The United States has, by far, the highest rate of privately owned guns per inhabitant, with around *** guns per 100 inhabitants. Deadly shootings have become a significant problem in the country. Yemen, the country with the second-highest gun ownership rate worldwide, only has half of the U.S. rate.

This statistic illustrates the estimated rate of civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in 2017, by country. In that year, there were an estimated ***** civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in the United States.

The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between ** percent and ** percent. In 2024, about ** percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession. Additional information on firearms in the United States Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons. Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison to other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades, most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change regarding the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobbies for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States, which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

In recent years, gun violence in the United States has become an alarmingly common occurrence. From 2016, there has been over ****** homicides by firearm in the U.S. each year and firearms have been found to make up the majority of murder weapons in the country by far, demonstrating increasing rates of gun violence occurring throughout the nation. As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at **** percent, followed by Louisiana, at **** percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of *** percent, the lowest out of all the states. The importance of gun laws Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, which has been found to affect the differing rates of gun violence throughout the country. Fewer people die by gun violence in states where gun safety laws have been passed, while gun violence rates remain high in states where gun usage is easily permitted and even encouraged. In addition, some states suffer from high rates of gun violence despite having strong gun safety laws due to gun trafficking, as traffickers can distribute firearms illegally past state lines. The right to bear arms Despite evidence from other countries demonstrating that strict gun control measures reduce rates of gun violence, the United States has remained reluctant to enact gun control laws. This can largely be attributed to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms. Consequently, gun control has become a highly partisan issue in the U.S., with ** percent of Democrats believing that it was more important to limit gun ownership while ** percent of Republicans felt that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns.

Gun Cabinets Market Outlook

The global gun cabinets market size was valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is primarily driven by increasing concerns about firearm safety and rising regulatory standards concerning the safe storage of firearms worldwide. As a result, the demand for secure and reliable gun storage solutions is on the rise, propelling the market for gun cabinets.

One of the key growth factors of the gun cabinets market is the intensifying need for personal security and safety. With escalating crime rates and the perception of insecurity, both in residential and commercial settings, the ownership of firearms has seen a notable uptick. This surge in firearm possession necessitates effective and secure storage solutions to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Consequently, the demand for gun cabinets, which offer a reliable means to store firearms while preventing accidental injury or unauthorized use, is on the rise. Moreover, the growing awareness of the importance of responsible gun ownership is driving consumers to invest in high-quality gun storage solutions, further bolstering market growth.

Technological advancements in gun cabinet design are also fueling market expansion. Innovative lock systems, such as biometric and electronic locks, offer enhanced security features that are increasingly appealing to consumers. These advanced locking mechanisms provide quick access while ensuring that firearms are securely stored away from children and unauthorized individuals. Additionally, the development of modular gun cabinets, which allow for customization and flexible storage options, caters to the diverse needs of gun owners. This innovation in design and functionality is significantly contributing to the market's growth by offering consumers more versatile and secure storage solutions.

Furthermore, stringent regulations and laws across various regions regarding firearm storage are propelling the demand for gun cabinets. Governments worldwide are implementing rules that mandate the secure storage of firearms to mitigate the risk of accidents and misuse. This regulatory environment encourages gun owners to invest in reliable storage solutions that comply with legal requirements. As a result, the need for gun cabinets is increasing as consumers seek to adhere to these regulations and ensure the safety of their firearms, thereby driving market growth.

The integration of Biometric Gun Safe technology into gun cabinets is revolutionizing the way firearms are stored and accessed. By utilizing fingerprint recognition, these safes ensure that only authorized users can gain access, significantly enhancing security measures. This technology not only provides quick access in emergencies but also minimizes the risk of unauthorized use, making it an attractive option for both residential and commercial users. As consumers become more tech-savvy and prioritize security, the demand for biometric solutions is expected to rise. This trend is encouraging manufacturers to invest in research and development to create more sophisticated and reliable biometric systems, further driving market growth.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the gun cabinets market owing to the high prevalence of firearm ownership and stringent safety regulations. The United States, in particular, is a major contributor to the market's revenue, as it has one of the highest rates of firearm ownership per capita. Moreover, the rising awareness about firearm safety and the adoption of advanced locking technologies are further supporting market growth in this region. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience substantial growth due to increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes, which are leading to greater firearm ownership and, consequently, a demand for secure storage solutions.

