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Top 25 Largest Firearm Manufacturers of 2021

Written by jon rydberg

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March 10, 2023

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Looking for the 2022 AFMER Final Report? Click Here

Each January, ATF publishes its Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER), revealing all firearms produced and sold or distributed into commerce or exported by manufacturers during the previous calendar year.

Following the recent release of ATF’s 2021 AFMER Final Report, we reviewed production data from over 3,000 FFLs to compile a list of the top 25 largest firearm manufacturers of 2021 – responsible for 11.7 million of more than 13.8 million reported firearms.

Note: ATF 2021 AFMER data is self-reported by manufacturers and does not include firearms still in possession of FFLs (i.e., produced but not distributed into commerce or exported) as of December 31, 2021.

2023 Firearms Industry Conference (FIC) logo and white text atop blue background

Top 25 Firearm Manufacturers of 2021

25. IWI US

Total Firearms: 96,662

The U.S. subsidiary of Israel Military Industries (IMI), IWI US produces modern firearms developed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and popularized around the world. | iwi.us

24. Hi-Point Firearms

Total Firearms: 106,807

Manufactured under Strassell’s Machine, Hi-Point Firearms has been producing 100% American-made, affordable and durable firearms for the working man for over 30 years. | hi-pointfirearms.com

23. Black Rain Ordnance

Total Firearms: 110,727

Founded in a garage in 2009, Black Rain Ordnance is a Missouri-based manufacturer specializing in precision AR-15 style and rimfire rifles for sporting, hunting and defense. | blackrainordnance.com

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22. Radical Firearms

Total Firearms: 126,040

From sourcing inexpensive parts to building low-cost custom rifles, Radical Firearms has grown its operations and become best known for its economic AR-15 style rifles. | radicalfirearms.com

21. Century Arms

Total Firearms: 132,705

Importer of AK-style rifles, MP5 pistols, bullpup shotguns, and Canik brand firearms from Turkey and East Europe, Century Arms also manufactures American-made AKs. | centuryarms.com

20. Colt

Total Firearms: 151,771

Acquired by the CZ Group in 2021, Colt is a historic defense and civilian firearm brand recognized for its AR-15 rifles, 1911 pistols, and Snake series and SAA revolvers. | colt.com

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19. Beretta USA

Total Firearms: 155,352

The stateside subsidiary of the oldest firearm brand in the world, Beretta USA maintains a catalog of classic, modern and premium sporting shotguns and defensive pistols. | beretta.com

18. Diamondback Firearms

Total Firearms: 163,195

Born out of sister company, Diamondback Airboats, Diamondback Firearms is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of innovative and reliable rifles, pistols and revolvers. | diamondbackfirearms.com

17. FN America

Total Firearms: 169,407

A global leader in military and law enforcement firearms, FN America is the U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal and a manufacturer of defense and tactical pistols and rifles. | fnamerica.com

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16. Aero Precision

Total Firearms: 177,059

With roots deeply tied to aerospace, it’s no surprise Aero Precision firearm components, suppressors and rifles are built with superior engineering and technical perfection. | aeroprecisionusa.com

15. Legacy Sports International

Total Firearms: 214,258

Built upon the history of Interarmco and Howa, Legacy Sports International is a leading importer and exporter of firearms from various brands in the U.S. and around the world. | legacysports.com

14. KelTec

Total Firearms: 215,804

For over 30 years, KelTec has pioneered firearm innovation with cutting-edge handgun, rifle and shotgun designs intended for professionals and firearm enthusiasts alike. | keltecweapons.com

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13. SCCY

Total Firearms: 216,932

Made completely in-house and in the U.S., SCCY’s engineering technology enables the Florida-based manufacturer to combine quality and value to guarantee a superior pistol. | sccy.com

12. Taurus

Total Firearms: 290,780

Owned by Brazilian small arms manufacturer Taurus Armas, Taurus Holdings is a Georgia-based company responsible for producing an array of pistols and revolvers. | taurususa.com

11. Kimber

Total Firearms: 294,750

Founded in 1979, Kimber produces quality sporting and defense pistols, revolvers and rifles without compromise, including micro 1911s and 6-shot .357 Magnum revolvers. | kimberamerica.com

