Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 371% Since 2008
The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $90.05 billion in 2023, a 371% increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to over 384,437, a 131% increase in that period, according to a report released by the NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association.
On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $80.73 billion in 2022, to $90.05 billion in 2023. The firearm industry has broader impacts throughout the economy. It supports and generates business for firms seemingly unrelated to firearms, such as banking, retail, accounting, metal working, and printing among others.
Shooting Industry Generates $11.8 Billion in Tax Revenues
The firearm and ammunition industry paid over $10.90 billion in business taxes, including property, income, and sales-based levies. An additional $944 million was paid in Federal excise taxes, which directly contributes to wildlife conservation. The combined business and excise taxes adds up to a total of $11.8 billion in tax revenue!
“Our industry is a vital economic contributor to every state and every community. These are companies employing men and women from all walks of life and they prove daily that the American firearm and ammunition industry is strong”, said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “This industry proudly provides the means for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, enables them to hunt and is the primary fiscal force behind wildlife conservation in America. The growth of the firearm industry equals more jobs that add to our local economies, averaging $67,500 in wages and benefits, up from $65,000 reported last year. Since 2008, federal business tax payments increased by 353%, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on firearms and ammunition that support wildlife conservation by 168% and state business taxes by 215%.”
Firearms and Ammunition Industry is Vital Part of America’s Economy
Companies in the United States that manufacture, distribute, and sell firearms, ammunition, and hunting equipment employ as many as 154,611 people in the country and generate an additional 229,826 jobs in ancillary industries. These include jobs in supplying goods and services to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, and those that depend on sales to workers in the firearm and ammunition industry.
The annual Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report provides a state-by-state breakdown of job numbers, wages and output covering direct, supplier and induced employment, as well as federal excise taxes paid. CLICK HERE to get the full 7-page NSSF report (PDF).
Share the post "Shooting Industry Adds $90 Billion to U.S. Economy Annually"
New Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act Introduced in Congress
NSSF commends the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, proposed legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), which would ban the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code (MCC). The legislation would protect firearm and ammunition purchasers from financial service and payment card providers compiling purchase history. This could be used effectively to create a nationwide database of gun users, though a Federal gun registry is explicitly forbidden under Federal law.
We have seen that transactional info from gun and ammo sellers has already been exploited by the federal government for political purposes. And some states are mandating gun-specific MCCs — California enacted legislation last year requiring the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC and Colorado is considering legislation that would do the same.
Federal Agency Has Already Collected Gun Purchase Info
The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) admitted to U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) in a letter that it violated the Fourth Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens that protect against illegal search and seizure when it collected the credit card purchase history from banks and credit card companies of individuals who purchased firearms and ammunition in the days surrounding January 6, 2020. Treasury’s FinCEN had no cause, and sought the information without a warrant, to place these law-abiding citizens on a government watchlist only because they exercised their Second Amendment rights to lawfully purchase firearms and ammunition.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior VP & General Counsel noted: “The Biden administration has already proven they cannot be trusted to respect the private firearm transactions of law-abiding citizens. Without a warrant, federal agencies collected financial information on private firearm and ammunition transactions to create an illegal government watchlist of gun owners. Representative Elise Stefanik’s legislation would rein in federal overreach to use the private financial transactions of law-abiding citizens against them for political means. No American should be concerned that the federal government is employing this scheme, concocted by gun control cheerleaders, that weaponizes an individual’s finances and their free exercise of Second Amendment rights to wrongly identify them as a criminal-in-waiting.”
NSSF thanks Representative Stefanik for leading the fight against big government lawmakers whose goal it is to monitor and deny lawful transactions by law-abiding Americans.
The need for a federal policy has become necessary since several states have enacted similar legislation to protect the privacy of firearm and ammunition purchasers, including Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. Several additional states are currently considering similar legislation. Unfortunately, some blue states are doing just the opposite — in fact California passed a law requiring the use of firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Codes. So a Californian could be placed on a gun-owner watch list if he/she bought anything from a listed store, gun-related or not.
Share the post "Proposed Law Would Block Gun-Specific Transaction Codes"
In NSSF v. Bonta, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Schopler has granted a Preliminary Injunction prohibiting the enforcement of California’s AB 1594 law that exposes firearm industry members to lawsuits in California for activities outside the state of California. The ruling by Federal Judge Schopler enjoined the enforcement of California AB 1594, the so-called “Firearm Industry Responsibility Act”. In 2023 the NSSF sued to challenge the law and moved for an injunction. In granting the injunction, Judge Schopler found that AB 1594 is likely unconstitutional because it violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
“We are thankful the court enjoined the state from suing members of the firearm industry under this unconstitutional law that attempts to use the real threat of liability on commerce beyond California’s borders and impose its policy choices on its sister states”, stated NSSF Senior VP and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. CLICK HERE for more details of NSSF v. Bonta legal case.
