Special Report

This State Manufactures the Most Guns: All 50 States Ranked

Samuel Stebbins

Published: December 27, 2023 12:36 pm

The United States is a global leader in firearms production, with 40% of the share of market exports, and is home to many of the world’s largest gunmakers. In addition, the top five companies that are the leaders in arms manufacturing are all U.S.-based – Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives shows that over 13.8 million firearms were manufactured in the U.S. in 2021 alone. 

According to the industry trade group National Shooting Sports Foundation, there are over 434 million guns in circulation in the United States. And with a population of 335 million, the U.S. is the only country in the world with more civilian-owned firearms than people. Although a portion of American-made firearms are exported and sold abroad, our nation’s $32 billion a year arms and ammunition industry caters primarily to the domestic market, as consumer demand for firearms it is clear to see that the U.S. is second to none.

In 2021 alone, there were over 3,200 federally licensed gunmakers in the U.S. and while these companies are spread out across the 50 states, American firearm manufacturing is heavily concentrated in certain parts of the country. Over half of all domestically made guns came from one of only five states in 2021. That same year, the combined output of the 25 states producing the fewest firearms accounted less than 3% U.S. firearm manufacturing 

24/7 Wall St. identified the states making the most guns by using data from the ATF. We ranked each of the 50 states by total firearm production in 2021 – which ranges from fewer than 10 to over 2.4 million. In many of the highest-ranking states on this list, the firearm and ammunition industry is an economic pillar, providing thousands of jobs and directly generating hundreds of millions, or billions of dollars in economic output each year, according to an industry trade association. (These 13 states have multi-billion dollar gun economies.)

Like many industries in the U.S., firearm manufacturing is dominated by a handful of companies. America’s two largest gunmakers – Smith & Wesson and Ruger – account for nearly a third of all domestic gun production. Not surprisingly, many of the states producing the most guns are home to manufacturing plants of these and other major gun brands, including Glock, Sig Sauer, and Springfield. Over 90% of the nearly 2.5 million firearms made in Missouri in 2021 came from a single Columbia-based Smith & Wesson production facility. (Here is a complete list of America’s largest gunmakers.) 

Here are U.S. States Known for Producing the Most Firearms

See below for our detailed methodology.

50. Hawaii

Waikiki Gun Club (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Andym5855

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 8 (0.0001% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 100% rifles
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 2 (0.1% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Koffin Wurks LLC; Kailua, HI (87.5% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $27.3 million (2nd lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 275 (2nd fewest of 50 states)

49. Delaware

Source: Patrick Smith / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 11 (0.0001% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 9.1% handguns, 81.8% rifles, 9.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 2 (0.1% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Gusovsky Gunsmithing LLC; Wilmington, DE (72.7% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $14.4 million (the lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 216 (the fewest of 50 states)

48. Rhode Island

Source: Courtesy of George Z. via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 144 (0.001% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 2.1% handguns, 56.3% rifles, 41.7% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 5 (0.2% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Ocean State Armory LLC; Warwick, RI (34.7% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $160.4 million (8th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 563 (5th fewest of 50 states)

47. Alaska

Source: specnaz-s / iStock via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 258 (0.002% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 24.4% handguns, 48.8% rifles, 2.3% shotguns, 24.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 21 (0.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Annex Industries, LLC; Soldotna, AK (19.4% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $54.6 million (4th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 601 (6th fewest of 50 states)

46. New Mexico

Gun Wall (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Michael Saechang

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 281 (0.002% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 20.3% handguns, 69.8% rifles, 1.4% shotguns, 8.5% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 24 (0.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Farnsworth, Dustin Robert, and Angie J; Carlsbad, NM (28.8% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $73.5 million (6th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 784 (7th fewest of 50 states)

45. South Dakota

Source: picture alliance / picture alliance via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 906 (0.01% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 8.3% handguns, 51.3% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 40.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 20 (0.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: West River Rifle Company LLC; Sturgis, SD (30.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $183.4 million (11th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 827 (8th fewest of 50 states)

44. North Dakota

Source: Mike Kemp / In Pictures via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 1,301 (0.01% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 6.3% handguns, 3.5% rifles, 1.1% shotguns, 89.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 10 (0.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Roughrider Arms LLC; Grand Forks, ND (89.7% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $31.1 million (3rd lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 335 (3rd fewest of 50 states)

43. Louisiana

Source: Courtesy of Bowie Outfitters via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 2,658 (0.02% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 21.2% handguns, 30.6% rifles, 1.0% shotguns, 47.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 43 (1.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Brothers LA Arms, LLC; Hammond, LA (24.1% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $213.2 million (13th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,750 (15th fewest of 50 states)

