Top 10 Best-Selling Gun Brands in the US of All Time

When evaluating the best firearms in the U.S., several key criteria are considered to ensure a comprehensive assessment that meets the needs of a diverse range of users—from law enforcement agencies to recreational shooters.

A firearm's reliability is paramount, particularly in high-stress situations where failure can result in dire consequences. Guns that perform consistently under various conditions, including adverse weather and after extended use without maintenance, rank highly on our list.

The materials and build quality of a firearm determine its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Brands that use high-quality materials and demonstrate superior craftsmanship provide firearms that can endure heavy use over time.

For many shooters, accuracy is the most critical feature of a firearm. Guns that offer precision and consistency, whether in hunting, target shooting, or tactical situations, are highly valued. Firearms known for their tight groupings and consistent performance at various ranges were considered superior.

A firearm should feel right in the user's hands and allow for intuitive operation. Ergonomic features such as grip design, balance, and overall feel significantly affect a shooter's ability to operate the firearm effectively.

Advancements in firearm technology, such as modular designs, adjustable components, and integrated systems for enhanced safety and performance, play a crucial role in our evaluation. Brands that push the envelope with innovative features often set new standards in the industry.

Through this meticulous process, we aim to provide a well-rounded and authoritative guide to the best guns available in the U.S., helping consumers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.

Top 10 Popular and Best-Selling Gun Brands in USA Today

How Many Guns Are There in The US?

Estimating the exact number of guns in the United States is challenging due to the vast size of the market and the private nature of many firearm transactions. However, various studies and surveys suggest that there are more firearms than people in the U.S. Recent estimates indicate that there could be over 393 million guns in the country. This figure is based on data extrapolated from manufacturing, import, and export records, along with survey responses regarding gun ownership.

It's important to note that these numbers are continually changing due to new sales, imports, and other market dynamics. The high number of firearms in the U.S. is often cited in discussions about gun control and firearm safety policies.

How to Buy A Gun in the US

Gun laws vary by state and sometimes by local jurisdiction. Some states have additional requirements such as waiting periods, special permits, or mandatory safety training courses. It's important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state and any states where you intend to transport or use the firearm.

To purchase a firearm in the U.S., you must generally meet the following criteria:

→ purchase a handgun at age 21 and a rifle or shotgun at least at the age of 18.

→ possess legal residency or be a citizen of the United States.

→ possess no record of felonies or domestic abuse convictions.

→ not be subject to a protective order.

→ not have a court declare you mentally unfit.

→ withstand a background investigation.

A federally authorized dealer (an FFL holder) is the only place to purchase firearms. This can be at a gun store, a gun show, or through an online retailer (in which case the gun must be shipped to a local licensed dealer).

When you decide to purchase a firearm, the dealer will require you to complete a Firearms Transaction Record (Form 4473) which includes personal information. The dealer will use this form to run a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This process typically takes a few minutes, but in cases where more information is needed, it can take longer.

Some states require a waiting period between the purchase and the actual handover of the firearm. During this time, additional background checks or other requirements may be completed.

If you pass the background check and fulfill all state and local requirements, you can complete the purchase. The dealer will register the sale and provide you with the necessary paperwork.

Some states require that you register your firearm with the local police or another governmental agency. Additionally, it's important to safely store your firearm to prevent unauthorized access or use.

Especially for new owners, professional training in the safe handling, operation, and storage of your firearm is highly recommended.

How to Buy A Gun in the US with 2 Steps in 15 Minutes

Top 10 Popular and Best-Selling Gun Brands in the US - 2024 Report

1. Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson

Establishment year: Founded in 1852.

Founded in 1852 by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, Smith & Wesson has become one of the most renowned names in the American firearms industry. The company initially gained fame for their innovations in revolver technology, most notably the development of the first practical cartridge revolver in 1856. Today, Smith & Wesson is celebrated for its broad range of firearms, including revolvers, pistols, and modern sporting rifles.

Their M&P (Military and Police) series is particularly popular among law enforcement agencies and civilians alike for its reliability, ergonomic design, and adaptability. Smith & Wesson continues to innovate, pushing the boundaries with new materials and technologies, maintaining its position as a staple in the personal defense and shooting sports markets.

2. Remington Arms

Establishment year: Established in 1816.

Established in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion, New York, Remington Arms is one of the oldest gun makers in the United States and has a storied history of manufacturing some of the most popular firearms in the nation.

Remington has produced legendary models such as the Remington Model 700 rifle, highly regarded for its accuracy and favored by hunters and marksmen worldwide. Another notable model is the Remington 870 shotgun, one of the best-selling shotguns of all time, prized for its durability and reliability. Although Remington has faced financial challenges, leading to restructuring under bankruptcy protections, the brand continues to be a key player in the firearms industry with a commitment to quality and innovation.

3. Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Establishment year: Founded in 1949.

In a small temporary workshop in Southport, Connecticut, William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm founded Sturm, Ruger & Co., also known as Ruger. With a focus on creating innovative and reliable firearms at a reasonable price, Ruger quickly rose to prominence in the American firearms market. Ruger's product line includes a wide variety of rifles, shotguns, and pistols.

