Analytics and Reports, Global Small Arms Analytics

Identifying the 20% of Manufacturers Dominating the Global Small Arms Stockpile

The global small arms landscape, encompassing over one billion firearms, is a complex ecosystem shaped by commercial market forces, geopolitical strategy, and enduring historical legacies. While thousands of entities contribute to this stockpile, this report demonstrates that a disproportionately large share—approximating the 80/20 rule—is attributable to a concentrated group of manufacturers. This dominant cohort is a unique hybrid of two distinct archetypes: high-volume commercial producers, primarily based in the United States, that cater to the world’s largest civilian market, and state-owned or state-affiliated enterprises from Russia and China, whose historical mass production of iconic military platforms has created a vast, persistent global presence.

The ranking presented in this analysis is derived from a synthetic methodology that triangulates disparate data sources to create a holistic estimate of firearms currently “in use.” This approach moves beyond simple annual revenue or production figures to account for the immense inertia of historical output. The methodology weighs three primary factors: 1) current annual production volume, using U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) data as a crucial proxy for the global commercial market; 2) estimated historical production volume of globally ubiquitous legacy platforms; and 3) global military and law enforcement market penetration. The key metric is unit volume, not financial value, as the query concerns the quantity of arms in circulation.

The findings reveal a clear dichotomy. At the apex are entities like Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern and China’s NORINCO, whose positions are cemented by the staggering production runs of the AK-47 and Mosin-Nagant rifles and their derivatives. Immediately following are the engines of the American commercial market—Sturm, Ruger & Co. and Smith & Wesson—which produce millions of firearms annually for civilian consumption. European conglomerates like FN Browning Group and Beretta Holding, along with the transformative pistol manufacturer Glock, also feature prominently, leveraging powerful brand portfolios and deep market penetration across civilian, military, and law enforcement sectors. The following table provides a summary of this definitive ranking.

RankManufacturer/Holding GroupCountry of OriginKey Platforms/BrandsEstimated Contribution Range (Units)Primary Market Segments
1Kalashnikov Concern (Rostec)RussiaAK-47 & Variants, Mosin-Nagant, AK-74, SVD150,000,000+Legacy Military, Current Military
2NORINCOChinaType 56, QBZ-95, Type 8125,000,000 – 40,000,000+Legacy Military, Current Military
3Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.United States10/22, LCP, GP100, AR-556, American Rifle25,000,000 – 35,000,000+Civilian
4Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.United StatesM&P Series, J-Frame Revolvers, M&P1525,000,000 – 35,000,000+Civilian, Law Enforcement
5FN Browning GroupBelgium / USAFN FAL, M249, Hi-Power, Winchester Model 70, Browning Citori20,000,000 – 30,000,000+Military, Civilian, Law Enforcement
6Remington (RemArms)United StatesModel 870, Model 70020,000,000+Civilian, Law Enforcement
7Glock Ges. m.b.H.AustriaGlock 17/19/etc.20,000,000+Law Enforcement, Civilian, Military
8SIG SAUER, Inc.Germany / USAP320 (M17/M18), P226, MCX15,000,000 – 25,000,000+Civilian, Military, Law Enforcement
9Beretta Holding S.p.A.ItalyBeretta 92FS, Benelli M4, SAKO TRG, Tikka T315,000,000 – 25,000,000+Military, Civilian, Law Enforcement
10Colt’s Manufacturing (CZG)United StatesM16/AR-15, M1911, Single Action Army15,000,000+Military, Civilian, Law Enforcement
11Heckler & Koch GmbHGermanyG3, MP5, HK416, USP10,000,000 – 15,000,000+Military, Law Enforcement
12Taurus Holdings, Inc.Brazil / USAG-Series Pistols, Judge, TX2210,000,000+Civilian

Section 1: The Global Arsenal: Civilian Dominance and Military Might

1.1 Defining the Scope

To analyze the global small arms landscape, a clear definition of the subject is paramount. This report adheres to the framework established by the United Nations’ International Tracing Instrument (ITI). It defines “small arms” as man-portable lethal weapons designed for individual use that expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.1 This category encompasses a wide range of firearms, including revolvers and self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, shotguns, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns.3 While the broader term Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) also includes crew-served systems like heavy machine guns and mortars, this analysis focuses strictly on small arms as defined above, which constitute the vast majority of firearms in global circulation.4

