The Gun Industry

An Inside Look at the Business of Firearms

The gun industry involves the production, distribution, and sale of firearms and related products. It’s a complex and multifaceted industry. According to the NSSF’s 2022 Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report, the firearms industry creates 375,819 jobs, pays $21.3 billion in wages, and created an overall economic impact of $70.5 billion in the United States.

It consists of manufacturing, selling, and repairing guns and accessories. Hunting, shooting sports, military, and law enforcement fuel firearms businesses. Gun collecting and investing in guns is also an important part in the firearms industry. Let’s examine the different aspects of the gun industry and how people make money within it.

… the firearms industry has been around and has been respected for generations. They provide a valuable service and a highly desirable product to millions of sportsmen and supporters of those second amendment rights.
– Cliff Stearns, Former United States Representative

Gun Manufacturers: Gun manufacturers design and produce firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Gun Distributors: Gun distributors purchase guns from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or directly to consumers.
Gun Retailers: Gun retailers sell guns and other firearms-related products to consumers. Examples are gun stores and sporting goods stores.
Gunsmiths, Repair Technicians, and Armorers: Gunsmiths provide services such as cleaning, repairs, modifications, and custom builds for firearms.
Ammunition Manufacturers: Ammunition manufacturers produce and sell various types of ammunition, such as pistol rounds, rifle rounds, and shotgun shells.
Hunting and Outdoor Gear Companies: Businesses that produce and sell gear related to hunting and other outdoor activities, such as hunting apparel, optics, and accessories.
Shooting Ranges: Shooting ranges operate indoor or outdoor facilities where people can shoot guns for recreational or training purposes.
Gun Training and Education Providers: Gun training companies offer courses and classes on gun safety and use.
Hunting Guides and Outfitters: Hunting guides and outfitters offer guided hunting trips and other related services, such as equipment rentals and transportation.

Manufacturing & Distribution

The gun industry is dominated by a small number of large manufacturers, such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Glock. These manufacturers produce a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, using complex production processes that involve the use of specialized machinery and skilled labor. Once firearms are produced, they are distributed to retailers through a network of wholesalers and distributors. The distribution process is regulated by federal and state laws, which can impact the flow of firearms to different markets.

When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, ‘Well, what do you need?’
– Steven Wright

Gun Manufacturing & Distribution Jobs:

Gunsmith: Gunsmiths are skilled craftsmen who make, repair, and customize firearms. They may work in a factory setting or in a small workshop, and they use a range of tools and techniques to create and repair guns.
Quality control technician: Quality control technicians are responsible for ensuring that firearms are made to high standards and meet the specifications of the manufacturer. They may test firearms for accuracy, reliability, and durability, and they may identify and report any defects or issues.
Production worker: Production workers are responsible for assembling and finishing firearms in a factory setting. They may work on a specific part of the gun, such as the barrel or the trigger, or they may work on the final assembly of the gun.
Distribution manager: Distribution managers are responsible for overseeing the distribution of firearms from the manufacturer to the retailer. They may work in a warehouse setting, where they coordinate the packing and shipping of firearms, or they may work in a sales or marketing role, where they develop relationships with retailers and distributors.
Supply chain manager: Supply chain managers are responsible for managing the flow of materials and components that are used to make firearms. They may work with suppliers to ensure that the right materials are available when needed, and they may also coordinate with logistics providers to get materials to the factory or warehouse.

Retail & Online sales

Firearms are sold through a variety of channels, including brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, and gun shows. Retailers range from small, independent shops to large chains with hundreds of locations. In recent years, online sales have become increasingly important, with many consumers turning to websites like Guns.com, BudsGunShop.com, and others to purchase firearms and accessories. Sales trends in the gun industry can be influenced by a range of factors, including consumer demand, economic conditions, and gun laws and regulations.

gun show crowd and tables from over head

Gun Industry Retail & Online Sales Jobs:

Gun salesperson: Gun salespersons work in gun stores, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets that sell firearms. They are responsible for helping customers find the right gun for their needs, answering questions about different models and features, and completing the paperwork and background check process for gun purchases.
Online sales representative: Online sales representatives are responsible for managing the online sales of firearms. They may work for a gun manufacturer or retailer, and they may be responsible for maintaining and updating the company’s website, answering customer inquiries, and processing orders.
Marketing manager: Marketing managers are responsible for promoting firearms and related products to consumers. They may develop marketing campaigns, create advertising materials, and work with salespeople to promote products to retailers and distributors.
Customer service representative: Customer service representatives work with customers to answer questions, resolve issues, and provide support related to gun purchases and other aspects of the gun industry. They may work in a call center setting or in a retail store, and they may handle inquiries by phone, email, or in person.
Store manager: Store managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a gun store or other retail outlet. They may hire and train staff, manage inventory, and handle customer service issues.

