Americans Gun Owners Have Purchased More Than 24 Million MSRs

The Modern Sporting Rifle remains very popular with Americans all across the country.

by
posted on July 28, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Modern Sporting Rifle

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)—the firearm industry trade association—recently updated the industry estimate of modern sporting rifles (MSRs) in circulation in the United States since 1990 to 24,446,000. The number reflects an increase of more than 4.5 million rifles since the last estimate, which the organization released in 2020.

“This is a truly significant figure that demonstrates—again—the popularity of this commonly owned style of rifle,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “The firearm industry responds to market demand and this shows that during the elevated period of firearm sales that began in 2020, this particular style of rifle is the top choice for law-abiding citizens for hunting, recreational shooting and self-defense.”

The MSR remains the most-popular-selling centerfire semiautomatic rifle in the United States today. There are more MSRs in circulation today than there are Ford F-Series trucks on the road.

The estimate is derived from NSSF research, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report and U.S. International Trade Commission data, in cooperation with manufacturers, importers and exporters of MSRs, or AR-15 and AK-style rifles. This most recent estimate includes production figures current through 2020, when the industry estimates more than 2,798,000 of these rifles were produced or imported. This estimate does not include MSRs that were produced and exported or imported and later exported.

The number of modern sporting rifles produced in the United States and sold domestically in 2020 alone was 2,466,000. A total of 332,000 were imported during that 12-month period. The year 2016 takes second place in U.S. with 2,217,000 (another 230,000 were imported).

By comparison, modern sporting rifles produced or imported for sale in the United States in 1990 totaled 74,000. By the year 2000 the figure rose to 216,000 and total volume crossed the one million mark for the first time in 2009. 

Latest

Foxtrot Mike VFM-9 Upper Receivers
Foxtrot Mike VFM-9 Upper Receivers

First Look: New Foxtrot Mike VFM-9 Upper Receivers

For use with AR-15s which use Glock magazines.

First Look: XS Minimalist OR Sights for the HK CC9

Upgrade your iron sights on your micro-compact pistol.

Accessorizing the Small Frame Revolver

Take your snub nose revolver to the next level.

The Classics: The Marlin Model 336

Marlin’s classic lever-action rifle has had quite a history.

First Look: Mission First Tactical Guardian Duty Holster

A duty-style holster which holds your pistol tightly.

A Concealed Carry Primer

Build a system that actually works for you.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.