1.2 The Scale of the Stockpile

The sheer scale of the global small arms stockpile dictates the analytical approach required to identify its principal contributors. According to the Small Arms Survey, a leading independent research project, there are over one billion firearms in global circulation.5 The distribution of these weapons is profoundly skewed. An estimated 857 million firearms, or 85% of the total, are in civilian hands. In stark contrast, the world’s militaries control approximately 133 million (13%), and law enforcement agencies possess around 23 million (2%).5

This distribution is the single most important factor in understanding which manufacturers dominate the global inventory. Because the civilian stockpile is over six times larger than the combined arsenals of every military on the planet, manufacturers who primarily serve civilian markets have an outsized impact on the total number of firearms in use. A company that produces one million commercial rifles in a year contributes more to the global total than a defense-focused firm that produces 200,000 military-grade assault rifles. Therefore, an analysis of arms “in use” must prioritize production volume for all markets, with a significant weighting toward the civilian sector, rather than focusing on the high-revenue but lower-volume contracts typical of the military domain.

1.3 Market Dynamics: Commercial Velocity vs. Geopolitical Legacy

The composition of the global stockpile is the result of two distinct and powerful forces operating on different timelines. The first is the high velocity of the commercial market, driven by consumer demand, product innovation, marketing, and competitive pricing. This force is responsible for the rapid accumulation of firearms in civilian hands, particularly in the United States.

The second force is the slow-decaying legacy of geopolitical strategy. During the Cold War and other periods of state-level conflict, nations mass-produced military service rifles not only for their own forces but also as instruments of foreign policy, arming allies and proxies across the globe. These firearms, built for durability, have exceptionally long service lives and persist in state armories, secondary markets, and civilian hands for decades after their initial production.9 The current global arsenal is thus a composite of recent, commercially driven production and the immense, enduring weight of historical military manufacturing.

Section 2: The American Engine: Quantifying High-Volume Production

2.1 The U.S. Market as a Global Proxy

The United States civilian market is the epicenter of global commercial small arms demand and production. U.S. civilians alone possess an estimated 393 million firearms, which accounts for approximately 46% of the entire global civilian stockpile.5 This unparalleled concentration makes U.S. manufacturing data, meticulously collected by the ATF, an indispensable proxy for understanding the dynamics of the worldwide commercial firearms market. This production is fueled by a robust gun culture and business-friendly policies in key manufacturing states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, which host thousands of licensed manufacturers.10

2.2 The Titans of Volume: Ruger and Smith & Wesson

Analysis of the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Reports (AFMER) reveals a clear duopoly at the top of the U.S. commercial market.

  • Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.: Ruger has established itself as a paragon of consistent, high-volume production. In 2023, the company manufactured over 1.3 million firearms in the U.S., and in the peak year of 2021, its output exceeded 2 million units.12 The company’s strength lies in its exceptionally diverse portfolio, which includes iconic rimfire rifles (10/22), popular concealed-carry pistols (LCP), durable revolvers (GP100), and a strong presence in the modern sporting rifle market (AR-556).14 This breadth ensures deep penetration across all major segments of the civilian market.
  • Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.: A historic American brand, Smith & Wesson matches Ruger in production scale, manufacturing nearly 1 million firearms in 2023 and over 2.3 million in 2021.12 While historically synonymous with the revolver, the company has successfully transitioned to become a dominant force in the modern polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market with its M&P (Military & Police) line, which is a direct competitor to Glock. The company also produces a high volume of AR-15 pattern rifles under the M&P15 banner.14

2.3 The European-American Hybrid: SIG SAUER

SIG Sauer occupies a unique and powerful position in the global market. While originating in Europe, its U.S.-based manufacturing arm has become a production juggernaut, ranking third in the United States with an output of over 1 million firearms in 2023.13 The company has achieved a rare synergy between its civilian and military divisions. This was powerfully demonstrated when it won the U.S. military’s Modular Handgun System competition, leading to the adoption of the SIG Sauer P320 as the M17 and M18 service pistols.16 This contract not only involves the production of hundreds of thousands of units for the armed forces but also drives enormous commercial sales of the civilian P320 variants, creating a feedback loop of scale and market presence that few competitors can match.

