Small Arms Market Size, Share and Covid-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun) By Application (Defense & Homeland Security, Self-Defense, Sports, Hunting, and Law Enforcement), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global small arms market size was USD 4.80 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 6.52 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.96% during the forecast period (2020-2027).

Small arms are guns or firearms used by individuals for self-defense purposes. They are compact products that can fire a bullet, and It includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, and light machine guns. They are widely used in commercial applications such as self-defense, shooting sports, hunting as well as by military & law enforcement agencies. Firearms are made from steel with some parts in Bakelite and wood. Nowadays, the metal is being replaced by polymers as weapon markings are easily erased from polymers.

Key players have adopted advanced technologies such as modular designs and microstamping techniques. Initially, there was only one design; one caliber, and a fixed configuration for a gun. Due to the introduction of modular and light weapons design, it is possible to add weapon accessories. Increasing terrorist activities and rising cross border conflicts are anticipated to drive the growth of this market during the forecast period. Besides this, the growing number of shooting ranges and hunting activities will aid market growth.

In 2019, several key players launched new handguns in the SHOT show that are used for hunting, self-defense, and shooting. These products include Springfield Armory XDM 10mm 4.5”, Glock G48, Ruger LCRx 3” .357 mag, Mossberg MC1sc 9mm, Taurus TX22 22lr, and others.

Gun Sales to Proliferate in the U.S. Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Due to COVID-19 impact, the United States has witnessed a spike in gun sales due to personal safety concerns. In March 2020, the U.S. has conducted 3.7 million background checks, which was record high checks. As per the data from Analytics & Forecasting firm in the U.S., there were 2.5 million gun sales in March.

LATEST TRENDS

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

Introduction of 3D Printing Technology to Boost the Market Growth

Increasing the use of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing is one of the latest small arms market trends. The introduction of technologies such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) for these arms development provides numerous advantages for industries. It saves materials in the development of these arms, rapid prototyping and design, improved efficiency, and high customization levels. In 2016, Shuty MP-1, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, consisted of 95% of its parts made up of 3D printing technology.

Increasing Demand for Smart Guns for Improved Efficiency and Growing Use of Polymers Propels Growth

Numerous players in the market are focusing on the development of smart guns for improving accuracy, efficiency, and reliability during operations. Smart guns include are integrated with fingerprint readers, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, biometric sensors, and other advanced technologies to prevent unauthorized users. Smart guns help in reducing criminal activities and violence as it is used by authorized users only. Bio-metric sensors technology activates a gun after identifying fingerprint, grip, or palm print. An increase in demand for smart guns owing to advanced features such as quick access, fingerprint authentication, long battery life, and others are estimated to drive the market in the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Small Arms From Civilians to Aid Growth

Handguns and shotguns are mostly used for commercial purposes such as personal safety, sports, hunting, and others. Increasing demand from civilians for handguns, rifles, and shotguns will contribute to the small arms market growth. As per the data released by a small arms survey in 2017, there were more than one billion firearms in the world, out of which 85% (857 million) are in the hands of civilians. Growing shooting ranges and personal security concerns drive the growth of the market. In March 2020, due to the rapid spread of coronavirus, there was a sharp increase in gun sales in the United States due to unexpected fear among the civilians regarding safety and security.

Increasing Terrorist Activities and Cross Border Conflicts Leads to Strengthen Military Forces Drive the Growth of the Global Market

Increasing political conflicts, rising terrorist activities, illicit trading, and cross border issues will lead to wider product adoption. In addition to this, increasing defense expenditure and the rise in the procurement of advanced small weapons for strengthening military forces propel market growth. Increasing terrorist activities and cross border issues, mainly in Asian countries, leads to increased spending on military modernization programs from countries such as China, India, South Korea, and others.

Furthermore, increasing adoption of advanced lightweight, these arms from law enforcement agencies, and homeland security personals drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Government Rules on Gun Usage and Reduction in Defense Budget in Some Countries Restrict the Market Growth

Most of the countries across the world have made stringent rules on buying and use of guns. The licensing procedure was quite lengthy in some countries that hampers the growth of the market. Governments make stringent arms control legislation due to illegal gun sales, rising terrorist activities, the stockpile of guns, and others.

Increasing mass shooting incidences in countries such as the U.S., Australia, and other European countries leads to imposing strict government rules and regulations on gun buying and usage.

In 2020 due to the COVID-19 effect, the key players in the market are facing major issues in the supply chain, and this results in declining gun sales across the globe except for the U.S.

