NEWTOWN, Conn. —-(Ammoland.com)- The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $51.4 billion in 2017, a 169 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 310,000, an 87 percent increase in that period, according to a report released today by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry’s trade association.
On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $51.3 billion in 2016 to $51.4 in 2017, ticking higher even while the industry came off-peak production years. Total jobs increased from approximately 301,000 to almost 311,000, a 3 percent increase in the same period.
“Our industry is proud to be one of the truly bright spots in our economy as an unprecedented number of Americans have chosen to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF President and CEO. “In response to that dynamic, we have increased our direct workforce by more than 7,000 in the past year alone, adding jobs that pay an average nearly $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 144 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 104 percent and state business taxes by 121 percent.”
The Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2018 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.
NSSF 2018 Firearms Industry Economic Impact Report
About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 13,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit nssf.org.
@Wild Bill I agree with you and do not feel I need to “keep up with the Jones” or any other preppy group. I am comfortable and happy with spending my time at home doing normal things.
@Tcat, yeah, normal like reloading, target practicing, and interacting with real live people … in person!
All the things that modern marketers want one to buy, like fashionable clothing, the latest electronics, cell phones, computer idiot games, fragile but expensive cars, travel, concert tickets, football games, and every manner of entertainment and unneeded gizmo hold no allure for me. If government and big business want my dollars to circulate, then they better leave our Second Amendment Civil Rights untouched.
American Industry Amen.