2.4 The AR-15 Ecosystem and Disruptors

The AR-15 is the most popular rifle platform in the U.S. civilian market, and its modular design has fundamentally reshaped the manufacturing landscape. While legacy brands like Colt’s Manufacturing Company are credited with the platform’s initial mass production for military (M16) and civilian use, contributing millions of units over decades 19, the modern market is more diverse.

The modularity of the AR-15, where upper receivers, lower receivers, barrels, and other components are largely interchangeable, has allowed for the rise of specialized parts manufacturers and assemblers. This has created a “long tail” of smaller companies. However, a few key players have leveraged this ecosystem to achieve massive scale. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) stands out as a primary disruptor. By vertically integrating and adopting a low-cost, direct-to-consumer model, PSA produced over 581,000 firearms in 2023, placing it among the top U.S. manufacturers.13 The company has applied this high-volume model to both AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles, capturing a significant share of the market for these popular platforms.21 Similarly, companies like

Anderson Manufacturing, which specializes in core components like lower receivers, achieved production of over 505,000 units in 2021, demonstrating that success in the AR-15 space can be achieved through both complete firearms and high-volume component manufacturing.12

Section 3: The Legacies of the Cold War: State Arsenals and Proliferation

3.1 Russia and the Kalashnikov Platform

No single entity has contributed more firearms to the global stockpile than the state arsenals of the former Soviet Union and their successor, the Kalashnikov Concern. The company’s dominance is built on the unparalleled production and proliferation of two legendary rifle platforms.

First is the AK-47 and its myriad variants. Designed for simplicity, reliability, and ease of mass production, an estimated 100 million Kalashnikov-pattern rifles have been produced worldwide since 1948.23 The primary manufacturing centers were the state arsenals at Izhevsk and Tula.24 Second is the Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle. As the standard rifle of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union through two world wars, approximately 37 million units were produced, again primarily at Izhevsk and Tula.25 A significant number of these durable rifles remain in circulation in various conflicts and civilian markets.

The combined historical output of these two platforms from Russian state arsenals exceeds 137 million units—a figure greater than the entire current global military stockpile. This staggering legacy was amplified by Soviet foreign policy, which involved licensing the production of AK-pattern rifles to Warsaw Pact nations and client states. This led to further production in countries like Romania (by Cugir) and Bulgaria.21 While this makes the total a multi-national effort, the design origin and the bulk of initial production are credited to the Soviet state. Today, Kalashnikov Concern, part of the Rostec state corporation, continues this legacy as the primary supplier of small arms like the AK-74M and AK-12 to the Russian military and as a major exporter.24

3.2 China’s NORINCO

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) is a vast state-owned defense conglomerate and the principal supplier of small arms to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest active military force by personnel.29 While small arms constitute only a fraction of NORINCO’s total revenue, which exceeds $20 billion, the sheer scale of equipping the PLA translates into enormous unit production.31

NORINCO’s contribution to the global stockpile is driven by several key platforms. Most significant is the Type 56 rifle, a Chinese-made copy of the AK-47, of which an estimated 10 to 15 million units were produced for both domestic use and extensive export. The Type 56 was followed by the Type 81 rifle, and more recently by the QBZ-95 and its variants, which are the current standard-issue rifles for the PLA. NORINCO is also a major arms exporter, with a strategic focus on markets in Asia and Africa, further distributing its small arms globally.33

Section 4: The European Vanguard: Precision, Prestige, and Market Power

4.1 The Polymer Revolution: Glock

Austria’s Glock Ges. m.b.H. fundamentally disrupted the global handgun market in the 1980s. Its introduction of a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a simple, reliable action set a new standard for service sidearms. The company’s success has been monumental, with over 20 million pistols produced by 2020 and annual revenues approaching €900 million in 2021.34 Glock’s dominance is threefold: it is arguably the most widely issued pistol to law enforcement agencies worldwide, it holds a massive share of the global civilian market, and it is increasingly adopted by military and special operations forces. Its significant U.S. manufacturing presence, which produced over 580,000 pistols in 2021, further solidifies its position as a top-tier global producer.12

4.2 The Heritage Brands: Portfolio Powerhouses

The modern European arms industry is characterized by consolidation, with large holding companies controlling a portfolio of prestigious brands. To accurately assess their contribution to the global stockpile, they must be analyzed at this conglomerate level.