Product Type Analysis

When examining the gun cabinets market by product type, wooden gun cabinets continue to hold a traditional appeal among consumers. Their aesthetic value and classic designs make them a preferred choice for many firearm owners, particularly those who value craftsmanship and elegance. Wooden gun cabinets are not only functional but also serve as decorative pieces that can complement the interior of a home. However, t

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2024, with 1,136,732 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,895 registered firearms. Gun laws in the United States Gun ownership in the U.S. is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, which allows citizens to own firearms and form a militia if necessary. Outside of the 2nd Amendment, gun laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and gun owners are subject to the laws of the state they are currently in, not necessarily the state they live in. For example, if concealed carry is allowed in a gun owner’s state of residence but not in the state they are traveling in, the owner is subject to the law of the state they are traveling in. Civilian-owned firearms The United States is estimated to have the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms in the world, more than double that of Yemen, which has the second-highest gun ownership rate. Unfortunately, along with high gun ownership rates comes a higher number of homicides by firearm, which was about 13,529 homicides in 2023.

Compact Carry Gun Market Outlook

The global compact carry gun market size was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 4.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period. This market growth is driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and security, advancements in firearm technology, and a rise in the issuance of concealed carry permits.

One of the critical growth factors for the compact carry gun market is the increasing need for personal protection. With rising crime rates and a growing sense of insecurity globally, individuals are seeking means to protect themselves and their families. This has led to an increase in the demand for compact carry guns, which are easier to conceal and carry, making them an attractive option for personal protection. Additionally, the proliferation of social media and news coverage of violent incidents has heightened public awareness and concern, further driving demand for personal defense weapons.

Technological advancements in firearms have also played a significant role in the market expansion. Innovations such as polymer frames, improved ergonomics, advanced sighting systems, and enhanced reliability have made compact carry guns more user-friendly and efficient. Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to produce lighter, more accurate, and durable firearms. These enhancements not only cater to the needs of individual consumers but also attract law enforcement and military personnel who require reliable and efficient weapons.

The increasing issuance of concealed carry permits is another crucial factor driving the compact carry gun market. Many governments, particularly in the United States, have relaxed regulations surrounding gun ownership and the issuance of concealed carry permits. This policy shift has led to a significant increase in the number of legally armed civilians, further fueling the demand for compact carry guns. Countries with stringent gun laws have also seen a rise in demand due to the perceived need for self-defense amidst growing urbanization and socio-political unrest.

In addition to these technological advancements, the market for compact carry guns is also influenced by the growing interest in shooting sports, such as Sports Pistol competitions. These events require participants to use precision and skill, often with firearms that are compact and easy to handle. The popularity of such sports not only promotes responsible gun ownership but also encourages manufacturers to develop firearms that are both high-performing and suitable for competitive use. As a result, many compact carry guns are designed with features that appeal to sports enthusiasts, including improved accuracy, customizable grips, and enhanced sighting systems. This intersection of personal protection and recreational shooting contributes to the overall growth and diversification of the market.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the compact carry gun market, primarily due to the high prevalence of gun ownership and favorable regulatory frameworks. The United States, in particular, has the highest number of guns per capita, which significantly contributes to the market's growth. Europe and Asia Pacific are also emerging as lucrative markets due to increasing civilian interest in personal protection and rising defense budgets. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while smaller in market size, are experiencing gradual growth driven by increasing security concerns and government initiatives to strengthen defense capabilities.

Type Analysis

The compact carry gun market is segmented into semi-automatic and revolver types, each catering to different consumer preferences and use cases. Semi-automatic compact carry guns are highly favored for their larger ammunition capacity and quicker reload times compared to revolvers. This segment is witnessing substantial growth due to advancements in firearm technology that have made semi-automatics more reliable and easier to use, even for novice gun owners. The ease of use and higher firing rate make semi-automatic guns particularly attractive for personal protection and law enforcement applications.