As lockdown in most of the countries, there were delays in supplying guns, thus hampers the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Handgun Segment to Lead the Market During the Forecast Period

Based on type, the market is segmented into a handgun, rifles, and shotgun. Among these, the handgun segment holds the highest share in the global market. Increasing demand for pistols and revolvers for personal safety, hunting, shooting sports, and other activities will contribute to the growing adoption of handguns. Increasing security concerns due to rising political unrest, cross border conflicts, and others will create a huge demand for handguns during the forecast period.

Rifles segment will showcase a significant growth in this market owing to the increasing procurement of advanced rifles for military and homeland security personals. The shotgun segment will show moderate growth owing to the rising demand for ten gauges, 12 gauge, and 20 gauge shotgun ammunition for shooting sports and hunting activities.

By Application Analysis

Military & Defense Segment to Lead the Market with a Significant Share

By application, the market is classified into military & homeland security, self-defense, sports, hunting, and law enforcement. The military & homeland security segment is anticipated to hold the largest small arms market share and continue its domination during the forecast period. The growth is attributable to the increasing procurement of these arms for combat operations and rising defense expenditure. An increase in terrorism, growing war incidences, and cross border disputes results in strengthening defense forces by procuring advanced weapons.

The sports segment will show significant growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing shooting sports programs. Furthermore, shooting sports programs conducted by organizations such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a shooting sports organization in the U.S., the USA shooting Youth Programs will aid the growth of the segment. Hunting and self-defense segment showcase a moderate growth due to increasing personal security concerns, and rising demand for small arms hunting.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

The market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World. North America holds the largest market share in the global market during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the high defense budget, the high number of shooting ranges in the U.S. and Canada, and the procurement of advanced weapons for combat operations. Furthermore, the presence of key players such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, American Outdoor Brands Corporation, Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., and others drive the growth of the small market across the region.

Asia Pacific will witness remarkable growth in this market during the forecast period. Increasing cross border conflicts, and rising terrorist activities across the Asia Pacific drive the growth of the market. Increasing defense expenditure, and growing military modernization programs from countries such as South Korea, Australia, China, and India drive the growth of the market. As per the data by small arms survey, India and Chins have 71 million and 49 million civilian firearms, respectively.

The market in Europe is anticipated to grow at a moderate pace as Europe constitutes 34% small arms used in military applications and 26% law enforcement firearms. Furthermore, the presence of players such as Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Heckler & Koch GmbH, Thales Group, and others drive the growth of the market in Europe. The Middle East will witness a moderate growth owing to the increasing military spending and adoption of advanced products for civilian applications. The rest of the world registers a remarkable growth due to rising political conflicts, arms conflicts, and rising defense expenditure.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Introduction of Advanced Technologies to Develop Next-Generation Small Arms by Key Market Players are Propelling the Market Growth

Development of small arms with polymer material, the introduction of advanced technologies such as biometric sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID), the introduction of smart guns, and others are the upcoming trends in the market. A vast product portfolio, and rising expenditure on R&D activity, and increased focus on mergers & acquisitions is the prominent factor responsible for the dominance of these key market players.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• American Outdoor Brands Corporation (The U.S.)


• Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. (Italy)


• FN HERSTAL (Belgium)


• General Dynamics Corporation (The U.S.)


• Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (The U.S.)


• Northrop Grumman Corporation (The U.S.)


• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (The U.S.)


• Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc. (Brazil)


• Thales Group (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In November 2020, The U.K Ministry of Defense signed a fifteen-year contract worth USD 3.2 billion with BAE Systems to supply munitions to the British Army. The contract includes supply of Small-arms ammunition, tank shells, heavy artillery rounds, and medium-caliber gun rounds.


• In January 2021, Indian Army received first batch of 6,000 Negev Light Machine Gun (LMG) from Israel. Indian Army signed a contract worth USD 120.5 million with Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) for the procurement of 16,479 light machine guns.


• In January 2021, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the India’s first indigenous machine pistol ASMI. It will be used by Armed forces as personal weapon for commanders, counter insurgency, closed quarter battle, and counter terrorism operations.


• In January 2021, Small Arms Factory in India launched .32 bore revolver, Prahaar. It was developed under the “Make In India Mission”. It ranges up to 50 meters and cerakoted surface finish that provides improved resistance against corrosion.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Small Arms Market

View Full Infographic

To get information on various segments, share your queries with us

The small arms market research report offers qualitative and quantitative insights on this market. It offers a  detailed market analysis & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. Along with this, the report provides an elaborative analysis of dynamics, COVID-19 effect, emerging trends, and competitive landscape in the market.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Request for Customization

Key insights offered in the report are the adoption trends of Small Arm system by individual segments, recent industry developments such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, consolidated SWOT analysis of key players, porter’s five forces analysis, business strategies of leading market players, micro and macroeconomic indicators, and the leading industry trends.

Report Scope & Segmentation