Shotgun and Rifles Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Range (Short-Range, Medium-Range, Long-Range), By End User (Military, Civilian, Law Enforcement), By Weapon Loading Mechanism (Manual, Semi-Automatic/ Automatic), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.02 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.59%
Fastest Growing Segment	Medium-Range
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.88 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Shotgun and Rifles Market will grow from USD 6.02 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.88 Billion by 2031 at a 4.59% CAGR. Shotguns are firearms designed to discharge shotshells through a smooth bore, while rifles utilize a rifled barrel to fire single projectiles with high precision. The market is primarily driven by the enduring popularity of hunting and competitive shooting sports, alongside steady procurement from defense and law enforcement sectors for tactical applications. These factors ensure a baseline of consistent demand independent of temporary consumer trends. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in 2024, the adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System recorded over 15.2 million background checks, demonstrating robust commercial activity and consumer interest within the major market of the United States.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the increasingly stringent regulatory environment governing firearm ownership and trade. Complex compliance requirements and tightening gun control legislation across various international jurisdictions create substantial barriers to entry and operation, effectively limiting sales potential and complicating global distribution strategies for manufacturers.

Key Market Drivers

Modernization of military and law enforcement arsenals serves as a primary catalyst for the Global Shotgun and Rifles Market, as defense agencies prioritize the replacement of aging service weapons with modular, high-performance platforms. Governments worldwide are increasing their defense spending to equip infantry units with advanced assault rifles that offer superior ergonomics, caliber flexibility, and integration with modern optical systems, largely in response to evolving geopolitical threats. This trend is evident in the robust procurement activity observed among major defense contractors who are securing substantial contracts to supply next-generation small arms to NATO members and allied nations. According to Heckler & Koch, May 2025, in the 'Strong financial year 2024' press release, the company achieved a record order intake of 426.2 million euros in the 2024 fiscal year, driven significantly by the high trust and demand from security forces within the transatlantic alliance.

Technological innovations in firearm precision and smart features act as a second major driver, stimulating demand within the civilian and competitive shooting sectors. Manufacturers are heavily investing in research and development to introduce rifles and shotguns featuring lightweight composite materials, enhanced modularity, and compatibility with digital ballistics technologies, which appeal to both new enthusiasts and seasoned marksmen seeking improved performance. This continuous cycle of product innovation creates a replacement market where consumers upgrade to the latest models to gain a competitive edge or improved utility for hunting and recreation. According to Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., February 2025, in the 'Reports 2024 Diluted Earnings' release, sales of new products represented $159.3 million, accounting for 32% of total firearm sales in 2024. The scale of this global industry is further evidenced by major player performance; according to Forbes, March 2025, in the 'How 499-Year-Old Beretta Keeps Reinventing Itself' article, Beretta Holding generated $1.7 billion in revenues in 2024, largely driven by civilian and defense sales.

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Key Market Challenges

The stringent regulatory environment governing firearm ownership and trade acts as a substantial constraint on the global shotgun and rifles market. Manufacturers face complex and varying compliance standards across different international jurisdictions, which disrupts supply chains and increases operational costs. These legal hurdles often manifest as rigorous licensing procedures, import-export restrictions, and outright bans on specific firearm categories, effectively severing access to lucrative consumer bases abroad. Consequently, companies must allocate significant resources to legal navigation rather than product innovation or market expansion, slowing overall growth.

This regulatory tightening has tangible financial repercussions for the industry's global performance. The implementation of stricter export controls limits the ability of manufacturers to fulfill international orders and maintain foreign partnerships, directly reducing revenue streams. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in 2025, restrictive export controls and regulatory burdens were estimated to have cost the industry approximately $500 million in annual lost business revenue. Such financial contraction underscores how legislative barriers complicate distribution strategies and prevent the market from realizing its full commercial potential in regions with high demand.

Key Market Trends

Emerging smart firearm technologies and biometric integration are fundamentally reshaping the market by introducing personalized access control systems that prevent unauthorized use. Unlike traditional mechanical safeties, these innovative platforms utilize fingerprint and facial recognition sensors to unlock the firing mechanism instantly for authorized users, addressing long-standing consumer demand for enhanced home defense safety. This technological advancement has moved beyond prototypes into commercial reality, with manufacturers delivering fully functional units to the civilian market. According to Biofire Technologies, August 2024, in the 'Defense Tech Startup Biofire Delivers Its Consumer Smart Gun' press release, the company successfully shipped the first production units of its biometric Smart Gun to customers, validating the scalability of this safety-focused technology.