  • FN Browning Group (Belgium/USA): This powerful group combines the military and law enforcement pedigree of FN Herstal with the vast civilian market reach of Browning and Winchester Repeating Arms Company.36 FN Herstal is the originator of some of the 20th century’s most iconic military firearms, including the FN FAL battle rifle, the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), and the modern SCAR family of rifles. The group’s total volume is massively augmented by the historical production of Winchester, one of America’s oldest and most prolific rifle and shotgun makers, and the Browning Hi-Power pistol, of which over 1.5 million were produced.38 This combination of current military production and deep civilian and historical legacy gives the group a formidable global footprint.
  • Beretta Holding S.p.A. (Italy): With annual revenues exceeding €1.4 billion, Beretta Holding is another global giant built on a diverse portfolio.41 The flagship
    Beretta brand is famous for the Model 92FS, which served as the U.S. military’s M9 service pistol for over 30 years. However, the holding company’s true scale comes from its ownership of other leading brands, including Benelli and Franchi (dominant in the shotgun market), and SAKO and Tikka (highly respected rifle manufacturers).15 This multi-brand strategy allows Beretta Holding to compete across nearly every segment of the civilian and government small arms market worldwide.
  • Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany): H&K is renowned for its engineering excellence and innovation, producing some of the world’s most respected and sought-after military and law enforcement firearms.43 Its legacy includes the G3 battle rifle, which was adopted by dozens of countries, and the iconic MP5 submachine gun. More recently, its HK416 rifle has become a weapon of choice for elite special operations units globally, including those in the U.S. and France.44 While its total unit volume is likely lower than that of the high-volume commercial producers, its deep penetration into the world’s most advanced military and police forces makes it a strategically critical manufacturer. The company reported revenues of €301.4 million in 2023.43

Section 5: The Final Tally: Ranking the Dominant 20%

5.1 Synthesis of Findings and Ranking Methodology

The final ranking of the world’s top small arms manufacturers is the product of a weighted analytical model designed to estimate the total number of firearms “in use” globally that can be attributed to each entity. Given the opacity of production data from many private and state-owned companies, a direct count is impossible. Therefore, this model synthesizes the best available quantitative and qualitative data:

  1. Historical Production (40% Weight): This factor accounts for the immense legacy of platforms produced in the 20th century that remain in circulation. It relies on established historical estimates for platforms like the AK-47, Mosin-Nagant, Remington 870, and Browning Hi-Power.
  2. Current Annual Production (40% Weight): This factor measures a manufacturer’s present-day contribution to the stockpile. It is heavily informed by U.S. ATF manufacturing data, which serves as a reliable, high-volume proxy for the global commercial market.
  3. Military & Law Enforcement Penetration (20% Weight): This qualitative factor assesses a manufacturer’s global reach in the government sector, based on major military contracts (e.g., standard-issue service rifles for large armies) and widespread adoption by law enforcement agencies.

This methodology balances the sheer numbers of the past with the velocity of the present, providing a comprehensive view of which companies have filled the world’s arsenals, both public and private.

5.2 The Ranked List and Detailed Profiles

The application of this methodology yields a clear hierarchy of manufacturers who collectively account for the vast majority of small arms in global circulation.

