A recent report from the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF) indicates that civilian firearm ownership in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, with over 490 million firearms in civilian possession as of 2022. Specifically, the report estimates that 491.3 million firearms were owned by civilians between 1990 and 2022, demonstrating the enduring prominence of firearms in American culture.
The report highlights that more than 10 million firearms were domestically manufactured in 2022 alone. When combined with imported firearms, the total number of firearms available in the U.S. market for that year reached an impressive 16,045,911. Handguns accounted for the majority, with 9,873,136 produced or imported, followed by 4,195,192 rifles and 1,977,583 shotguns.
The high availability of handguns reflects their critical role in the concealed carry and self-defense market. This growing trend aligns with state policies supporting gun ownership for personal protection. All 50 states currently allow concealed carry, and 29 of these states have adopted constitutional carry laws. These laws permit law-abiding citizens to carry handguns without obtaining a permit, streamlining the process for individuals seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
The NSSF report underscores the strong demand for firearms, particularly for self-defense purposes, in a country where personal safety remains a priority for many. With nearly half a billion firearms now in civilian possession, the report highlights the central role firearms continue to play in American society and the legal protections that support their ownership and use.
