A new report shows the firearm and ammunition industry has a major impact on both the nation’s economy and conservation efforts, and it’s only growing. That beneficial impact increased to more than $80 billion in 2022, marking a 322 percent increase from $19 billion in 2008. Over that same time, the number of full-time equivalent jobs increased to nearly 394,000 from 166,000, or a 136 percent increase.
A federal excise tax, first established in 1937 called the Pittman-Robertson Act, on guns and ammunition generated more than $16 billion dollars specifically for conservation over its lifetime.
The annual Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report, supplied by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 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.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)