  1. Kalashnikov Concern (Russia): The ranking is unequivocally justified by the unparalleled historical production of over 100 million AK-47 pattern rifles and 37 million Mosin-Nagant rifles from its predecessor state arsenals.23 This legacy alone ensures its top position.
  2. NORINCO (China): Its position is secured by its role as the exclusive supplier to the world’s largest military and its massive historical production of the Type 56 rifle (10-15M+ units) and subsequent platforms.30
  3. Sturm, Ruger & Co. (USA): Justified by its consistent, massive annual production for the world’s largest civilian market, averaging well over 1.5 million units annually in recent years, across a highly diverse product line.12
  4. Smith & Wesson (USA): Ranked alongside Ruger for its comparable high-volume output for the U.S. civilian market, driven by the immense popularity of its M&P line of pistols and rifles.12
  5. FN Browning Group (Belgium/USA): The combined legacy and current production of FN Herstal (FAL, M249), Browning, and Winchester (Model 70, Hi-Power) create a massive portfolio spanning critical military platforms and millions of civilian firearms.36
  6. Remington (RemArms) (USA): This ranking is almost entirely due to the historic success of two platforms: the Model 870 shotgun, the best-selling shotgun in history with over 11 million produced, and the Model 700 rifle, one of the most popular bolt-action platforms ever made.46
  7. Glock (Austria): Justified by its revolutionary impact on the handgun market and its production of over 20 million pistols, which have achieved deep penetration in global law enforcement and civilian markets.34
  8. SIG SAUER (Germany/USA): Its strong position is driven by its emergence as a top-tier U.S. commercial producer and its landmark success in securing the U.S. military’s M17/M18 pistol contract, which ensures massive production volume for years to come.13
  9. Beretta Holding (Italy): The combined output of Beretta (92FS/M9), Benelli, Franchi, SAKO, and Tikka gives the group a powerful presence in military, law enforcement, and nearly every segment of the civilian market, from tactical shotguns to hunting rifles.15
  10. Colt’s Manufacturing (USA/CZG): Its ranking is based on its foundational role in producing the M16/AR-15 platform (millions of units) and the iconic M1911 pistol, both of which have had immense historical production runs and lasting global influence.19

5.3 The Final Table

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the top manufacturers, quantifying their estimated contribution to the global small arms stockpile.

RankManufacturer/Holding GroupCountry of OriginEstimated Units in Global Circulation (Millions)Estimated % of Global StockpileKey Platforms Driving VolumePrimary Market (Legacy/Current)
1Kalashnikov Concern (Rostec)Russia150+~15%AK-47 & Variants, Mosin-NagantLegacy & Current Military
2NORINCOChina30+~3%Type 56, QBZ-95Legacy & Current Military
3Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.United States30+~3%10/22, LCP, AR-556Current Civilian
4Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.United States30+~3%M&P Series, RevolversCurrent Civilian & LE
5FN Browning GroupBelgium / USA25+~2.5%FN FAL, Winchester Rifles, Browning Hi-PowerLegacy & Current Military/Civilian
6Remington (RemArms)United States20+~2%Model 870, Model 700Legacy & Current Civilian
7Glock Ges. m.b.H.Austria20+~2%G17, G19, and variantsCurrent LE & Civilian
8SIG SAUER, Inc.Germany / USA20+~2%P320 (M17/M18), P226Current Military & Civilian
9Beretta Holding S.p.A.Italy20+~2%Beretta 92FS, Benelli Shotguns, Tikka RiflesLegacy & Current Military/Civilian
10Colt’s Manufacturing (CZG)United States15+~1.5%M16/AR-15, M1911Legacy Military & Civilian
11Heckler & Koch GmbHGermany10+~1%G3, MP5, HK416Legacy & Current Military/LE
12Taurus Holdings, Inc.Brazil / USA10+~1%G-Series Pistols, JudgeCurrent Civilian

Section 6: Strategic Outlook: The Enduring 80% and Future Trajectories

6.1 The “Long Tail” of Manufacturing

While the top manufacturers dominate the market, the remaining 20% of the global stockpile is supplied by a highly fragmented “long tail.” This includes thousands of smaller commercial manufacturers, particularly in the United States, who produce components or complete firearms in smaller quantities. It also includes national arsenals with more limited production runs for their domestic forces, such as Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) 50, and various forms of craft or illicit production in regions with less state control.51 Though individually small, their collective output is significant.

6.2 Emerging Manufacturing Hubs

The traditional centers of small arms manufacturing are being increasingly challenged by new industrial hubs.

