. Army. In 2022, it manufactured more than 1.13 million weapons, cementing its power in domestic as well as international markets.
2. Ruger (Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.)
Ruger is the U.S.’s largest firearm manufacturer by production volume. Since 1949, the company has established a reputation for quality, innovation, and value. Ruger produces an enormous line of products—pistols, revolvers, hunting rifles, AR-style rifles, and lever-actions—with more than 800 variations in total.
Ruger’s devotion to American manufacturing is evident through plants in New Hampshire, Arizona, and North Carolina. The firm’s innovations in safety systems, modularity, and investment casting have created standards for the whole industry.
1. Trends Driving the Firearms Market
The dominance of these manufacturers is only half the story. The American firearms business has exploded, with its overall economic footprint rising from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $80.73 billion in 2022. Pandemics such as COVID-19 and wars like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have fueled civilian and military demand. Technology is redefining expectations, with modular rifle systems, light materials, and even early “smart gun” capabilities hitting the marketplace. In the meantime, changing regulations and international supply chain pressures persist in shaping strategy and production.
North America’s largest firearms market is powered by high defense spending, extensive civilian ownership, and robust domestic manufacturing. The U.S. leads the charge, with military programs such as the Next Generation Squad Weapon and a civilian sector that has no signs of diminishing.
From heritage companies with 19th-century histories to contemporary disruptors providing affordable tactical rifles, these companies are the foundation of American gunmaking, fostering innovation, preserving tradition, and shaping the future of firearms in a rapidly evolving world.