The mainstreaming of suppressor-ready barrel configurations has become a dominant trend as consumer preference shifts toward hearing protection and recoil reduction. A surge in civilian ownership of sound suppressors, driven by expedited regulatory processing, has compelled rifle and shotgun manufacturers to standardize threaded muzzles across their product lines, effectively making noise mitigation a baseline feature rather than an aftermarket modification. This alignment between regulatory efficiency and manufacturing output has resulted in unprecedented ownership levels for noise reduction devices. According to Guns.com, October 2024, in the 'Suppressor Numbers Nearly Double in 3 Years, 4.86 million+' article, the number of NFA-compliant suppressors in circulation reached 4,857,897 as of June 2024, representing an 82 percent increase from 2021 levels.

Segmental Insights

Based on recent industry analysis, the Medium-Range segment is identified as the fastest-growing category in the Global Shotgun and Rifles Market. This growth is primarily driven by the segment's versatility, offering an optimal balance between the mobility required for close quarters and the precision needed for longer distances. Consequently, these firearms are increasingly preferred for diverse applications, including hunting, competitive sport shooting, and tactical defense. Law enforcement agencies and defense institutions are also accelerating demand as they modernize equipment to ensure adaptability across varied operational environments. Furthermore, continuous improvements in manufacturing have resulted in lighter, more ergonomic designs, significantly broadening the appeal of medium-range weaponry.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Shotgun and Rifles Market, primarily driven by established civilian participation in hunting and competitive shooting sports. This dominance is supported by favorable legislative frameworks regarding firearm ownership, which ensures steady consumer demand across the region. Additionally, significant investments by regional defense and law enforcement agencies contribute to sustained market activity. The presence of major domestic manufacturers further streamlines distribution. Regulatory oversight by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ensures structured commercial operations, reinforcing the organized nature of this mature regional market.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Sig Sauer, Inc. expanded its high-performance rifle portfolio with the launch of the Cross Sawtooth bolt-action rifle during the company's NEXT 2025 product showcase. Chambered in the 6.5 PRC cartridge, this rifle is engineered for precision hunting and features a lightweight 22-inch carbon fiber barrel manufactured by Proof Research. The company also introduced the Sig 516 Mohawk, a piston-driven semi-automatic rifle designed with an adjustable gas system optimized for suppressor use. These releases demonstrate the manufacturer's commitment to delivering specialized firearms that cater to the distinct needs of long-range hunters and tactical operators.
• In January 2025, Benelli Armi SpA launched the Super Black Eagle 3 Advanced Impact (A.I.) shotgun, introducing a significant technological advancement in their flagship waterfowl line. This firearm features a proprietary internal barrel contour that reportedly increases shot velocity and energy, delivering greater penetration on target compared to standard barrels. The shotgun is available in multiple gauges and comes equipped with a redesigned system of choke tubes specifically engineered to maximize the performance of the new bore. The release includes models with specialized weather-resistant finishes such as Patriot Brown Cerakote, catering to hunters operating in harsh environments.
• In January 2025, Browning Arms Company introduced the X-Bolt 2 rifle series, representing the next evolution of their flagship bolt-action platform. The new lineup, including the X-Bolt 2 Speed model, features a redesigned receiver with a larger bolt bearing surface to ensure smoother cycling and enhanced stability. These rifles are equipped with an improved adjustable trigger system and a Vari-Tech composite stock that allows for customized fit through adjustable length of pull. The launch also highlighted the inclusion of the Recoil Hawg muzzle brake on specific models to significantly reduce felt recoil for improved shooting comfort.
• In January 2025, Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta unveiled the 688 Performance Sporting, a new over-and-under shotgun engineered specifically for competitive clay target shooting. The model distinguishes itself with a new gray laminate wood stock designed to provide superior durability and resistance to humidity compared to traditional walnut. It features a slightly heavier and wider receiver based on the proven 680 series action, which enhances balance and swing dynamics for the shooter. The shotgun also includes a ventilated top rib and mid-bead sights, aiming to offer an accessible yet high-performance option for sporting clays enthusiasts.

Key Market Players

• Vista Outdoor Inc.
• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
• Sig Sauer, Inc.
• Heckler & Koch GmbH
• O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
• Kalashnikov Concern JSC
• Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
• CheyTac USA
• FN HERSTAL
• Springfield, Inc,

By Range	By End User	By Weapon Loading Mechanism	By Region
Short-Range Medium-Range Long-Range	Military Civilian Law Enforcement	Manual Semi-Automatic/ Automatic	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Shotgun and Rifles Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Shotgun and Rifles Market, By Range:

• Short-Range
• Medium-Range
• Long-Range

• Shotgun and Rifles Market, By End User:

• Military
• Civilian
• Law Enforcement

• Shotgun and Rifles Market, By Weapon Loading Mechanism:

• Manual
• Semi-Automatic/ Automatic

• Shotgun and Rifles Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE