The ATF publishes its Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER), revealing all firearms produced or exported by manufacturers during the previous calendar year. This data is published one year plus in arrears. The 2022 report was released in April of 2024.
Following the recent release of ATF’s 2022 AFMER Final Report, we have reviewed production data from over 3,000 Manufacturing FFLs to compile a list of the top 30 largest USA firearm manufacturers of 2022 – responsible for 9.8 million of more than 11.2 million reported firearms manufactured in the USA (87%). This data excludes firearms manufactured outside the USA and imported to the USA.
Note: ATF 2022 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, 2022. There are instances when manufacturers do not submit AFMER data. In our data tables, any missing submissions are indicated as N/A. Per our discussion with a few of the manufacturers, the data reported by the FFL differed slightly from the ATF presentation. Our analysis below is based on the updated information provided by the FFL to Orchid.
Top 30 Firearm Manufacturers of 2022
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87% of the Top 30 manufacturing FFLs have relied on Orchid for its educational events, regulatory compliance, software and other services. We’ve added the Orchid flower logo () next to each of those top producing businesses.30
Total Firearms: 60,269 The U.S. company opened its doors in 1996 with only four employees and launched its Crickett shotgun. Keystone Sporting Arms then purchased the Rogue Rifle Co in 2007, which was the maker of the Chipmunk rifle. With this purchase, KSA absorbed its biggest competitor and became the leading firearm supplier in the youth market. | keystonesportingarmsllc.com29
Total Firearms: 69,053Manufactured under parent company TDJ Buyer and founded in 1995, Christensen Arms, based in Gunnison, UT, makes some of the best hunting and long-range precision rifles known. In 1995, Roland Christensen, a world-class engineer, used patented aerospace technology to create the world’s first carbon fiber rifle barrel. Nearly three decades later, Christensen Arms continues to innovate and manufacture some of the most lightweight, precise and accurate rifles. | christensenarms.com
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Total Firearms: 64,562American Tactical is a firearms manufacturer and importer based in Summerville, SC. In addition to the products made in the U.S., ATI also works closely with gun manufacturers worldwide to import products from Germany, Italy, and Turkey. | americantactical.com
27
Total Firearms: 75,310Built upon the history of Interarmco and Howa, Legacy Sports International is a leading manufacturer, importer, and exporter of firearms from various brands in the U.S. and worldwide. | legacysports.com
26
Total Firearms: 76,685Based in Plano, TX, Shadow Systems was founded in 2017 to manufacture highly customized and configurable 9mm polymer pistols and high-end components for popular polymer pistols. The first stock catalog products were launched in 2018. Shadow is now among the Top 10 largest manufacturers of 9mm polymer pistols with a full range of sub-compact, compact, and full-size pistols for concealed carry, self-defense, competitive shooting, and professional duty use | shadowsystemscorp.com
25
Total Firearms: 81,435
The company’s first innovative product was the “Big Hole Upper,” a flat-top upper receiver for the AR-style rifle. In 2002, its 12”-rail system was being used by the Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) at Fort Benning. GA and the company won its first military contract in 2005 to supply SOCOM’s RIS II forend rail system. Daniel Defense launched its first rifle, the DDM4, in 2009 and was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies for three consecutive years (2012, 2013, 2014). In 2017, a new 300,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility was opened in Black Creek, SC, for the production of rifles, pistols, and suppressors. | danieldefense.com
24
Total Firearms: 87,800
Manufactured under the parent company Strassell’s Machine, Hi-Point Firearms has produced 100% American-made, affordable, and durable firearms for the working man for over 30 years. | hi-pointfirearms.com
23
Total Firearms: 106,970
Importer of AK-style rifles, MP5 pistols, bullpup shotguns, and Canik brand firearms from Turkey and Eastern Europe, Century Arms also manufactures American-made AKs. | centuryarms.com
22
Total Firearms: 113,159
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
21
Total Firearms: 121,600
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
20
Total Firearms: 123,025
19
Total Firearms: 138,595
A global leader in military and law enforcement firearms, FN America is the U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal (Belgium) and a manufacturer of defense and tactical pistols, rifles, suppressors and accessories. | fnamerica.com
18
