Small Arms Market Analysis

Global Small Arms Market Overview

Small Arms Market Size was valued at USD 9533.36 million in 2023. The Small Arms market industry is projected to grow from USD 10057.69 Million in 2024 to USD 15438.2 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Small Arms, growing popularity of recreational shooting and increasing military expenditure are the key market drivers boosting the growth of the Small Arms market.  

FIGURE 1: SMALL ARMS MARKET SIZE 2018-2032 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Small Arms Market OPPORTUNITY

• The growing demand in emerging markets for evolving security needs

The emergence of new economies in different parts of the world has presented the market for small guns with fresh possibilities for expansion. They are becoming key drivers of demand for small guns and firearms-related products as these developing nations encounter greater urbanization, rising affluence, and altering security concerns. The emergence of new elements that contribute to this expansion can be seen in emerging markets. Personal safety and security concerns have become more prominent as emerging economies continue to urbanize and their populations grow. This has resulted in a growing interest in self-defence and personal protection, which has increased demand for pistols, shotguns, and other compact types of firearms. This need is further fuelled by the fact that rising urbanization generally correlates with greater crime rates and the necessity for individuals to take measures to protect themselves. The development of a middle class in many of these markets has led to an increase in disposable cash, which has made it possible for more people to acquire firearms for various uses, including hunting and recreational shooting. This growing customer base greatly boosts the market for small weapons since it enables the penetration of firearms into previously unexplored consumer sectors. As a result, the market for small arms has seen tremendous growth in recent years. In addition, the desire for handguns and other small weaponry in developing countries goes beyond individual customers. The governments of these areas are increasing the amount of money they are investing in the modernization of their military forces and law enforcement organizations, which includes improving their supply of small guns. Because of this, bulk procurement and growth in the small weapons industry's defense and law enforcement subsegments are both stimulated. A culture of recreational shooting is also being fostered by the emergence of competitive shooting sports in emerging nations, driving demand for specialist rifles and shooting accessories. As more people participate in shooting competitions, they look for high-quality firearms that are adapted to their demands. This creates chances for manufacturers to get into these developing markets by catering to the needs of participants.

Small Arms Market Platform Segment Insights

Small Arms Type Insights

Based on type, the Small Arms Market segmentation includes handguns {pistols and revolvers}, shortguns, machine guns, rifles & others The In-House held the majority share in 2022, contributing around ~43% to the market revenue. Handguns, also referred to as pistols, are small, one-handed-operable firearms. Demand and sales have increased significantly in recent years due to their growing popularity. Several factors are driving the segmental development of handguns, which accounts for this increase in popularity. Increasing concern for personal safety and self-defense is one of the factors fueling the expansion of handguns. People look for methods to safeguard themselves and their loved ones in an uncertain world. Handguns provide individuals with a sense of security and autonomy, allowing them to defend themselves in potentially hazardous situations. This heightened awareness of personal safety has resulted in a surge in demand for handguns, as individuals are willing to invest in protection. The expanding market for concealed carry permits is another factor contributing to the growth of handguns. Numerous nations and jurisdictions have relaxed their concealed carry laws, permitting individuals to carry handguns publicly for self-defense. As a result, a new market for compact and easily concealable handguns has emerged, as individuals pursue firearms that can be carried discretely without attracting attention. The demand for concealed-carry handguns has driven the expansion of this market segment as manufacturers endeavor to meet the market's specific requirements. In addition, the influence of popular culture cannot be ignored when discussing the development of handguns.

Small Arms Barrel Type

Based on the barrel type, the Small Arms Market segmentation is rifled-bore and smooth-bore. Rifled Bore dominated the market in 2022. A rifled bore is the interior of a firearm's barrel with spiral grooves carved into its surface. The purpose of these grooves, known as rifling, is to impart rotation on a projectile as it travels down the barrel. Rifling is most commonly found on rifles, but it can also be found on certain handguns and shotguns. Rifling is designed to stabilize the projectile in flight, thereby enhancing its accuracy and range. When a bullet or other projectile is fired through a rifled barrel, the grooves engage the bullet's surface, causing it to spin swiftly. This rotating motion generates gyroscopic stability, which counteracts the effects of wind resistance and gravity, allowing the projectile to maintain a more accurate and predictable trajectory. The rifling pattern can vary regarding the number of grooves and the twist rate. The number of grooves refers to the number of spiral cuts in the barrel, whereas the twist rate refers to the distance required for the rifling to complete one complete revolution. Common rifle twist rates range from 1:7 to 1:12, signifying that the rifling completes one complete revolution over a particular distance. Certain rifling characteristics, such as the number of grooves and the twist rate, can affect the firearm's efficacy.

FIGURE 2: SMALL ARMS MARKET, BY BARREL TYPE, 2022 VS 2032 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Small Arms Operation Insights

Based on operation, the Small Arms Market segmentation includes self-loading firearm {automatic firearm and semi-automatic firearm} and manually operated firearm. The self-loading firearm owners held the majority share in 2022. A self-loading firearm, also known as an automatic or semi-automatic firearm, uses the energy of the discharged round to automatically cycle the action, load a new round from a magazine, and prepare the firearm for firing again. Self-loading firearms, unlike manually operated firearms such as bolt-action or pump-action rifles, do not require the user to manipulate the action between rounds manually. Each trigger stroke of a semi-automatic firearm fires a single round, and the firearm reloads the next round from the magazine into the chamber. Compared to manually operated firearms, this provides for a relatively rapid rate of fire. Common applications for semi-automatic firearms include self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. Automatic firearms can discharge multiple rounds with a single trigger pull if the trigger remains depressed. These weapons are commonly known as fully automatic or machine rifles. Due to their potential for misuse and high discharge rate, automatic firearms are heavily regulated and restricted in many nations. Various mechanisms, including gas operation, recoil operation, and blowback operation, are utilized by firearms that fill themselves. These mechanisms utilize the energy produced by the fired round to cycle the action, extract and eject the spent casing, and insert a new round into the magazine. Self-loading firearms have several benefits over manually operated firearms. Typically, they have a quicker rate of fire, allowing for faster follow-up rounds. This can be advantageous in self-defense or competitive shooting situations where quickness is a factor.