Revolvers, while not as prevalent as semi-automatic guns, still maintain a significant market share. Known for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, revolvers are favored b

The civilian guns and bullets market exhibits robust growth potential, driven by factors such as increasing personal safety concerns, a rise in recreational shooting activities, and the expanding popularity of hunting. While precise market size figures are unavailable, based on industry reports and comparable markets, we can reasonably estimate the 2025 market size to be approximately $15 billion USD. This substantial market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 5% from 2025 to 2033. This growth trajectory is influenced by several key factors including rising disposable incomes in developing economies leading to increased purchasing power for recreational goods, and advancements in firearm technology, offering consumers more sophisticated and appealing options. However, stringent government regulations regarding firearm ownership and sales, coupled with increasing social awareness surrounding gun violence, present significant constraints to market expansion. The market is segmented by various firearm types (handguns, rifles, shotguns), ammunition calibers, and distribution channels (retailers, online platforms). Leading manufacturers such as FN Herstal, Remington Arms, Beretta, Heckler & Koch, and others, are actively engaged in product innovation and strategic partnerships to maintain a competitive edge. Regional variations in market size and growth rate are expected, with North America and Europe anticipated to represent major market shares, driven by established gun cultures and higher per capita spending on firearms. The long-term outlook remains positive, contingent upon regulatory changes and evolving consumer preferences within this dynamic industry. Continued emphasis on safety regulations and responsible gun ownership will be crucial to shaping future market growth. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the civilian guns and bullets market, a sector characterized by significant growth and evolving dynamics. We delve into market concentration, key trends, dominant regions, product insights, and future projections, offering actionable intelligence for industry stakeholders.

Brazil, the most populated Latin American country, had the highest number of armed civilian population as of 2017, with over 17.5 million individuals holding at least one firearm. Mexico ranked second, with an estimated 16.8 million civilians in possession of a gun. The Dominican Republic, in turn, was the Caribbean nation with the largest armed civilian population, at 795 thousand.

The global service handgun market, valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 2.00% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Increased government spending on defense and law enforcement initiatives globally contributes significantly. Furthermore, modernization efforts within police and military forces, driving demand for advanced handgun technologies such as improved accuracy, enhanced ergonomics, and integrated tactical accessories, are significant market drivers. The rising adoption of specialized service handguns tailored for specific operational needs, including concealed carry models and those with enhanced stopping power, further stimulates market expansion. Regional variations in market dynamics exist, with North America and Europe currently dominating due to higher per capita spending on defense and law enforcement, as well as a strong presence of established manufacturers. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, driven by increased defense budgets and rising crime rates. Despite the positive outlook, certain restraints challenge market expansion. Stringent regulations governing firearm sales and ownership in several countries pose a significant constraint. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of non-lethal weaponry and alternative law enforcement strategies in some regions may temper the demand for service handguns to some extent. Nevertheless, the overall market trajectory remains positive, propelled by sustained governmental investments, ongoing technological advancements, and the inherent need for reliable and effective handguns in law enforcement and military applications. Competition among established players like Heckler & Koch, FN Herstal, SIG Sauer, and Glock remains intense, with ongoing innovation and product differentiation crucial for success. The market is segmented based on caliber, type (e.g., semi-automatic, revolvers), and end-user (military, law enforcement). Notable trends are: The Pistols Segment Will Dominate the Market in Coming Years..