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10. Henry Repeating Arms

Total Firearms: 320,603

Dating back to 1860, Henry Repeating Arms is the leading manufacturer of lever action rifles and shotguns, also producing classic pump action and single shot long guns. | henryusa.com

9. Savage Arms

Total Firearms: 406,867

With over 125 years of history, Savage Arms balances its celebrated past and today’s modern technology to produce purpose-built, no-nonsense, performance firearms. | savagearms.com

8. Mossberg

Total Firearms: 492,444

Though most of its shotguns, rifles and handguns are produced by its affiliate Maverick Arms, Mossberg firearms have shaped American shooting sports for generations. | mossberg.com

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7. Heritage Manufacturing

Total Firearms: 505,601

Owned by Taurus Holdings, Heritage Manufacturing has been making modern revolvers that tell a story of the American Wild West and stand the test of time since 1922. | heritagemfg.com

6. Anderson Manufacturing

Total Firearms: 505,635

Family-owned and Kentucky proud, Anderson Manufacturing produces some of the industry’s highest-quality, value-priced rifles, handguns, parts and accessories. |  andersonmanufacturing.com

5. GLOCK

Total Firearms: 581,944

From Austria to the U.S., GLOCK has been the standard for performance, durability, and reliability by which all other handguns are compared for over 30 years. | us.glock.com

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4. Springfield Armory

Total Firearms: 590,750

A firearm manufacturer and importer, Springfield Armory produces historically significant and modern handguns and rifles while honoring the American heritage of its namesake. | springfield-armory.com

3. SIG SAUER

Total Firearms: 1,294,185

The weapons of choice for U.S. and global military, law enforcement, and commercial users, SIG SAUER leads the industry in innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. | sigsauer.com

2. Ruger

Total Firearms: 2,078,013

A leading manufacturer of rugged, reliable, American-made sporting firearms, Ruger and the recently acquired Marlin brand offer 800 variations of pistols, revolvers and rifles. | ruger.com

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1. Smith & Wesson

Total Firearms: 2,317,792

Since 1852, Smith & Wesson pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns have empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. | smith-wesson.com

Previous Rankings: 2021 vs. 2020

The table below compares firearm production data reported in 2021 and 2020 ATF AFMER Final Reports.

2021 RANK
MANUFACTURER
TOTAL
2020 RANK
CHANGE
1
Smith & Wesson
2,317,792
1
2
Ruger
2,078,013
2
3
SIG SAUER
1,294,185
3
4
Springfield Armory
590,750
7
+3
5
GLOCK
581,944
5
6
Anderson Manufacturing
505,635
4
-2
7
Heritage Manufacturing
505,601
9
+2
8
Mossberg
492,444
6
-2
9
Savage Arms
406,867
N/A
N/A
10
Henry Repeating Arms
320,603
10
11
Kimber
294,750
11
12
Taurus
290,780
19
+7
13
SCCY
216,932
13
14
KelTec
215,804
12
-2
15
Legacy Sports International
214,258
14
-1
16
Aero Precision
177,059
15
-1
17
FN America
169,407
18
+1
18
Diamondback Firearms
163,195
16
-2
19
Beretta USA
155,352
17
-2
20
Colt
151,771
20
21
Century Arms
132,705
22
+1
22
Radical Firearms
126,040
24
+2
23
Black Rain Ordnance
110,727
31
+8
24
Hi-Point Firearms
106,807
23
-1
25
IWI US
96,662
44
+19

Note: Savage Arms data was not included in the ATF 2020 AFMER Final Report. Though required annually by all firearm manufacturers, some FFLs fail to submit their AFMER reports or withhold their data from publishing.

Orchid Manufacturing Solutions

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With an industry-leading A&D Bound Book, customizable ecommerce, firearm-friendly merchant processing, and popular ERP and laser marking integrations, Orchid offers Type 07 and Type 10 FFLs software and technology solutions guaranteed to improve operational efficiencies and increase profits. Plus, Orchid’s professional ATF and export compliance and legal services help keep manufacturers ahead of regulatory violations to avoid revocation and guard against liability risk.

To learn more about Orchid manufacturing solutions and services, contact our knowledgeable and experienced team to get started today.

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