Firearms production
The production of firearms continued to drop in 1997. However, the severe losses following the crash of 1995 slowed, allowing the industry to close 1997 at just above 1992 levels. While a far cry from a complete recovery, it was a welcome shift for the industry.
The forecast, however, isn’t inspiring. With renewed attacks from many foes following recent school shootings, the industry is again fighting for survival. Despite hard-fought opposition, there will be new restrictions on gun production. This will drive some businesses to close their doors, others will consolidate, several will change ownership.
However, those willing to stay the course will prosper in what will be a leaner, more streamlined industry.
Total Production
Total firearms production in 1997 dropped 6 percent from 1996 and 17 percent from 1995. In 1997, manufacturers made 3,606,426 guns, down 229,102 from 1996, and 744,161 fewer than 1995. Most dramatic was the drop of 30 percent from 1994 when production hit 5,161,127. Overall, production fell in all firearm categories.
Remington produced 268,250 rifles (-16%) and 184,294 shotguns (-8%) in 1997, an overall decrease of 12 percent from 1996.
Smith & Wesson’s 380,213 handguns in 1997 were a decrease of 6 percent over 1996.
The top three handgun manufacturers for 1997 were:
* Smith & Wesson: 380,213 (-6%),
* Ruger: 293,363 (-3%) and
* Lorcin: 92,033 (+5%).
The top three rifle producers in 1997 were:
* Ruger: 329,583 (-21%),
* Marlin: 302,545 (-14%) and
* Remington: 268,250 (-16%).
The top three shotgun companies in 1997 were:
* Remington: 284,294 (-8%),
* Mossberg: 262,991 (-8%) and
* H&R 1871:183,884 (+9%).
Handguns
In 1997, handgun production dropped to 1,406,505, compared to 1,484,477 in 1996, a loss of 5 percent. The drop from 1994, when 2,581,961 handguns were made, was a dramatic 46 percent.
FIREARMS PRODUCTION
TOTAL U.S. FIREARMS PRODUCTION BY TYPE 1978 - 1997
Year Handguns Rifles Shotguns Total
1978 1,877,077 1,787,591 1,195,876 4,860,544
1979 2,124,280 1,876,470 1,319,510 5,320,260
1980 2,369,643 1,936,078 1,339,410 5,645,131
1981 2,537,229 1,680,945 1,155,567 5,373,741
1982 2,628,623 1,622,890 878,568 5,130,081
1983 1,966,836 1,109,830 959,663 4,036,329
1984 1,580,551 957,518 772,993 3,311,062
1985 1,550,071 1,140,669 769,505 3,460,245
1986 1,427,627 970,541 641,482 3,039,650
1987 1,658,832 1,006,100 857,949 3,522,881
1988 1,745,722 1,144,707 928,070 3,818,499
1989 2,031,425 1,407,317 935,541 4,374,283
1990 1,838,895 1,156,213 848,948 3,844,056
1991 1,838,266 883,482 828,426 3,550,174
1992 1,525,218 676,808 805,761 3,007,787
1993 2,655,478 1,171,872 1,148,939 4,976,289
1994 2,581,961 1,324,240 1,254,926 5,161,127
1995 1,722,930 1,440,699 1,176,958 4,340,587
1996 1,484,477 1,424,319 926,732 3,835,528
1997 1,406,505 1,281,162 918,759 3,606,426
Total 38,551,646 25,999,451 19,663,583 84,214,680
Pistol Production
Pistols made a light recovery in 1997 with 1,036,077 pistols produced, an increase of 5 percent from the 985,533 manufactured in 1996.
Increases were posted in .22s (+19%), .25s (+5%) .32s (+53%) and .40/.45/.50s (+3%). Decreases occurred in .380s (-7%) and 9mms (-5%).
Smith & Wesson’s 1997 pistol production was up 19 percent compared to 1996, a welcome change from the 33 percent drop from 1994. S&W posted increases in 1997, compared to 1996, in .22s (+17%) and .40/.45/.50s (+45%).
Sturm, Ruger also advanced its pistol production in 1997, posting a 23 percent increase over 1996. Ruger increased production in all its pistol calibers: .22s (+35%), 9mm (+14%) and .40/.45/.50s (+32%).
Lorcin had a 5 percent increase in pistol production in 1997, with its most significant increase in 9mms (+32%).
Beretta’s production dropped 16 percent in 1997, with its greatest loss in .22s (-58%) and its largest increase in .32s (+77%).
Colt posted a 3 percent increase in 1997, with increases in .380s (+49%) and 9mms (+90%).