A new report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) indicates the total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $52.1 billion in 2018, a 171 percent increase. Over that same time period, the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 312,000, an 88 percent increase.
“Our industry is proud to be one of the steady and reliable producers and manufacturers in our economy as Americans continue to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “Our workforce is steadily adding good jobs to our local economies averaging $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 164 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 100 percent and state business taxes by 120 percent.”
According to the report, excise taxes on guns and ammunition alone in 2018 generated $653,764,800 million for on-the-ground conservation work. The top five states in generating excise taxes were Texas, California, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania.
Since 2008, excise taxes on guns and ammunition raised $5.78 billion for conservation.
(Photo source: National Shooting Sports Foundation)