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Gun Industry Insider
Episode 34: July 11, 2025 – Sales, Stamp, Snubby: The Firearms Industry Update
In this episode, we examine the latest gun sales figures for June 2025 and the top manufacturers based on 2024 production. Next, we analyze the Big Beautiful Bill's reduction of the NFA tax stamp to zero and its effects on retailers. Finally, we explore Taurus's new 817 revolver, its features, and market fit. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the firearms world with Gun Industry Insider!
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Welcome back to another episode of Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is July 11, 2025. In this episode, we’ll dive into the latest gun sales numbers from June 2025 and the top gun manufacturers based on 2024 production, followed by the recent reduction in the Form 4 tax stamp fee under the Big Beautiful Bill, and finally the new Taurus 817 revolver. These developments matter to you, offering critical insights into industry trends and opportunities. Let’s get into today’s episode.
The firearms industry in June 2025 showed signs of stabilization, with gun sales holding above the 1 million mark for the 71st consecutive month. Data released on July 2, 2025, indicated 2,015,320 federal background checks conducted through NICS, translating to an estimated 1,085,740 firearms sold at FFLs. This represents a 0.8 percent increase from June 2024, when 1,997,215 checks led to 1,077,100 adjusted sales. The slight uptick breaks the recent downward trend, suggesting a potential rebound driven by seasonal factors like summer shooting activities and ongoing consumer interest in personal protection.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation emphasized the consistency of these figures, noting that demand remains robust despite economic pressures such as inflation and supply chain costs. Year-to-date through June 2025, adjusted NICS checks total 6,450,000, down 2.5 percent from the same period in 2024, but still reflecting a market where over 1 million monthly checks has become the norm. For shop owners, this stability means maintaining inventory for high-demand categories like handguns and modern sporting rifles, which accounted for roughly 60 percent of sales based on category breakdowns. Gunsmiths can expect steady work on customizations and repairs, as buyers continue investing in existing firearms amid cautious spending. Wholesaler and manufacturer reps benefit from this predictability, allowing focused promotion of new models without drastic shifts in strategy.
Background checks do not capture all transactions, excluding privately made firearms and most face-to-face sales, so actual circulation could be higher. In 28 states, credential checks replace Brady checks, potentially understating totals. The ATF's recent regulatory adjustments, including a recent change in NFA processes, may contribute to this resilience by encouraging accessory purchases like suppressors, which require checks.
Turning to production, the top gun manufacturers by 2024 numbers provide a snapshot of industry capacity and focus areas. Ruger led with 1,305,615 firearms, split between 621,521 rifles and 683,101 handguns, with minimal shotguns. Their broad lineup supports dealers stocking versatile options for hunting and defense. Sig Sauer followed at 1,020,755 units, dominated by 944,562 handguns, positioning them as a key supplier for concealed carry models that drive retail traffic.
Smith & Wesson produced 991,847 firearms, including 800,975 handguns and 188,453 rifles, though down from prior years, indicating a need for reps to highlight their innovations to maintain market share. Savage Arms ramped up to 725,644, mostly rifles at 639,951, appealing to beginner precision shooters and offering gunsmiths opportunities for upgrades. Palmetto State Armory hit 581,769, with heavy emphasis on miscellaneous items like frames at 364,111, ideal for build-your-own kits that attract budget-conscious customers.
Henry Arms delivered 411,786, primarily rifles, suiting traditional lever-action enthusiasts. Mossberg focused on shotguns with 253,569 of their 397,739 total, essential for clay sports and home defense inventories. Domestically manufactured Glock's 345,119 were all handguns, reinforcing their reliability for law enforcement tie-ins. Anderson Manufacturing's 337,658 leaned on miscellaneous at 308,566, though recent acquisition by Ruger may alter availability. Springfield Armory rounded out the top ten at 268,769, balanced between rifles and handguns.
These figures exclude imports, so sales rankings differ, especially with Glock, but they underscore domestic strength. For shop owners, prioritizing top producers ensures reliable supply, while gunsmiths gain from compatible parts ecosystems. Manufacturer reps can use this data to negotiate allocations, especially as miscellaneous production grows, signaling demand for components in a customizing market. Overall, the combination of steady background checks and established production leaders points to an industry adapting to sustained, if moderated, consumer engagement.
