When it comes to guns in America, a few companies have not only defined the business, but the culture surrounding it. From traditional lever-action rifles to high-tech pistols and modular rifles, these makers have a combination of history, innovation, and firepower that stretches well beyond the gun rack. Whether you’re a defense analyst, a law enforcement professional, or simply someone who appreciates well-built firearms, knowing who sits at the top of the industry helps paint a clearer picture of where things stand today. Here’s a look at the ten most influential firearms manufacturers in the United States.
10. Heritage Manufacturing
A Taurus Holdings subsidiary, Heritage Manufacturing, earned its name on classic-style revolvers evoking the Old West. Formed in 1922, the firm has preserved old wheel guns, providing low-cost and vintage guns that continue to sell well among collectors and sport shooters overall. With over 300,000 revolvers made in 2022, Heritage has been able to combine history with value.
9. Henry Repeating Arms
Henry Repeating Arms is nearly synonymous with lever-action rifles, one of the most iconic firearms in U.S. history. Henry, founded in 1860, still builds sturdy, well-made rifles that sportsmen and sport shooters cherish. Henry built over 365,000 firearms alone in 2022, all stamped proudly with the company motto: “Made in America, or not made at all.” That commitment has ensured Henry rifles remain firmly planted in tradition and today’s marketplace.
8. Mossberg
O.F. Mossberg & Sons has become the first name that comes to mind when shotguns are mentioned, the Mossberg 500 and 590 leading the list. These pump-action veterans are found everywhere from duck blind blinds to patrol vehicles. In 2022, Mossberg manufactured more than 450,000 firearms, making it one of the most diversified and steady shotgun manufacturers in the nation. Aside from sport shooting and hunting, their guns are used extensively for home protection and law enforcement use, broadening the company’s reach far beyond consumer sales.
7. Glock
Once an Austrian design, Glock is now one of the most powerful brands for American handguns. Its polymer-based pistols did the industry a revolution and set a new standard for toughness and simplicity. Glock manufactured over 465,000 firearms in the United States alone in 2022, and its handguns are still the sidearm weapon of choice for many law enforcement units and civilian gun owners. Glock’s success has also brought controversy regarding responsibility and safety, as Glock handguns consistently top recovery lists on crime scene evidence. Despite that, its presence in the world of guns cannot be matched.
6. Palmetto State Armory
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has grown to be a giant in the modern sporting rifle world. South Carolina-based PSA focuses on AR- and AK-type rifles, providing shooters with an entry point for custom platforms at a low cost. PSA produced over 550,000 firearms in 2022, riding a wave of interest in modular rifles. Practicality, combined with a massive parts and accessory selection, has been a winning combination for both enthusiasts and budget shoppers.
5. Springfield Armory
Named after an American heritage, Springfield Armory is an amalgamation of tradition and innovation. Its XD pistol series and M1A rifle have made it popular, with more than 560,000 Springfield guns manufactured in 2022. Though it makes some of its pistols in Croatia, the company’s domestic production is still the dominant force in the market. Mixing vintage-type firearms with contemporary defensive and sporting designs, Springfield has a toe in the past and continues to innovate with new designs.
4. Savage Arms
Savage Arms has been building rifles, shotguns, and handguns for over 125 years and is one of the most dependable names in the business. Almost 720,000 Savages were produced in 2022 with a robust reputation for accuracy and dependability. Hunters, sport shooters, and pros trust Savage with no-frills, utilitarian-designed firearms that get the job done. Their steady focus on functional, cost-effective, and accurate designs has made Savage a byword among shooters.
3. Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson is arguably America’s most recognizable gunmaker of all time. Established in 1852, it has been a household name in the gun industry ever since. With a production of nearly a million guns in 2022, Smith & Wesson continues to be a player in pistols and rifles. Its flexibility in response to demand as well as to regulatory amendments has enabled it to remain abreast even in the face of changing markets. Although its firearms are at the center of crime reports, its operational presence in the law enforcement, defense, and civilian industries places SIG SAUER at the top of the industry.
2. SIG SAUER
Fewer firms have the international presence and reputation of SIG SAUER. Famous for its ingenuity in producing firearms such as the P320 and P365, SIG has dominated both civilian and military markets. In 2022 alone, over 1.1 million firearms were produced by SIG in the United States. Its capacity to innovate—specifically in modular handgun systems—has been blessed by the U.S. military and police. SIG is now the name associated with innovative engineering as well as combat confidence.
1. Ruger
At the head of the pack is Ruger. In 2024, Ruger observes its 75th anniversary and remains a top player in the U.S. market with more than 1.5 million guns manufactured in 2022. Ruger’s product family is long and encompasses all, from pistols and revolvers to hunting rifles and modern sporting rifles. Ruger also carries the Marlin marque and has absorbed classic lever-action rifles into its inventory. Innovation has never been foreign to Ruger, from its use of investment casting methods to creating multi-platform firearms. Ruger’s commitment to American manufacturing, sound financial position, and conservation through excise taxes all contribute to its long-standing effects on the firearms community.
These ten companies establish more than the gun industry. They establish supply lines, military purchases, police purchases, and weapons available to sporting shooters. Their innovations and capacity to evolve with changing regulations will continue to dictate national defense and public security for years to come. Great power brings great responsibility, and how these companies balance innovation with duty will create their legacy in the years to come.