Service and repair

Proper maintenance and care are essential for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of firearms. Gunsmiths are skilled craftsmen who provide repair and customization services for firearms. They may work in small independent shops or for larger retailers or manufacturers. In addition to repairing firearms, gunsmiths may also build custom guns, modify existing guns, and perform other services.

Gun Service & Repair Jobs:

Gunsmith: Gunsmiths are skilled craftsmen who make, repair, and customize firearms. They may work in a factory setting or in a small workshop, and they use a range of tools and techniques to create and repair guns.
Gun repair technician: Gun repair technicians are responsible for diagnosing and fixing problems with firearms. They may work in a factory setting, where they repair guns that are covered under warranty, or they may work in a gun shop, where they repair guns for customers.
Gun cleaning technician: Gun cleaning technicians are responsible for cleaning and maintaining firearms to ensure that they are in good working order. They may work in a factory setting, where they clean guns that are being returned for repair, or they may work in a gun shop, where they offer cleaning services to customers.
Gun range technician: Gun range technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and facilities at a gun range. They may also provide instruction and assistance to customers who are using the range.
Gun refinisher: Gun refinishers are responsible for restoring the finish on firearms. They may work on a range of firearms, including antiques and modern guns, and they may use a variety of techniques to restore the finish, including polishing, bluing, and Parkerizing.

Accessories & Accessory Manufacturing

The gun accessory market is a large and growing sector of the gun industry. Accessories include items like holsters, optics, and ammunition, and they can be purchased from retailers or manufactured by specialized companies. Key players in the accessory market include companies like Vortex Optics, Magpul, and Federal Premium. The demand for gun accessories can be influenced by a range of factors, including the popularity of different types of shooting sports and the availability of new products.

Gun Accessories & Accessory Manufacturing Jobs:

Gun accessory designer: Gun accessory designers are responsible for creating new products that are used in conjunction with firearms. These products may include holsters, cases, sights, scopes, and other items.
Gun accessory manufacturer: Gun accessory manufacturers produce a wide range of products that are used in conjunction with firearms. These products may be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and leather.
Gun accessory salesperson: Gun accessory salespersons work in retail stores or online outlets that sell gun accessories. They are responsible for helping customers find the right products for their needs, answering questions about different models and features, and completing the sales process.
Gun accessory wholesaler: Gun accessory wholesalers buy products from manufacturers and sell them to retailers in bulk. They may work with a variety of retailers, including gun stores, sporting goods stores, and online outlets.
Gun accessory distributor: Gun accessory distributors are responsible for distributing gun accessories to retailers and other outlets. They may work with a variety of manufacturers, and they may use a range of methods to distribute products, including shipping, trucking, and air freight.

Hunting and shooting sports

Hunting and shooting sports are an important part of the gun industry. Hunting and shooting sports organizations, such as the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, represent the interests of hunters, shooters, and gun owners, and they also sponsor events and programs that promote these activities. Hunting and shooting sports contribute to the demand for firearms and related products, and they also generate revenue through the sale of licenses, permits, and other fees.

Hunting and shooting sports jobs:

Hunting guide: Hunting guides are responsible for leading hunting expeditions and providing instruction and assistance to hunters. They may work with a variety of game, including big game, small game, and birds, and they may use a range of methods to hunt, including archery, guns, and traps.
Shooting instructor: Shooting instructors are responsible for teaching people how to shoot safely and accurately. They may work with a range of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, and they may teach a variety of shooting disciplines, including target shooting, hunting, and self-defense.
Gun range operator: Gun range operators are responsible for managing and maintaining a gun range. They may also provide instruction and assistance to customers who are using the range.
Hunting and shooting sports retailer: Hunting and shooting sports retailers sell a wide range of products that are used in hunting and shooting sports. These products may include firearms, ammunition, optics, clothing, and other items.
Hunting and shooting sports manufacturer: Hunting and shooting sports manufacturers produce a wide range of products that are used in hunting and shooting sports. These products may include firearms, ammunition, optics, clothing, and other items.