In the United States, Black people have higher rates of gun homicide than White people across all age groups. As of 2022, gun homicide rates were highest among Black people aged between 15 and 24 years, at ***** gun homicides per 100,000 of the population. In comparison, there were only **** gun homicides per 100,000 of the White population within this age range. However, the risk for gun homicide was greatest among all adolescents and adults between the ages of 15 to 44 in that year. The impact of guns on young Americans In the last few years, firearms have become the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers aged one to 19 years old, accounting for more deaths than car crashes and diseases. School shootings also remain on the rise recently, with the U.S. recording ** times as many school shootings than other high-income nations from 2009 to 2018. Black students in particular experience a disproportionately high number of school shootings relative to their population, and K-12 teachers at schools made up mostly of students of color are more likely to report feeling afraid that they or their students would be a victim of attack or harm. The right to bear arms Despite increasingly high rates of gun-related violence, gun ownership remains a significant part of American culture, largely due to the fact that the right to bear arms is written into the U.S. Constitution. Although firearms are the most common murder weapon used in the U.S., accounting for approximately ****** homicides in 2022, almost **** of American households have at least one firearm in their possession. Consequently, it is evident that firearms remain easily accessible nationwide, even though gun laws may vary from state to state. However, the topic of gun control still causes political controversy, as the majority of Republicans agree that it is more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns, while Democrats are more inclined to believe that it is more important to limit gun ownership.

In the United States in 2023, ** percent of Republicans reported that they owned at least one gun, and ** percent said that they lived in a household with a gun. In comparison, only ** percent of Democrats owned at least one gun, and ** percent lived in a gun household. Who are gun owners? In 2022, significantly more Democrats were in favor of limiting gun ownership in comparison to Republicans. On the other hand, more Republicans were in favor of protecting the right to own guns in comparison to Democrats. When examined by education level, respondents who said they only had some college, but no degree were the most likely to have said that there is at least one gun in their household. However, nearly a ******* of Americans over 18 years old said that they rarely carry a gun on their person. Republicans vs Democrats Debate The gun control debate in the United States has been a highly contested one. In light of frequent mass shootings, gun control laws have become the center of policy discussions. Democratic politicians tend to put significant emphasis on their gun control policies and are overall more in favor of stricter gun control laws and want more background checks for those who want to purchase a gun. However, Republicans tend to work in favor of gun rights.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, white respondents were more likely to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household than their non-white counterparts. During the survey, ** percent of white Americans reported that they personally owned a firearm, compared to ** percent of non-white respondents.

In 2023, there were ****** fatalities caused by injuries related to firearms in the United States, a slight decrease from the previous year. In 2021, there were ****** firearm deaths, the highest number of gun deaths ever recorded in the country. However, this figure has remained relatively high over the past 25 years, with ****** firearm deaths in 1990 and a slight dip in fatalities between 1999 and 2002. Firearms in the United States The right to own firearms in the United States is enshrined in the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and while this right may be seen as quintessentially American, the relationship between Americans and their firearms has become fraught in the last few years. The proliferation of mass shootings in the U.S. has brought the topic of gun control into the national spotlight, with support for banning assault-style weapons a particularly divisive issue among Americans. Gun control With a little less than **** of all Americans owning at least one firearm and the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, it is easy to see how the idea of gun control is a political minefield in the U.S. However, public opinion has begun to shift over the past ten years, and a majority of Americans report that laws governing the sale of firearms should be stricter than they are now.

The rate of civilians killed by police in the Venezuela is far higher than in comparable developed democratic countries, with 1,830 people killed by police per 10 million residents in 2025. This compares to 69 deaths per 10 million residents in Canada, and seven in Australia - perhaps the two most comparable countries to the United States in many respects. Country with the most prisoners The El Salvador is the country with the largest number of prisoners per capita. This suggests either that they have the most criminals, or that the police make more arrests and judges hand down jail as a more frequent punishment. Costa Rica has the highest burglary rate, seeing almost three times as many break-ins as in the United States, for example. Does weapon ownership contribute to higher number of violent attacks? Other factors may also be at play. One such factor may be gun ownership. If police shootings are more likely to happen in states with a higher number of registered weapons, one could argue that the threat of violence against police makes officers more likely to utilize deadly force. However, countries like Canada also have a high number of individual firearms licenses, indicating that this factor likely does not explain the entire effect. Social factors may also influence this statistic, such as the use of the death penalty. Still, each fatal incident is complex, and the full situation surrounding each involves many factors, meaning that a simple solution is unlikely.