NSSF Opposes Unconstitutional California Firearm Industry Liability Law
NSSF argued that California’s firearm industry liability law is preempted by the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) which was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and subsequently signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005. The PLCAA was specifically enacted to stamp out frivolous lawsuits sought by activist politicians, gun control lawyers and greedy trial lawyers seeking to bankrupt the lawful firearm industry by blaming them and their lawfully-sold and non-defective products for the violence and harm caused by criminals who misuse firearms to commit their crimes.
“It’s no surprise California’s rabidly antigun General Assembly would pass and Governor Gavin Newsom would sign into law a blatantly unconstitutional attack on the lawful firearm industry instead of looking in the mirror to see how their own policies are leading to historic levels of criminal violence and endangering law-abiding and innocent Californians every day,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “NSSF will not stand by and allow the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans … to be trampled upon while criminals committing acts of violence are handled with kid gloves by soft-on-crime prosecutors. California’s industry liability law is in blatant defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen and is preempted by the PLCAA.”
Among other provisions, California AB 1594 bans the manufacture, sale and marketing of firearms the state deems “abnormally dangerous”. It allows civil lawsuits against a firearm industry member to be filed by the Attorney General, any municipality and any person who claims to have suffered harm from the misuse of a legal, lawfully sold firearm by a remote third party. The law unconstitutionally invades the sovereignty of sister States by directly regulating lawful commerce occurring entirely outside the state of California in violation of the Commerce Clause and the United States’ system of federalism. The law also violates the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) enacted by Congress in 2005 to stop just these sorts of frivolous lawsuits against members of the industry.
The NSSF argues that AB 1594 also directely linfringes on the Second Amendment and chills First Amendment rights by restricting protected free-speech advertising of Constitutionally-protected products that are lawfully made and sold — even when that advertising takes place outside of California’s borders.
Share the post "NSSF Wins Injunction Against Unconstitutional California AB 1594"
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has prepared tips for gun owners transporting firearms in their vehicles. Whenever you are driving with guns (of any kind), the firearms should be transported securely. In some states, the firearms must be in locked cases inside the vehicle. And, with the rise of break-ins on parked vehicles, it’s important to keep gun cases out of sight if possible. This article has tips on safe and secure gun transport.
HERE Are Key Guidelines for Safe, Secure Handling of Firearms in Vehicles:
• Take note of and safely control the muzzle direction of firearms in vehicles. This is one of the main rules of gun safety and applies to the inside of vehicles as well as any other location.
• When finished using your firearm outside your vehicle, unload it before you re-enter your vehicle.
• Even after a long hunt or a day in the sun at the range, always check, and then double check, that guns are unloaded before placing them in a car or truck.
• Be very careful if you must unload a firearm in the confined space of a vehicle so as not to have an accidental discharge. If your location allows, it is safer and easier to unload the firearm outside the vehicle.
• Never leave firearms in parts of the vehicle accessible to children or pets.
• Keep firearms and ammunition out of sight to avoid tempting thieves.
• Use secure temporary storage for firearms in vehicles.
• A lockable gun case or a lock box may be the most practical choice to securely store a gun in a vehicle. These come in a range of prices and models.
• If you’re concerned about quick access to your firearm, many types of lockable safes allow for extremely fast access of your gun while at the same time helping to prevent unauthorized access.
• Secure the lock box to the vehicle, if possible. Some companies make custom concealed compartments for specific model vehicles.
Storing Firearms in Vehicles to Prevent Theft and Misuse
We travel with our firearms all the time, taking them to the range, on hunting trips or carrying them on our person, as permitted by law. When you are transporting guns, the last thing you want is to have your gun stolen and potentially misused by a criminal. In some states, you could even be subject under the law to serious penalties and fines for failure to properly secure a firearm. Unfortunately, thefts of firearms from vehicles are on the rise. Thieves commonly steal cars and trucks even when they don’t obviously contain firearms — a reminder that vehicle door locks are not totally secure.