42. Mississippi

Source: Courtesy of 144 Tactical Defense via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 3,003 (0.02% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 25.1% handguns, 67.2% rifles, 1.4% shotguns, 6.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 39 (1.2% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: JMS Manufacturing Inc.; Lucedale, MS (42.9% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $564.7 million (24th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,169 (22nd fewest of 50 states)

41. Colorado

Source: mtcurado / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 3,109 (0.02% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 19.9% handguns, 64.9% rifles, 0.3% shotguns, 14.9% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 75 (2.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: M+M Inc.; Northglenn, CO (55.1% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $420.7 million (23rd lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 3,156 (23rd most of 50 states)

40. Nebraska

USMS-Omaha-42 (CC BY 2.0) by Office of Public Affairs

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 6,882 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 25.9% handguns, 11.5% rifles, 1.8% shotguns, 60.7% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 26 (0.8% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Zermatt Arms Inc.; Bennet, NE (59.2% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $377 million (22nd lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,414 (14th fewest of 50 states)

39. West Virginia

Source: Courtesy of R&R's WV Gunshows via Facebook

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 6,941 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 5.5% handguns, 17.1% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 77.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 28 (0.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Childers Guns LLC; Fairmont, WV (73.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $91.8 million (7th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 881 (9th fewest of 50 states)

38. Wyoming

Source: Melissa Kopka / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 10,341 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 4.4% handguns, 95.3% rifles, 0.1% shotguns, 0.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 52 (1.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Weatherby Inc.; Sheridan, WY (73.8% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $341.2 million (18th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,020 (19th fewest of 50 states)

37. Oklahoma

Village Tactical Gun Store in ... (CC BY 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 14,654 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 2.4% handguns, 6.3% rifles, 78.1% shotguns, 13.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 69 (2.1% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: International Firearm Corporation LLC; Midwest City, OK (78.0% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $163.8 million (9th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,293 (12th fewest of 50 states)

36. Oregon

Source: ROB KERR / AFP via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 16,619 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 22.1% handguns, 38.1% rifles, 1.9% shotguns, 37.9% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 50 (1.5% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: TNW Firearms Inc.; Vernonia, OR (24.1% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $667.9 million (18th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 3,554 (19th most of 50 states)

35. Virginia

Source: AFP Contributor / AFP via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 17,890 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 43.5% handguns, 53.5% rifles, 0.5% shotguns, 2.5% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 84 (2.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Kriss USA, Inc.; Chesapeake, VA (71.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $594.8 million (21st highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 3,548 (20th most of 50 states)

34. Kansas

Source: Courtesy of Casey C. via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 19,287 (0.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 74.0% handguns, 3.5% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 22.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 46 (1.4% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: CZ-USA; Kansas City, KS (74.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $274.8 million (14th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,016 (10th fewest of 50 states)

33. Maine

Source: VistaVision / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 23,226 (0.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 5.8% handguns, 87.8% rifles, 6.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 21 (0.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Windham Weaponry Inc.; Windham, ME (98.7% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $276.4 million (15th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,075 (21st fewest of 50 states)

32. Iowa

Source: Courtesy of Marion Guns & Gold via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 25,326 (0.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 12.0% handguns, 20.2% rifles, 67.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 47 (1.5% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Brownells Inc.; Grinnell, IA (43.5% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $191.4 million (12th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,337 (13th fewest of 50 states)

31. Michigan

Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 26,424 (0.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 4.1% handguns, 90.1% rifles, 0.1% shotguns, 5.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 73 (2.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Great Lakes Firearms and Ammunition LLC; Sparta, MI (84.7% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $734.9 million (17th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 5,273 (8th most of 50 states)

30. Montana

Source: Cheri Alguire / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 26,446 (0.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 1.4% handguns, 17.3% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 81.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 55 (1.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Noreen Firearms LLC; Belgrade, MT (61.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $178.2 million (10th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,244 (11th fewest of 50 states)

29. Maryland

Source: Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 30,358 (0.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 14.3% handguns, 84.2% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 1.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 24 (0.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: LWRC International; Cambridge, MD (90.0% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $458.4 million (24th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,913 (18th fewest of 50 states)

28. Indiana

Source: Courtesy of Ashley D. via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 41,498 (0.3% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 54.1% handguns, 36.0% rifles, 1.6% shotguns, 8.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 60 (1.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Tippmann Arms Company LLC; Fort Wayne, IN (36.4% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $368 million (19th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,546 (24th fewest of 50 states)

