The firearms market has seen a significant evolution in recent years, with particular types of weapons carving out substantial market shares and defining the landscape of American gun ownership. In 2022, the Ruger 10/22, a non-military style semi-automatic rifle, proved to be a dominant force in U.S. sales. However, AR-15-style rifles, falling under the category of modern sporting rifles (MSRs), have maintained significant popularity among consumers.
The Ruger 10/22, a versatile and affordable rimfire rifle, has historically been popular for its simplicity and aftermarket support. The 10/22 is chambered for .22LR, a low-cost ammunition that makes it appealing for range shooting and is often recommended as an ideal rifle for those new to shooting sports. Since its introduction in 1964, Ruger has sold over six million 10/22 rifles, underscoring its wide appeal. According to GunBroker.com, in 2022, the Ruger 10/22 not only featured prominently in the top 10 best-selling rifles but also claimed the second spot in the best-selling new rifles category.
Simultaneously, MSRs have sustained their allure, largely driven by their resemblance to military rifles, adaptability, and suitability for multiple uses, including hunting, competition, and home defense. The term “modern sporting rifle” encompasses semi-automatic rifle designs such as the AR-15 and its variants, which are functionally similar to other semi-automatic rifles and are not to be confused with fully automatic firearms or “assault rifles.”
A testament to their enduring popularity, Americans purchased over 24.4 million MSRs between 1990 and 2020, with a significant surge in sales after 2011. The AR-15, which stands for ArmaLite Rifle after the company that designed it, remains one of the most popular firearms sold today. However, it’s important to note that the “AR” prefix does not imply “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle,” as commonly misunderstood. In the context of civilian ownership, these semi-automatic firearms are subject to rigorous regulations, including mandatory FBI background checks.
In 2022, bolt guns and lever-actions had a strong presence, possibly due to a market filled with AR-style rifles or a shift towards firearms that may not be impacted by potential “assault weapons” bans. However, the popularity of AR-style rifles remains significant, being a favorite among gun enthusiasts and ranking in the top 10 for new semi-auto rifles.
There was a notable increase in the demand for firearms intended for defensive use, like the Mossberg 590 shotgun, as indicated by sales figures. This preference for firearms seen as ideal for home defense is evident, with models such as the Mossberg 590 and Remington 870 leading the sales charts for new shotguns.
The 2022 sales data provide a nuanced picture of the firearms market in the United States, with the Ruger 10/22 leading among non-military style semi-automatic rifles. In contrast, MSRs such as the AR-15 still hold a significant share of the market.
Relevant articles:
– Best Selling Guns of 2022 on GunBroker: Numbers Are In!, Free Range American
– America’s Most Popular Semi-Automatic Rifles, 24/7 Wall St.
– Modern Sporting Rifle: The Facts, nssf.org