Total Firearms: 155,999
Founded in 1816 in Ilion, NY, Remington is America’s oldest continuously operating manufacturing company. The company celebrated its 200th Bicentennial Anniversary in 2016. Following financial struggles and multiple bankruptcies, the company’s assets were divided and sold to various buyers in 2020. RemArms has opened a new facility in LaGrange, GA, to manufacture hunting rifles and shotguns. The Ilion, NY facility was closed in March of 2024. RemArms is making a strong comeback and is once again among the top firearm manufacturers. | remarms.com
17
Total Firearms: 157,264
Family-owned and Kentucky proud, Anderson Manufacturing produces some of the industry’s highest-quality, value-priced AR-style rifles, pistols, parts, and accessories. | andersonmanufacturing.com
16
Total Firearms: 158,797
Acquired by the CZ Group in 2021, Colt is a historic defense and civilian firearm brand recognized for its AR-15 rifles, 1911 pistols, Snake series, and SAA revolvers. | colt.com
15
Total Firearms: 180,447
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
14
Total Firearms: 196,118
For over 30 years, Florida-based Kel Tec has pioneered firearm innovation with cutting-edge handgun, rifle, and shotgun designs intended for professionals and firearm enthusiasts alike. Kel Tec was the modern pioneer of the .380 caliber micro-pistol and their innovative KSG bullpup shotgun. | keltecweapons.com
13
Total Firearms: 202,265
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
12
Total Firearms: 230,325
Founded in 1979, Kimber produces quality sporting and defense pistols, revolvers, and rifles without compromise, including micro 1911 pistols and 6-shot .357 Magnum revolvers. | kimberamerica.com
11
Total Firearms: 287,650
Owned by Brazilian small arms manufacturer Taurus Armas, Taurus Holdings is a Georgia-based company producing an array of pistols and revolvers. | taurususa.com
10
Total Firearms: 308,040
Owned by Taurus Holdings, Heritage Manufacturing has been making modern revolvers that tell a story of the American Wild West and have stood the test of time since 1922. | heritagemfg.com
9
Total Firearms: 365,867
Dating back to 1860, Henry Repeating Arms is the leading manufacturer of lever action rifles and produces classic pump action and single-shot long guns. | henryusa.com
8
Total Firearms: 452,092
Mossberg is the perennial leading manufacturer of shotguns driven by its ubiquitous Model 500 pump-action shotgun and the Model 590 Shockwave shotgun. 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
7
Total Firearms: 465,117
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. Glock has been the preferred duty weapon for law enforcement in the U.S. and globally for decades. In addition to the firearms manufactured in the U.S., Glock imports a significant quantity of pistols from Austria. | us.glock.com
6
Total Firearms: 551,448
Located in Columbia, SC, Palmetto State Armory manufactures a broad range of AR-style and AK-style rifles, pistols, rifle accessories, parts, and polymer handguns. | palmettostatearmory.com
5
Total Firearms: 562,446
A firearm manufacturer and importer, Springfield Armory produces historically significant and modern handguns and rifles while honoring the American heritage of its namesake. In addition to its U.S. productions, Springfield Armory also imports a significant quantity of pistols from Croatia. | springfield-armory.com
4
Total Firearms: 719,641
Located in Westfield, MA, and 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, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns. | savagearms.com
3
Total Firearms: 973,944
Since 1852, Smith & Wesson pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns have empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security the Bill of Rights guaranteed. In October of 2023, Smith & Wesson hosted the grand opening of its new Maryville, TN headquarters. Loved by competitive shooters, hunters, plinkers, 2nd Amendment advocates, concealed carry users, and law enforcement, Smith & Wesson has been a leader in the firearms industry for pistols and rifles year after year. | smith-wesson.com
2
Total Firearms: 1,134,718
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
1
Total Firearms: 1,565,743
A leading manufacturer of rugged, reliable, American-made sporting firearms, Ruger and the recently acquired Marlin brand offer 800 variations of pistols, revolvers, hunting rifles, AR-style rifles, and lever-action rifles. Ruger is the perennial manufacturing leader in the rifle segment as well as a strong contender in pistols and revolvers. In 2024, Ruger is celebrating its 75thanniversary. | ruger.com
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The tables below compare firearm production data reported in 2022, 2021, and 2020 ATF AFMER final Reports. In addition, we have included the top manufacturers and ranking for pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.
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