Gun sales in the United States are experiencing a notable decline, with purchases plummeting to 15.3 million in 2024, down from a record 21.8 million in 2020. This decrease follows a surge driven by COVID-19-related fears, social unrest, and heated political climates, prompting many individuals to acquire firearms. Experts attribute this downturn to the increased number of existing gun owners and a market that is adjusting to more sustainable demand levels.
Factors such as new legislation, inflation, and the current political landscape also contribute to changing consumer behavior. For instance, new rules in Washington state have led to a 43% drop in December sales compared to the previous year, while overall U.S. firearm production has dropped by 36% since 2021. Despite this slump, there remain significant opportunities for new gun buyers, as a Pew Research poll reveals that only 42% of Americans live in households with a firearm.
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