The gun industry is set to generate an estimated $19.6 billion in revenue by 2025, a figure that encompasses both civilian and military sales. However, industry experts caution that much of this data is opaque, with only a handful of major companies publicly traded, leaving a vast portion of the market’s financial activities shrouded in mystery.
While a significant portion of revenue comes from well-known manufacturers like Smith & Wesson and Ruger, which together earned over $2 billion last year, many private companies do not disclose their earnings. This lack of transparency not only complicates financial insights but also raises questions about the industry’s economic impact, particularly as nearly 15 million firearms were reported produced for the U.S. market in 2023. Understanding these dynamics becomes crucial amid ongoing debates over gun laws and regulations.
Read full story at www.charlotteobserver.com