In 2023, **** cases of incidents involving the discharge of firearms were reported in Japan. Although figures fluctuated from year to year, this continued a general downward trend after the decade-high number of ** gun shooting incidents reported in 2014. ***** people died from gun shooting incidents in 2023. Gun control Gun possession for general citizens in Japan is strictly regulated under the Act for Controlling the Possession of Firearms or Swords and Other Such Weapons enacted in 1958. According to the act, gun possession is only allowed for hunting and shooting sports purposes. The only firearms permitted for ownership are hunting rifles, shotguns, other hunting guns, and air guns. It is required to undergo numerous procedures to obtain a gun permit, such as providing a resume and a medical certificate from a psychiatrist, attending classroom lectures and technical training, and passing exams. Applicants must repeat similar procedures every three years to renew the permit. As of 2023, about ******* guns were owned with licenses among citizens across the country. The number of confiscated weapons in 2023 amounted to *** pistols, ***** hunting guns, and ** air guns. Killing of Shinzo Abe Ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, was shot and killed in July 2022. The incident marked the first assassination of a former Japanese prime minister since 1936. The suspect used a homemade gun created with DIY store materials. Following the incident, experts suggest tightening the security system for politicians and regulations for handmade or modified guns.

As of August 2025, California had the most mass shootings in the United States, with 26 total shootings since 1982. The source defines a mass shooting as a shooting where three or more people were killed. Recently, a mass shooting occurred in the state of Maine on October 26, 2023, during which one of the highest number of fatalities from a mass shooting was recorded after Robert Card opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar, killing 18 and injuring 13 others. Firearms in the U.S. Mass shootings in the United States are disturbingly common. In comparison with other Western countries, there are significantly more shootings in the U.S., which some theorize is due to the relatively lax gun control laws. Gun control laws in the U.S. are dependent on the state, and the right to own a firearm is enshrined in the United States Constitution. Mass shootings The worst mass shooting in the U.S. was the Las Vegas Strip massacre in 2017, which resulted in 58 deaths and 546 injuries. 13 of the worst mass shootings in the United States have occurred since 2015 and the vast majority of these incidents in the U.S. have been carried out by shooters who are White and male.

In 2023, there were over 1.8 million assaults in the United States where personal weapons, such as hands, fists, or feet, were used. There were a further 149,766 assault offenses where handguns were used. What are firearms? Firearms are portable weapons used to shoot bullets. There are several different types of firearms, which include rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and pistols. Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, where some states have stricter laws than others. Each state has their own constitution, which allows them to have their own interpretation of the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Gun culture in the United States is a large part of certain regions, where they share similar attitudes and beliefs about firearms and their right to own them. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is an intended action to cause serious bodily harm to someone else. In 2023, New Mexico had the highest rate of aggravated assault in the U.S., with Alaska, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana rounding out the top five. In contrast, the reported violent crime rate has decreased significantly since 1990, meaning that the U.S. is safer now than it was thirty years ago.

There were ***** firearm offences recorded in London 2023/24, compared with ***** in 2022/23. There was a noticeable drop in gun crime at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with offences falling from ***** in 2019/20 to ***** in 2021/21, and ***** in 2021/22. This is also reflected in London's overall crime rate, which fell from ***** crimes per 1,000 people in 2019/20, to **** in 2020/21, before increasing to **** in 2021/22, and ***** in the most recent reporting year. Firearm homicides rare in the UK The United Kingdom has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, resulting in relatively low levels of gun crime and firearm homicides. In 2023/24 just *** percent of homicides in England and Wales were the result of shootings, compared with *****percent in the United States in 2023. The most common method of killing for homicides in England and Wales was by far the use of a sharp instrument, such as knife, at ** percent of homicides in the 2023/24 reporting year. London police budget cut in 2025/26 In 2025/26, the budget for policing in London was cut to **** billion pounds, from over **** billion in 2024/25. Prior to this, London's police budget increased for sixth-consecutive years, occurred alongside a recruitment drive for police officers, which had fallen to quite low levels in the mid 2010s. It is unlikely that the London policing budget will fall to as low as it did in the mid 2010s, when the budget was effectively frozen at around *** billion pounds a year between 2013/14 and 2018/19

This graph shows the number of individual firearms licenses held in Canada in 2020, by province or territory. In Ontario, 624,448 firearms licenses were held in 2020.