When you are not in your vehicle, all firearms should be placed in locked storage and out of sight. Locking the doors on your vehicle does not constitute secure firearm storage. As one writer put it: As one writer put it: “Cars and trucks aren’t safes. And they’re not holsters. They’re not storage containers.”
The glove compartment or console of your vehicle, even if lockable, should not be considered a secure storage device either, as it can be pried open quickly and is the first place a thief might look. If you need to leave a handgun in a vehicle, we recommend putting the guns in secure case, preferably out of sight. Many vehicles have a compartment, above the spare tire storage recess, which can be secured.
Share the post "Transporting Firearms in Vehicles — What You Need to Know"
The Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association (RCSA) is now an official partner of the +ONE Movement, a mentorship program organized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “RCSA is looking forward to a long relationship with NSSF,” stated RCSA Board President Peter Swenson.
NSSF +ONE programs encourage mentorship related to firearm safety, firearm basics, shooting sports, and hunting. The +ONE program focuses on peer-to-peer development in shooting sports and hunting.
About the Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association
Designed to introduce new shooters to shooting sports in an exciting, family-friendly format, Rimfire Challenge matches focus on competition with .22 LR rifles and pistols. Matches are open to shooters of all shooting experience levels, with events conducted at ranges nationwide. The annual RCSA World Championship takes place each October. See match action in the video below. The RCSA promotes rimfire competition nationwide, supports beginning competitors and clubs, and solicits support for rimfire events from industry businesses.
Watch Action from the 2023 Rimfire Challenge Championship at Cavern Cove Range in Alabama
Programs that inspire mentoring can make a huge difference. According to recent research, if just one out of three target shooters and hunters can introduce someone new to the shooting sports, we can help to secure a strong future for generations to come.
The NSSF encourages shooting sports enthusiasts and hunters to join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range or afield. Learn more about the +ONE Movement by visiting LetsGoShooting.org and LetsGoHunting.org.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other site is permitted.
Share the post "Rimfire Challenge — Fun and Affordable Shooting Competition"
Do you have a friend or family member who is a first-time gun owner? Then show them this article. It provides important guidelines for new gun owners. There’s an Infographic printed below. And, there’s a helpful Firearm Storage and Safety Assessment Quiz. This walks gun owners through questions related to safe handling and storage of firearms. Here is Part One of the Quiz. If you click on this part, you can complete the entire Quiz and see how you score.
NSSF Comments Against Biden Administration’s Proposed ‘Engaged in the Business’ Rule
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, submitted a 28-page comprehensive public comment letter detailing the pitfalls of the Biden administration’s proposed “Engaged in the Business” rule that would create criminal law through executive fiat. The proposed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule, published 9/8/2023, would redefine individuals considered to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, requiring nearly any individual selling more than one firearm to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL) and move the United States toward universal background checks, which was rejected by Congress.
“Respectfully, ATF lacks the legal authority to do so,” wrote Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel in the public comment letter.
“The Proposed Rule exceeds ATF’s limited authority to adopt regulations. In enacting the Gun Control Act of 1968, Congress rejected making a violation of a regulation a crime,” the letter reads. “In enacting the Firearm Owner’s Protection Act of 1986, Congress further reduced ATF’s regulatory power. The specificity of authorized regulations negates a broad power.”
Keane added, “ATF has no authority to ‘improve’ on what Congress enacted or to create new crimes not enacted by Congress. An agency may not re-write statutory terms or fill in what the agency considers to be ‘gaps’ or ‘loopholes’ in the statute. The GCA is a criminal statute, and ATF’s reading is not entitled to any deference. Given that the GCA is a criminal statute with the same meaning in a civil context, ATF may not create presumptions thereon for civil or administrative purposes.”
Biden Administration Aggressively Targets FFLs
The Biden Administration, acting through the ATF, is aggressively working to shut down gun stores and FFL businesses throughout the country. According to the NRA America’s 1st Freedom site, some 1619 FFLs have gone out of business since 2020 when Joe Biden took office. That is a major change, reflecting extremely hostile and aggressive policies now being pushed by the anti-gun Biden administration.
NSSF warns ATF in the public comment letter that the Proposed Rule would invite unintended consequences that would be detrimental to the ATF’s law enforcement and regulatory missions. The Proposed Rule would create an untold number of licensees, divert ATF resources away from providing necessary industry services, distract ATF from bona fide criminal investigations and harm both the legitimate firearm industry and ATF operations.