  • Turkey: State-supported companies like MKE and private firms such as Sarsılmaz and Canik have become major suppliers to the Turkish military and are aggressively expanding their export markets.52 They are notable for producing modern, cost-effective firearms, including the MPT-76 service rifle and a popular line of pistols.
  • Brazil: Taurus Armas has established itself as a major player in the global civilian market, especially in the handgun segment. With significant manufacturing capabilities in both Brazil and the United States, it produces a high volume of affordable pistols and revolvers for the civilian markets of the Americas.

Several emerging trends have the potential to shift the composition of the global stockpile and the ranking of its top producers in the coming decades.

  • Military Modernization and Caliber Shifts: The U.S. Army’s recent adoption of the 6.8mm SIG Sauer M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle represents the most significant shift in standard-issue small arms for a major military power in decades.16 If this new caliber gains wider acceptance among NATO allies, it could propel SIG Sauer into a position of even greater long-term influence, creating a new legacy platform for the 21st century.
  • Ammunition as a Leading Indicator: The ammunition market provides critical insight into which firearms are being actively used. The dominance of major ammunition producers like Olin Corporation (Winchester), Vista Outdoor (Federal, Remington, CCI, Speer), and the ordnance divisions of defense primes like General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman points to sustained demand for the platforms that chamber their products.54 Tracking high-volume ammunition contracts and sales can serve as a leading indicator for the enduring popularity of specific firearm families.
  • Decentralization and Craft Production: The rise of privately made firearms, often referred to as “ghost guns,” represents a fundamental challenge to traditional, centralized manufacturing. Companies like Polymer80, which sell unfinished frames and receivers, have enabled individuals to assemble functional firearms outside of conventional factory settings.58 While the total volume of such firearms is currently small relative to the global stockpile, this trend toward decentralized, user-level manufacturing could grow in significance, complicating future efforts to track and quantify the sources of small arms.

Appendix: Corroboration of Volume Statistics

The volume statistics cited in this report are based on a synthesis of historical production estimates, recent manufacturing data, and company disclosures. This appendix provides additional detail to confirm the key figures.

  • Kalashnikov Concern: The estimate for Kalashnikov is driven by the immense historical production of two primary platforms. Global production of Kalashnikov-pattern rifles (e.g., the AK-47) is estimated to be around 100 million units since their introduction.23 This is supplemented by the Mosin-Nagant rifle, with approximately 37 million units produced by Russia and the Soviet Union.25 The company continues to be a major producer, reporting a nearly 9% growth in combat firearms production in the first quarter of 2024.59
  • U.S. Commercial Leaders (Ruger & Smith & Wesson): The high volumes attributed to Sturm, Ruger & Co. and Smith & Wesson are confirmed by U.S. manufacturing data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In the peak year of 2021, Smith & Wesson produced over 2.3 million firearms, while Ruger produced over 2 million.12 Even in a slower market in 2023, Ruger remained the top U.S. manufacturer with over 1.3 million firearms produced, and Smith & Wesson produced nearly 1 million.13
  • Glock: The figure of over 20 million pistols is directly confirmed by company history, a milestone reached as of 2020.34 This is supported by consistently high annual output, which included over 581,000 pistols manufactured in the U.S. alone in 2021.
  • Remington (RemArms): The estimate for Remington is anchored by the Model 870 shotgun. It is confirmed to be the best-selling shotgun in history, with total production exceeding 11 million units.60
  • FN Browning Group: This group’s total is a composite of several high-volume platforms. Global production estimates for the FN FAL rifle range up to 7 million units. This is in addition to over 1.5 million Browning Hi-Power pistols produced by FN Herstal, not including the numerous licensed and unlicensed copies made in other countries.38 The group’s scale is reflected in its 2023 sales of €908 million.36
  • Heckler & Koch: The H&K estimate is strongly supported by the production of the G3 rifle. Over 7.8 million G3s have been manufactured worldwide by both H&K and its international licensees.
  • Colt’s Manufacturing: Colt’s significant historical contribution is based on its foundational role with two major platforms. Approximately 8 million M16-pattern rifles have been produced globally, with Colt as the original and a primary manufacturer.49 This is in addition to the millions of M1911 pistols produced by Colt and other contractors over more than a century, including 1.8 million M1911A1 variants during World War II alone.19
  • Beretta Holding: The holding company’s large scale is demonstrated by its 2022 consolidated net sales of over €1.4 billion.41 A key contributor to its historical unit volume is the Beretta 92 series, with over 3.5 million units built. This includes a U.S. military contract for 450,000 M9 and M9A1 pistols.
  • Taurus Holdings: The significant volume from Taurus is substantiated by its recent output. The company reported production of over 2.25 million firearms in the 2021 fiscal year.