Military and law enforcement

The military and law enforcement markets are significant sources of revenue for the gun industry. Governments and other organizations purchase firearms and related products for use by military and law enforcement personnel. The procurement process for these products can be complex and involves the submission of bids and the negotiation of contracts. Key players in the military and law enforcement markets include companies like Colt, Sig Sauer, and Beretta.

Gun industry jobs in Military & Law Enforcement:

Military gunsmith: Military gunsmiths are responsible for maintaining and repairing firearms that are used by the military. They may work in a variety of settings, including military bases, armories, and deployment locations.
Military gun instructor: Military gun instructors are responsible for teaching military personnel how to use firearms safely and effectively. They may teach a variety of shooting disciplines, including target shooting, self-defense, and combat.
Military gun salesperson: Military gun salespersons work in retail stores or online outlets that sell firearms to military personnel. They are responsible for helping customers find the right products for their needs, answering questions about different models and features, and completing the sales process.
Law enforcement gunsmith: Law enforcement gunsmiths are responsible for maintaining and repairing firearms that are used by law enforcement agencies. They may work in a variety of settings, including police departments, sheriffs’ offices, and federal agencies.
Law enforcement gun instructor: Law enforcement gun instructors are responsible for teaching law enforcement personnel how to use firearms safely and effectively. They may teach a variety of shooting disciplines, including target shooting, self-defense, and combat.

Collecting and investing

Gun collecting and investing can be a rewarding hobby for people who have a passion for firearms and a desire to learn about their history and value. Collectible firearms can be acquired through a variety of channels, including auctions, estate sales, and private sales. To be successful at collecting and investing, it is important to have a good understanding of the different types of collectible firearms, the factors that influence their value, and the market trends.

Gun Collecting & Investing Jobs:

Gun appraiser: Gun appraisers are responsible for evaluating the value of firearms for a variety of purposes, including insurance, estate planning, and charitable donations. They may specialize in a specific type of firearm, such as antique rifles or modern handguns, and they may use a range of techniques to determine value, including market analysis and historical research.
Gun dealer: Gun dealers buy and sell firearms, often specializing in a particular type or era of firearm. They may work in a retail store or online outlet, or they may operate as a wholesaler or broker.
Gun collector: Gun collectors are enthusiasts who acquire and preserve firearms of historical, artistic, or other value. They may focus on a specific type of firearm, such as antique rifles or modern handguns, or they may collect a wide range of firearms.
Gun investor: Gun investors buy firearms with the intention of selling them for a profit at a later date. They may focus on a specific type of firearm, such as antique rifles or modern handguns, or they may invest in a wide range of firearms. Gun investors may use a range of techniques to identify investment opportunities, including market analysis and historical research.
Gun auctioneer: Gun auctioneers are responsible for conducting auctions of firearms. They may work for a specific auction house, or they may operate independently. Gun auctioneers may specialize in a particular type of firearm, such as antique rifles or modern handguns, or they may handle a wide range of firearms.

Overview of the Gun Industry

The gun industry is a complex and multifaceted industry that touches on a wide range of sectors. It is driven by a range of factors, including consumer demand, economic conditions, and gun laws and regulations. People make money in the gun industry through a variety of channels, including manufacturing and distribution, retail and online sales, service and repair, accessory manufacturing, hunting and shooting sports, military and law enforcement, and collecting and investing. The future outlook for the gun industry is uncertain, with many variables that could impact the industry in the coming years.

Despite the challenges facing the gun industry, it remains an important part of the economy and a source of jobs and revenue for many people. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, gunsmith, accessory maker, hunter, shooter, military or law enforcement professional, collector, or investor, there are opportunities to make money in the gdun industry. By understanding the different sectors of the industry and the factors that influence it, you can better navigate the opportunities and challenges of the gun industry.