NSSF has been critical of Final Rules enacted by the Biden administration that have bypassed Congress to create criminal law through Executive overreach, including the ATF’s Final Rules on Frames and Receivers and Stabilizing Pistol Braces. Those rules are under legal scrutiny by U.S. Courts of Appeal.
Share the post "ATF “Engaged in the Business” Proposed Rule Opposed by NSSF"
The 2024 SHOT Show is now just nine-and-a-half weeks away. The NSSF SHOT Show is the leading gun/hunting/shooting industry trade show. The huge event takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. At SHOT Show, visitors can see thousands of new guns, optics, accessories, and ammo offerings. This is the premier opportunity to have a “hands-on” view of new products, network with industry leaders, and attend informative seminars. This year’s event runs Tuesday through Friday, January 23-26, 2024, preceded by Media Day at the Range on January 22nd.
Book Hotels Now to Save Money
Unfortunately, we are seeing that, for SHOT Show week, Las Vegas hotel rates are up to 50% higher than before the pandemic. And numerous hotels are deceptively adding extra “resort fees” and processing charges, which worsen the high costs. Before you confirm a reservation, make sure you know ALL the COSTS, including room rates, taxes, resort fees, parking charges, and non-refundable deposits.
The longer you wait, the higher the cost of Las Vegas rooms will be. NSSF notes that: “It is important for attendees to book hotel rooms sooner than later to get better room rates and to get a room in a preferred location. Hotels like The Flamingo, Harrah’s and The LINQ are great options to consider.” Learn more about hotels here: https://shotshow.org/official-hotels/.
SHOT Show Information
We expect over 50,000 people will attend SHOT Show 2024. As in 2023, this year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by an elevated walking bridge.
Curious about suppressors (aka “silencers”, “moderators”, or “cans”)? Below you’ll find an informative NSSF Infographic that covers the history, legal status, design, and operation of modern-day suppressors.
Here’s a cool video showing how suppressors work. This video features see-through rifle suppressors filmed with ultra-high-speed (110,000 frame per second) cameras. When played back in super-slow-motion, you can see the flame propagate through the suppressor and the bullet move through each baffle before it exists the muzzle. Check it out!
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
Suppressor Facts — What You Need to Know
In this infographic, the NSSF provides the history, specifications, benefits and uses of firearm suppressors. Don’t suppress your knowledge!
Suppressors reduce gunfire sound levels by using baffles that contain expanding gasses exiting a firearm’s muzzle when ammo is discharged. Suppressors are similar to car mufflers that were, in fact, developed in parallel by the same inventor in the early 1900s. Well-designed suppressors typically reduce the gun sound levels by 30-35 decibels (dB).
Suppressors are now legal in 42 states nationwide. Suppressors are becoming more popular even though it still takes many months to get approved. In fact, the total number of suppressors registered in the NFRTR is 2,664,775 as of May 2021. This represents a 30% increase (622,056) since April 2020. That’s a remarkable growth rate. And we believe the numbers have increased substantially in 2022 and 2023.
Share the post "Suppressors and Silencers — Important Facts You Should Know"
September 23, 2023, was National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). We’re proud to recognize how important hunting is for millions of Americans — as a source of food for families and as an important connection with nature and the outdoors. The NFHD website has helpful resources for hunters, and in this article we provide links for Where to Hunt, How to get Hunting Licenses, and Hunter Education.
NHFD was first established by President Nixon in 1972. According to NationalToday.com, NHFD’s “roots go back more than 100 years to President Theodore Roosevelt, who introduced the first laws regulating the hunting of wildlife in the United States.”
This month we hope some of our readers can take new shooters afield and introduce them to hunting. Many hunters receive their first introduction to hunting from family or friends as a tradition passed down from generation to generation. There are over 9.2 million hunters in the United States.
To have a successful hunt you must first get to areas where game thrives. Finding the right places to hunt is essential. The NSSF offers a nationwide Where-to-Hunt database of hunting areas. You can click on a particular state, then specify the specicies you wish to hunt. This is a very useful resource.
In most states, when hunting game animals, you’ll need a hunting license and/or zone permit. The Federal Fish & Wildlife Service has state-by-state listing for hunting licenses on FWS.gov. Click the box below to learn how to get hunting licenses in your region.
For all hunters, whether they have mentors to guide them or not, the most important first step into the woods begins with a state-certified hunter education course. Click the box below to see hunting education opportunities around the nation.