Next up, the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill reduced the Form 4 tax stamp fee from 200 dollars to zero for suppressors, short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, and any other weapons, effective January 1, 2026. These items remain under the National Firearms Act, so retailers must continue handling registrations, background checks, fingerprints, and ATF approvals for transfers. This eliminates a direct cost barrier, making these products more approachable for customers focused on hearing protection or tactical setups, though the paperwork process stays intact.
Reactions across forums, social media, and advocacy sites show a mix of approval and frustration. Many gun owners and dealers welcome the savings, noting it could encourage more purchases of suppressors for range use or short-barreled rifles for home defense, potentially increasing foot traffic in shops. Manufacturer reps see opportunities to promote bundled packages, as the lower entry price might draw in buyers who previously hesitated. Gunsmiths anticipate additional work threading barrels or converting firearms, with users on Reddit planning multiple acquisitions to take advantage of the change. Blogs like Guns.com suggest retailers prepare for a moderate uptick in inquiries, advising stock adjustments for high-demand models while monitoring inventory to avoid overcommitment given persistent approval delays.
However, criticism centers on the reform falling short of full deregulation. Gun Owners of America and similar groups argue the zero fee solidifies the NFA registry, leaving owners exposed to potential data misuse or future fee hikes by different administrations. Lawsuits are already in motion by the GOA, FPC, and SAF, to remove these items entirely from the NFA, with concerns on AR15.com about extended ATF processing times overwhelming the system as applications rise. Retailers should expect initial surges in demand but brace for bottlenecks, perhaps extending wait periods beyond current levels. Shop owners need to educate customers on the unchanged compliance requirements to manage expectations. Manufacturer reps might face supply constraints if production ramps up unevenly. Overall, the impact remains limited compared to complete removal, offering incremental sales growth without transforming operations, so staying informed on legal challenges and ATF updates will help navigate adjustments.
Finally, Taurus released the 817 revolver, a compact model chambered in .38 Special +P with a 7-round cylinder, setting it apart from standard 6-shot snub nose revolvers by offering extra capacity in a similar footprint. The all-stainless-steel construction covers the frame, cylinder, and 2-inch barrel, providing resistance to wear for daily carry, while the double-action/single-action trigger includes an exposed hammer for deliberate control. The front sight uses a removable design compatible with the Taurus 856 series, simplifying upgrades, and the rubber grips interchange with those from Taurus Judge or Tracker models, giving gunsmiths straightforward options for personalization. At about 30 ounces, it balances compactness with enough heft to manage recoil effectively.
This release builds on Taurus's earlier 817 from 1999 to 2012, incorporating modern refinements like improved trigger smoothness and quality control that address past criticisms. Review sites note reliable function with +P loads and decent accuracy for defensive distances, making it a step forward in dependability for the brand. For retailers, the wholesale cost around $450 supports competitive pricing, though the $648.99 MSRP from Taurus is a bit high, this will likely sell for closer to $525 to move units, aligning with budget handgun segments. Wholesaler reps can highlight its role as an affordable alternative to higher-end revolvers from Smith & Wesson or Ruger.
In a handgun lineup, the 817 fits into the concealed carry category, complementing semi-autos like Glocks or Taurus's own G series by appealing to customers who favor revolvers for their mechanical simplicity and no-magazine issues. It stands out against 5-shot models by delivering more firepower in a pocketable size, ideal for stocking alongside compact 9mms for variety. Gunsmiths will find it easy to service, with common parts availability supporting quick repairs or sight swaps. The primary appeal lies with budget-focused buyers seeking a reliable backup weapon, including older shooters comfortable with revolvers or those avoiding semi-auto malfunctions in high-stress scenarios. Shop owners can expect steady interest from entry-level concealed carry permit holders, especially in areas where revolver training remains popular, positioning it as a reliable seller without dominating premium shelf space.
Wrapping up today’s episode, we explored the latest gun sales numbers from June 2025 and the top gun manufacturers based on 2024 production, the reduction in the Form 4 tax stamp fee under the Big Beautiful Bill, and the new Taurus 817 revolver. These developments offer insights for navigating the evolving firearms market. Got thoughts or topics you’d like us to look into? Email us at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or reach out on X at @GunInsider. Stay tuned for the next episode—we’ll bring you more updates that matter to your shop or next sales call. Thanks for listening. Until next