Among their most famous products is the Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic rifle, widely recognized for its performance and adaptability, with a myriad of aftermarket accessories available. Ruger is also known for its commitment to safety, incorporating advanced safety features into its designs, and promoting responsible ownership, which has endeared the brand to a broad base of customers from casual shooters to professional marksmen.

4. Glock

Glock

Establishment year: Established in 1981.

Glock is an Austrian company that Gaston Glock founded in 1981 and has had a significant impact on the firearms industry by introducing polymer-framed pistols. Glock entered the U.S. market in the 1980s and quickly became a favorite among law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters for its simplicity, reliability, and innovative use of polymer materials.

The Glock 17, the company's first model, revolutionized the pistol market with its high capacity and lightweight design. Since then, Glock has expanded its line to include various calibers and sizes, all maintaining the brand's hallmark features of durability and functionality. Glock pistols are known for their minimalist design, consisting of few parts, which contributes to their ease of use and maintenance.

5. Sig Sauer

Establishment year: Originally founded as SIG in 1853; the Sig Sauer brand emerged as a collaboration with Sauer & Sohn in the 1970s.

Originally known as Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG), Sig Sauer was founded in Switzerland in 1853. The company expanded into the U.S. market by partnering with Sauer & Sohn of Germany to form Sig Sauer.

Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, Sig Sauer produces a range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and machine guns. The P320, a modular pistol that has become a standard sidearm for the U.S. military under the designation M17, exemplifies Sig Sauer's commitment to innovation. Sig Sauer's firearms are highly regarded in the tactical and competitive shooting communities for their precision, reliability, and advanced engineering.

Read More: How to Buy A Gun in the US with 2 Steps in 15 Minutes

6. Colt's Manufacturing Company

Establishment year: Founded in 1855.

Colt is one of the oldest and most famous American gun manufacturers, founded in 1855 by Samuel Colt. Colt's early revolvers played a significant role in the industrialization of the American Frontier and were integral to the mythology of the American West. The Colt 1911, officially adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, is one of the most well-known handguns in the world, celebrated for its robust design and effectiveness.

Colt has supplied civilian, military, and law enforcement markets throughout its history, maintaining a legacy of quality and innovation. Despite facing financial difficulties and changes in ownership, Colt remains a storied name in American firearms manufacturing, recently revitalizing its lineup with modern adaptations of classic models.

7. Winchester Repeating Arms

Winchester Repeating Arms

Establishment year: Founded in 1866.

Founded in 1866 by Oliver Winchester, Winchester Repeating Arms Company is iconic in the firearms world, particularly known for its development of the lever-action rifle, which became known as "The Gun That Won the West." Winchester's innovations in firearm technology have revolutionized the way rifles are used, making reloading quicker and more efficient.

The Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle and the Model 70 bolt-action rifle are legendary, with the latter often referred to as "The Rifleman's Rifle" due to its accuracy and reliability in hunting applications. Winchester has also been influential in the development of ammunition, with many popular calibers bearing the Winchester name.

8. Beretta USA

Establishment year: Beretta was founded in 1526; Beretta USA operates as its American subsidiary, established more recently.

Beretta, one of the oldest firearms manufacturers in the world, was founded in 1526 in Italy and established Beretta USA as its American subsidiary. The company has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality shotguns, rifles, and pistols.

One of Beretta's most notable contributions to the firearms market is the Beretta 92 series of pistols, which has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies around the world, including the U.S. military, where it served as the standard issue sidearm under the designation M9 from 1985 until recently. Beretta's firearms are celebrated for their design, durability, and precision, making them favorites among both competitive shooters and defensive firearm owners.

9. Browning Arms Company

Establishment year: Founded in 1927.

Founded in Utah in 1927, Browning Arms Company carries the legacy of one of the greatest firearms designers of all time, John Moses Browning. This brand is associated with a series of innovations that have had a lasting impact on the firearm industry, including the development of the semi-automatic pistol, the Browning Automatic Rifle, and the M1911 pistol. Browning's current product line includes a wide range of shotguns, rifles, and pistols.

Throughout the 20th century, military forces all over the world used the Browning Hi-Power pistol, which John Browning developed and finished after his death. Browning also offers highly regarded shotguns like the Auto-5 and Superposed, along with a variety of hunting rifles.

10. Mossberg

Establishment year: Founded in 1919.

Oscar Frederick Mossberg and his sons founded O.F. Mossberg & Sons in Connecticut in 1919. Mossberg is best known for its reliable and affordable shotguns, particularly the Mossberg 500 series, which has become one of the best-selling shotguns worldwide. This pump-action shotgun is prized for its durability, versatility, and value, making it a popular choice for both hunting and home defense.

Additionally, Mossberg produces a variety of rifles and pistols, but its shotguns remain the company's flagship product. Military and law enforcement organizations frequently use the Mossberg 590 and more recent 590A1 models due to their durable design and dependable performance.

Conclusion

These brands represent the pinnacle of gun manufacturing in the USA, each with its unique history and contributions to the firearms industry. As the market continues to evolve, these companies are expected to lead the way in innovation and excellence.

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