Works cited

  1. Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) – World Customs Organization, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/enforcement-and-compliance/activities-and-programmes/security-programme/small-arms-and-light-weapons.aspx
  2. Small Arms Identification: An Introduction, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/SAS-HB-06-Weapons-ID-ch1.pdf
  3. Defining small arms and light weapons – Saferworld, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.saferworld-global.org/downloads/pubdocs/SALW-module-1.pdf
  4. Small arms and light weapons (SALW) – Reaching Critical Will, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/resources/fact-sheets/critical-issues/5450-small-arms-and-light-weapons-salw
  5. Small Arms Survey – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Arms_Survey
  6. Small Arms Survey: Home, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/
  7. Arms industry – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_industry
  8. Global Firearms Holdings – Small Arms Survey, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/database/global-firearms-holdings
  9. DIVERSION DIGEST | Conflict Armament Research, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.conflictarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diversion-digest-01.pdf
  10. Mapped: Gun Manufacturers by U.S. State – Visual Capitalist, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-gun-manufacturers-by-u-s-state/
  11. America’s Hidden Gun Manufacturers – Campaign for Gun Industry Accountability, accessed August 6, 2025, https://gunindustryaccountability.org/issue/americas-hidden-gun-manufacturers/
  12. Top 25 Largest Firearm Manufacturers of 2021 – Orchid Advisors, accessed August 6, 2025, https://orchidadvisors.com/top-25-largest-firearm-manufacturers-of-2021/
  13. Top 30 Largest USA Firearm Manufacturers of 2023 – Orchid Advisors, accessed August 6, 2025, https://orchidadvisors.com/top-30-largest-usa-firearm-manufacturers-of-2023/
  14. Small Arms Companies – Top Company List – Mordor Intelligence, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/small-arms-market/companies
  15. Top Companies List of Small Arms Industry – MarketsandMarkets, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/small-arms-market.asp
  16. Army Announces 2 New Rifles for Close-Combat Soldiers – Department of Defense, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/article/3005746/army-announces-2-new-rifles-for-close-combat-soldiers/
  17. SIG Sauer M17 – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_Sauer_M17
  18. List of equipment of the United States Army – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_United_States_Army
  19. Timeline – Colt’s Manufacturing LLC, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.colt.com/timeline/
  20. Colt 1911 .45 ACP Production Statistics and Serial Numbers, accessed August 6, 2025, https://sightm1911.com/1911Production.htm
  21. Best AK-47 Buyer’s Guide [Field Tested] – Gun Digest, accessed August 6, 2025, https://gundigest.com/rifles/the-best-ak-47-rifles-you-can-find-in-the-u-s
  22. Best AK-47 | Ultimate AK-47 Roundup – Lynx Defense, accessed August 6, 2025, https://lynxdefense.com/best-ak-47/
  23. AK-47 – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
  24. Kalashnikov Concern – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalashnikov_Concern
  25. Mosin-Nagant Rifle | World War II Database, accessed August 6, 2025, https://ww2db.com/weapon.php?q=58
  26. Mosin–Nagant – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosin%E2%80%93Nagant
  27. List of equipment of the Russian Ground Forces – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Russian_Ground_Forces
  28. 2023 – SIPRI, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/SIPRI-Top-100-2002-2023.xlsx
  29. These are the largest armed forces in the world ranked by active military personnel, 2024, accessed August 6, 2025, https://ceoworld.biz/2024/03/04/these-are-the-largest-armed-forces-in-the-world-ranked-by-active-military-personnel-2024/
  30. Active Military Manpower by Country (2025) – Global Firepower, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.globalfirepower.com/active-military-manpower.php
  31. How Developed Is China’s Arms Industry? – ChinaPower Project – CSIS, accessed August 6, 2025, https://chinapower.csis.org/arms-companies/
  32. Chinese Construction Equipment Manufacturers: Norinco 2025 – CAMAL Group, accessed August 6, 2025, https://camaltd.com/norinco/