27. Idaho

Source: Karl Weatherly / Photodisc via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 43,241 (0.3% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 34.8% handguns, 25.5% rifles, 1.7% shotguns, 38.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 75 (2.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: FM Products Inc.; Boise, ID (43.0% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.2 billion (8th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 3,484 (21st most of 50 states)

26. Minnesota

Bill's Gun Shop and Range (CC BY 2.0) by Eugene Kim

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 46,584 (0.3% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 46.2% handguns, 35.7% rifles, 18.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 37 (1.1% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Magnum Research Inc.; Pillager, MN (31.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.6 billion (3rd highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 5,035 (10th most of 50 states)

25. Arkansas

Source: artas / iStock via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 73,351 (0.5% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 57.8% handguns, 41.6% rifles, 0.5% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 47 (1.5% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Wilson’s Gun Shop Inc.; Berryville, AR (56.9% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.1 billion (11th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,000 (18th most of 50 states)

24. California

Source: David McNew / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 82,532 (0.6% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 44.6% handguns, 17.3% rifles, 0.4% shotguns, 37.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 76 (2.4% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Senga Engineering Inc.; Santa Ana, CA (28.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $2 billion (2nd highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 13,042 (2nd most of 50 states)

23. New York

Source: Marco_Piunti / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 128,276 (0.9% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 24.1% handguns, 22.9% rifles, 35.3% shotguns, 17.7% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 61 (1.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: RemArms LLC; Ilion, NY (67.5% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.2 billion (9th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,806 (12th most of 50 states)

22. Ohio

Columbus Gun Show billboard (CC0 1.0) by bagli

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 130,848 (1.0% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 58.8% handguns, 39.3% rifles, 0.3% shotguns, 1.7% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 117 (3.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Strassells Machine Inc.; Mansfield, OH (81.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $791.2 million (16th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 7,108 (5th most of 50 states)

21. Vermont

Source: Courtesy of Powderhorn Outdoor Sports Center via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 135,030 (1.0% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 5.3% handguns, 45.3% rifles, 49.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 20 (0.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Century Arms Inc.; Georgia, VT (98.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $59.8 million (5th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 360 (4th fewest of 50 states)

20. Wisconsin

Guns (CC BY 2.0) by Michaela Pereckas

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 137,397 (1.0% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 1.6% handguns, 78.0% rifles, 13.9% shotguns, 6.6% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 80 (2.5% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Henry RAC Holding Corp.; Rice Lake, WI (81.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $653 million (20th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 3,250 (22nd most of 50 states)

19. Connecticut

Source: Christopher Capozziello / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 184,633 (1.3% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 55.5% handguns, 35.2% rifles, 5.4% shotguns, 3.9% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 33 (1.0% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC; West Hartford, CT (82.2% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $662.6 million (19th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,068 (20th fewest of 50 states)

18. Tennessee

.38 Special (CC BY 2.0) by Lisa Zins

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 185,720 (1.4% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 72.4% handguns, 7.1% rifles, 13.1% shotguns, 7.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 82 (2.5% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Beretta USA Corp.; Gallatin, TN (83.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.5 billion (5th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 5,434 (7th most of 50 states)

17. New Jersey

Source: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 209,770 (1.5% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 1.5% handguns, 98.2% rifles, 0.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 11 (0.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Henry RAC Holding Corp.; Bayonne, NJ (99.4% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $293.9 million (17th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,762 (16th fewest of 50 states)

16. Pennsylvania

Source: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 228,400 (1.7% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 29.4% handguns, 54.7% rifles, 8.7% shotguns, 7.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 110 (3.4% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: IWI US Inc.; Middletown, PA (42.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.1 billion (10th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 9,336 (4th most of 50 states)

15. South Carolina

Source: Courtesy of Shooter's Choice via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 240,114 (1.7% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 66.2% handguns, 27.0% rifles, 0.4% shotguns, 6.4% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 55 (1.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: FN America, LLC; Columbia, SC (70.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $473.7 million (25th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,990 (24th most of 50 states)

14. Washington

Source: SKapl / iStock via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 242,736 (1.8% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 8.7% handguns, 11.1% rifles, 80.2% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 62 (1.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Aero Precision LLC; Tacoma, WA (72.0% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $828.8 million (15th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,536 (13th most of 50 states)

13. Nevada

Buy a Gun at Walmart, Pahrump,... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Pom'

