The economic impact of firearms and ammunition in the United States is greater than many believe, rising more than 200 percent since 2008.

According to a report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, economic impact rose 213 percent between 2008-19 from $19.1 billion to $60 billion. Additionally, full-time-equivalent jobs related to the firearm and ammunition industries increased from 166,000 to 332,000 in the decade. The NSSF is the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry.

Also from the report:

On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $52 in 2018 to $60 billion. Total jobs increased by 20,000 in the same period, from nearly 312,000 to over 332,000. The firearm and ammunition industry paid more than $6.74 billion in business taxes, including property, income and sales-based levies.

“Our industry continues to show the steady and reliable growth that is a hallmark of a healthy industry,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “The workers who comprise our ranks are the fabric of our communities. They produce the highest quality firearms and ammunition that millions of law-abiding Americans rely upon to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and safely enjoy the recreational shooting sports.

"This growth translates to more jobs that add to our local economies, averaging $55,200 in wages and benefits," he added. "In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 162 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 79 percent and state business taxes by 116 percent.”

The 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. Access the full report here.