Game Resources — To learn more about different game species, click these NSSF links:
To help you prepare for a fall hunt, here is a free, printable Deer Practice target. Hone your skills on a trio of bucks with a red bullseye centered on the animals. You can print the targets in black and white, but they look best in color. Right-click the image below to download a FREE printable PDF file.
Share the post "National Hunting and Fishing Day for 2023"
When shooting at long range, two heads (and two sets of eyes) can be better than one. Teaming up with a buddy who acts as a spotter can speed up your long-range learning process. You can focus 100% on the shot, while your buddy calls the wind and spots your hits and misses.
The NSSF has created a short video that shows how shooter and spotter can work as a team. In the video, the NSSF’s Dave Miles works with Rod Ryan, owner of Storm Mountain Training Center in Elk Garden, WV. As the video shows, team-work can pay off — both during target training sessions and when you’re attempting a long shot on a hunt. Working as a two-person team divides the responsibilities, allowing the shooter to concentrate fully on breaking the perfect shot.
The spotter’s job is to watch the conditions and inform the shooter of needed wind corrections. The shooter can dial windage into his scope, or hold off if he has a suitable reticle. As Rod Ryan explains: “The most important part is for the shooter to be relaxed and… pay attention to nothing more than the shot itself.” The spotter calls the wind, gives the information to the shooter, thus allowing the shooter to concentrate on proper aim, gun handling, and trigger squeeze. Rod says: “The concept is that the spotter does all the looking, seeing and the calculations for [the shooter].”
Spotter Can Call Corrections After Missed Shots
The spotter’s ability to see misses can be as important as his role as a wind-caller. Rod explains: “If you shoot and hit, that’s great. But if you shoot and miss, since the recoil pulse of the firearm is hitting your shoulder pretty good, you’re not going to be able to see where you missed the target. The spotter [can] see exactly where you missed, so I’ll have exactly an idea of how many [inches/mils it takes] to give you a quick secondary call so you can get [back on target].”
Recommended Premium Spotting Scopes
Looking for a truly superior spotting scope? Then check out the Kowa Prominar TSN-880 Series. These big spotters feature ultra-sharp Flourite glass, with huge 88mm front objectives. In comparison tests with other premium spotting scopes the TSN-883 (angled) and TSN-884 (straight) units always finish at or near the top. Right now you can get the TSN-883 (Angled) body at Amazon for $2450.00 or EuroOptic.com for the same price.
Share the post "Train as a Team — Shooter and Spotter Working Together"
August is National Shooting Sports Month. Many indoor ranges are offering promotional specials this month. Range sessions may be reduced in price (or free) and you’ll find discounts on guns, ammo, and accessories. Shooting indoors is fun, and at many indoor ranges you can shoot in the evening after work. But when shooting indoors you should always be extra careful. Follow all key gun safety practices and adhere to proper range “Etiquette”. We also recommend double hearing protection — plugs under muffs.
The NSSF (NSSF) offers a useful Range Safety and Etiquette video. This 8.5-minute video explains safe practices, especially at indoor ranges. In the video, the moderator list the basic rules of gun safety, before covering key range etiquette topics such as range officer commands, how to uncase your firearm on the range when you first arrive, and what to do if a firearm is accidentally dropped. There are also safety tips specific to handling both semi-automatic handguns and revolvers.
BAD RANGE BEHAVIOR — Five Things NOT to Do at the Range
Here are the five worst behaviors we’ve seen at indoor ranges. These behaviors are both dangerous and inconsiderate. Any one of these behaviors can get you permanently banned from an indoor range.
1. Sweeping other individuals after loading a weapon behind the firing line is very bad. All your weapons should be empty until you reach your shooting station.
2. Turning the handgun sideways while trying to clear a malfunction or insert/remove a magazine. This will point the muzzle at a fellow shooter. Or, after shooting a gun, the shooter fails to clear the weapon and then places the gun somewhere near the shooting station with the muzzle in an unsafe position.
3. Reacting unpredictably when firing a high recoil handgun. We’ve seen people take a second shot by accident with the muzzle way off target.
4. Not obeying range commands — in particular continuing to shoot during called cease-fires.
5. Poorly aimed shooting that hits target frames or carriers, causing ricochets.
Seven Types of People at the Gun Range — HUMOR
This video is satire, but with lots of truth in the characterizations. Laughter guaranteed.
Double-Up on Hearing Protection When Shooting Indoors
When shooting rifles and pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with plugs underneath.
Share the post "Shooting at Indoor Ranges — Proper Range Procedures"