Small Arms End User Insights

Based on end-user, the Small Arms Market segmentation includes armed forces, law enforcement, sporting & hunting, and civilian self-defense. The Civilian Self-Defense owners held the majority share in 2022. Civilian self-defense is the act of individuals protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their property against potential threats or damage. It employs various strategies, techniques, and instruments to deter or defend against potential attackers or dangerous situations. Depending on the local laws and regulations, self-defense can take many forms, including physical techniques, situational awareness, and using self-defense weapons such as pepper spray, personal alarms, and even firearms. The purpose of civilian self-defense is to in still a sense of safety and security in individuals, enabling them to defend themselves and their loved ones when threatened. Individuals interested in self-defense must acquire the necessary skills and knowledge through appropriate training and education. This may involve learning self-defense techniques, comprehending legal rights and responsibilities, and exercising situational awareness to avoid potentially hazardous situations. It is important to note that self-defense laws and regulations vary from country to country and even region. Individuals must familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations governing self-defense in their respective jurisdictions to act within the law. Civilian self-defense is about personal safety and empowerment, enabling individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones in potentially dangerous situations.

Small Arms Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Europe Small Arms market accounted for ~37% in 2022. North America, which includes the United States, Canada and Mexico, is a major participant in the Small Arms Market. This market comprises handguns, rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, ammunition, and corresponding accouterments. Multiple regionally-specific factors have contributed to North America's sustained development in the small arms industry. The region's profoundly ingrained firearm culture is among the most important contributors to North America's small arms market growth. The United States has a lengthy history of gun ownership dating back to its founding.

FIGURE 3: SMALL ARMS MARKET SIZE BY REGION 2022 VS 2032

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Europe market accounts for the second-largest market share. Europe plays an important role in the global market for small arms, characterized by disparate attitudes and regulations regarding firearms in various countries. This market includes various firearms, such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns, as well as their accessories and ammunition. Several regional factors have contributed to the market dynamics of European small armaments. Europe is a stronghold for competitive and recreational shooting, with countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France hosting numerous shooting competitions and fostering thriving shooting sports communities. This demand for firearms for recreational activities, such as hunting and target shooting, has been instrumental in driving the regional growth of the small arms market.

The Asia Pacific Small Arms Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR between 2022 and 2032. Asia-Pacific, comprised of numerous countries and cultures, plays a significant role in the global market for small arms. This dynamic market includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, and submachine weapons, in addition to their accessories and ammunition. Several factors unique to this extensive and diverse region drive the expansion of the small arms market in the Asia-Pacific region. The region's complex security environment is one of the main growth drivers for the Asia-Pacific small arms market. Numerous nations in the Asia-Pacific region confront security issues, such as territorial disputes, insurgency, and organized crime. This has resulted in government contracts and procurement for small arms and light weapons used for military and law enforcement.

Small Arms Key Market Players& Competitive Insights

With a strong presence across different verticals and geographies, the Small Arms market is highly competitive and dominated by established, pure-play vendors. Over 30 vendors cater to this market, and they continually innovate their solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses by adopting new technologies. These vendors have a robust geographic footprint and partner ecosystem to cater to diverse customer segments. The Small Arms market is highly competitive, with many vendors offering similar products and services.

The major players in the market include Beratta Holding, Heckler Holding Inc, Sturnm Ruger, & Co Inc, and others. Beretta Holding S.A. is committed to producing high-quality firearms. The company uses only the best materials and components in its products and has a rigorous quality control process.

The Small Arms Market is consolidated, increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers, and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the Small Arms market include

• Accuracy International Ltd


• American Outdoor Brands Corporation


• Beretta Holding SpA


• Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC


• Glock Ges.M.B.H


• Heckler & Koch GmbH


• Herstal SA


• Remington Outdoor Company


• Steyr Arms GmbH


• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc

Small Arms Industry Developments

• In August 2023, According to the company, the new Multi Weapon Mount from FN Herstal has been fully MIL-STD approved and is now ready for use. In the FN Herstal Air, Land, and Sea Weapon Systems catalog, it is one of many high-performance items. The FN MWM will debut at DSEI 2023 in London in less than two weeks.


• In June 2023, FN Herstal reported that Noptel in Finland has improved its manufacturing capacity by purchasing greater surface area and hiring more specialized employees.

Small Arms Market Segmentation

Small Arms Type Outlook

• Handguns
  
  
  
  • Pistols
  
  
  • Revolvers
  
  
  
  


• Shortguns


• Machine Guns


• Rifles & Others

Small Arms Barrel Type Outlook

• Rifled-Bore


• Smooth-Bore

Small Arms Operation Outlook

• Self-Loading Firearm
  
  
  
  • Automatic Firearm
  
  
  • Semi-Automatic Firearm
  
  
  
  


• Manually-Operated Firearm

Small Arms End User Outlook

• Armed Forces


• Law Enforcement


• Sporting & Hunting


• Civilian Self-Defense

Small Arms Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East and Africa
  
  
  
  • Saudi Arabia
  
  
  • Qatar
  
  
  • UAE
  
  
  • Rest of MEA
  
  
  
  


• South America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Ecuador
  
  
  • Rest of LATAM