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 262,086 (1.9% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 13.8% handguns, 21.1% rifles, 62.8% shotguns, 2.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 56 (1.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Legacy Sports International Inc.; Reno, NV (81.8% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $371.4 million (20th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 1,817 (17th fewest of 50 states)

12. Utah

Source: GEORGE FREY / AFP via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 271,862 (2.0% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 54.4% handguns, 26.5% rifles, 2.6% shotguns, 16.6% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 103 (3.2% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: TDJ Buyer, LLC; Gunnison, UT (26.8% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $573.5 million (23rd highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,145 (16th most of 50 states)

11. Alabama

Source: Barry Lewis / In Pictures via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 294,166 (2.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 95.2% handguns, 4.5% rifles, 0.3% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 52 (1.6% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Kimber Mfg Inc.; Troy, AL (93.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $292.7 million (16th lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,587 (25th most of 50 states)

10. Massachusetts

Source: Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 435,514 (3.2% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 5.1% handguns, 91.0% rifles, 3.1% shotguns, 0.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 27 (0.8% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Savage Arms, Inc.; Westfield, MA (93.4% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $502.7 million (25th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,421 (23rd fewest of 50 states)

9. Kentucky

Source: Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 510,679 (3.7% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 0.3% handguns, 6.8% rifles, 92.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 39 (1.2% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: WM C Anderson Inc.; Hebron, KY (99.0% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $372.2 million (21st lowest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 2,577 (25th fewest of 50 states)

8. Illinois

Source: The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 647,423 (4.7% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 24.0% handguns, 74.2% rifles, 0.2% shotguns, 1.6% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 43 (1.3% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Springfield Inc.; Geneseo, IL (91.2% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.4 billion (7th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 5,646 (6th most of 50 states)

7. Florida

Source: Courtesy of AHW American Handheld Weaponry via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 671,359 (4.9% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 53.6% handguns, 35.8% rifles, 7.9% shotguns, 2.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 198 (6.1% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: SCCY Industries LLC; Daytona Beach, FL (32.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.5 billion (6th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 10,117 (3rd most of 50 states)

6. Arizona

Source: Marc Lecureuil / Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 699,100 (5.1% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 89.4% handguns, 3.5% rifles, 7.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 192 (5.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.; Prescott, AZ (86.3% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1 billion (13th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,981 (11th most of 50 states)

5. Texas

Source: Rick Gershon / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 814,838 (5.9% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 27.0% handguns, 23.2% rifles, 36.0% shotguns, 13.8% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 401 (12.4% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Maverick Arms, Inc.; Eagle Pass, TX (60.4% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $2.1 billion (the highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 14,292 (most of 50 states)

4. North Carolina

Source: J. Michael Jones / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 894,882 (6.5% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 48.8% handguns, 49.5% rifles, 0.6% shotguns, 1.0% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 152 (4.7% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.; Mayodan, NC (67.6% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.1 billion (12th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 5,180 (9th most of 50 states)

3. Georgia

Source: Courtesy of Georgia Gun Store via Yelp

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 1,496,877 (10.8% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 92.8% handguns, 7.1% rifles, 0.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 105 (3.2% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Glock Inc.; Smyrna, GA (38.9% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $936.6 million (14th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,404 (15th most of 50 states)

2. New Hampshire

Source: DOMINICK REUTER / AFP via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 1,992,731 (14.4% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 77.6% handguns, 22.3% rifles, 0.1% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 27 (0.8% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Sig Sauer Inc.; Newington, NH (64.9% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $1.6 billion (4th highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,427 (14th most of 50 states)

1. Missouri

Source: Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

• Firearms manufactured in 2021: 2,467,145 (17.9% of domestic production)
• 2021 manufacturing by firearm type: 77.4% handguns, 19.5% rifles, 0.1% shotguns, 3.0% misc.
• Total gunmakers in 2021: 93 (2.9% of all U.S. gunmakers)
• Largest gunmaker: Smith & Wesson; Columbia, MO (93.9% of statewide firearm manufacturing)
• Annual economic output of gun and ammo industry: $589.2 million (22nd highest of 50 states)
• Jobs directly supported by gun and ammo industry: 4,055 (17th most of 50 states)

Methodology

To identify the states making the most guns, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. States are ranked by total firearm production in 2021. 

Supplemental data on the number of gunmakers operating in the state, the company that manufactures the most guns by state, and firearm production by type is also from the ATF and for 2021. 

We also reviewed state level data on the economic output of the firearm and ammunition industry and the number of jobs directly supported by the industry from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a firearm industry trade association. All NSSF data is for 2022.