  33. China’s arms industry is increasingly global, but don’t expect it to supplant NATO’s counterparts any time soon | Merics, accessed August 6, 2025, https://merics.org/en/tracker/chinas-arms-industry-increasingly-global-dont-expect-it-supplant-natos-counterparts-any
  34. Glock – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glock
  35. GLOCK is doing well: record result – SPARTANAT.com, accessed August 6, 2025, https://spartanat.com/en/glock-geht-es-gut-rekordergebnis
  36. FN Browning Group & Financial Results 2023, accessed August 6, 2025, https://fnherstal.com/en/news/fn-herstal-parent-company-changes-name-and-announces-results-for-2023/
  37. Made in the USA: A List of where gun makers manufacture – Backfire, accessed August 6, 2025, https://backfire.tv/list-of-gun-manufacturers-and-if-they-are-made-in-the-usa/
  38. Browning Hi-Power – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Hi-Power
  39. The Browning Hi-Power Today – Cylinder & Slide, accessed August 6, 2025, https://cylinder-slide.com/bhptoday.shtml
  40. Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: The Browning HI-Power, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/featured_handguns_browning_hi_power/138921
  41. Press room & news – Beretta Holding, accessed August 6, 2025, https://berettaholding.com/press-room-2/
  42. Beretta Holding: Strategic Investments Boost Financial Results, accessed August 6, 2025, https://berettaholding.com/beretta-holding-strategic-investments-boost-impressive-financial-results/
  43. Heckler & Koch with constant sales in 2023 – ESUT, accessed August 6, 2025, https://esut.de/en/2024/04/meldungen/49188/heckler-koch-mit-konstantem-umsatz-2023/
  44. French Foreign Legion Equipment, accessed August 6, 2025, http://foreignlegion.info/equipment/
  45. QBZ-95 Chinese 5.8mm Assault Rifle – ODIN, accessed August 6, 2025, https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/QBZ-95_Chinese_5.8mm_Bullpup-Style_Assault_Rifle
  46. Remington Model 870 – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Model_870
  47. The Remington 870: America’s Best Selling Pump Shotgun – Free Range American, accessed August 6, 2025, https://freerangeamerican.us/remington-870/
  48. Model 870 | Remington, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.remarms.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/
  49. M16 rifle – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M16_rifle
  50. Pakistan Ordnance Factories – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Ordnance_Factories
  51. Firearms Module 4 Key Issues: Sources of illicit firearms – UNODC’s Sherloc, accessed August 6, 2025, https://sherloc.unodc.org/cld/en/education/tertiary/firearms/module-4/key-issues/sources-of-illicit-firearms.html
  52. List of equipment of the Turkish Land Forces – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Turkish_Land_Forces
  53. Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation – Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_and_Chemical_Industry_Corporation
  54. Top 10 Ammunition Industry Key Leaders In 2024: Demand, Price, Revenue Statistics and Market Facts – Spherical Insights, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.sphericalinsights.com/blogs/top-10-ammunition-industry-key-leaders-in-2024-demand-price-revenue-statistics-and-market-facts
  55. Ammunition Companies – General Dynamics Corporation (US) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (US) are the Key Players – MarketsandMarkets, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/ammunition-market.asp
  56. Ammunition Market Report 2025-2034 |Trends – The Business Research Company, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/ammunition-global-market-report
  57. Top 25 Ammunition Manufacturers & Companies in the World – Expert Market Research, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/blogs/top-ammunition-manufacturers
  58. Who is Manufacturing the Guns Used in Crimes? | Everytown Research & Policy, accessed August 6, 2025, https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-level-data-crime-gun-recoveries/
  59. Kalashnikov Increases Production Volume by 50% in Q1, 2024, accessed August 6, 2025, https://en.kalashnikovgroup.ru/news/kalashnikov-increases-production-volume-by-50-in-q1-2024
  60. Remington 870… 30 Second History! #shotgun #firearmsdaily – YouTube, accessed August 6, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4hqR-_ygWds