One-Third of Handguns Sold in America Come From This Unexpected Country

On July 13, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated during a campaign event. The attempted gunman was shot and killed by authorities. But the country continues to grapple with what this assassination attempt means for our future, especially as we lead into a particularly charged election season. In the wake of the shooting, gun manufacturer shares have dramatically risen: up 11% for Smith & Wesson Brands, and 5% for Sturm, Ruger & Co. (Here are the states where people bought the most guns in June 2024.)

While both of the above gun manufacturers are American-founded, Americans across the U.S. continue to also purchase firearms from foreign sources. These purchases span a wide range of guns. Handguns accounted for a majority of gun imports in 2020-2022; these numbers continue to rise. (If you’re looking to purchase a handgun, you’ll also need ammunition. Check out the most and least expensive handgun rounds.)

Gun manufacturing is a specialized industry that exists in limited countries. Those that can do it well (or cheap) enough to break into the American market are even fewer. 24/7 Wall St. identified the countries Americans are buying the most handguns from by using data from the ATF’s National Firearms Commerce and Tracking Assessment report. The countries on this list are ranked by the number of handguns they exported to the U.S. from 2010 to 2020. These 10 countries account for 97% of all foreign-made handguns sold to the U.S. in that period. At the time of publication, this is the most up-to-date information available. 

The countries on this list span three continents: Europe, South America, and Asia. Some are home to large and reputable gun manufacturers. Others, meanwhile, are home to lesser-known companies that American brands have outsourced manufacturing to. (Here is a look at the 25 most powerful handguns.)

Why We’re Covering This

An estimated 30-40% of American households own guns. Seeing which foreign countries manufacture the top-sold handguns in America offers a look into where Americans place their trust. At the same time, this list also provides greater insight into how international arms manufacturers respond to gun ownership trends, allowing them to remain leaders in the market.

Here are the countries where the best-selling handguns in America are made: 

10. Belgium

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 203,401 (0.7% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Belgium: FN Herstal

9. Argentina

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 595,150 (2.0% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Argentina: Bersa

8. Philippines

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 985,843 (3.2% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Philippines: Shooters Arms Manufacturing, Armscor

7. Turkey

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 1,093,740 (3.6% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Turkey: Canik, Girsan, SAR, Tisas

6. Czech Republic

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 1,110,705 (3.7% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Czech Republic: CZ

5. Italy

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 1,807,645 (5.9% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Italy: Beretta

4. Germany

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 3,635,572 (12.0% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Germany: Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, Walther

3. Croatia

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 3,973,984 (13.1% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Croatia: HS Produkt (Springfield Armory Hellcat)

2. Brazil

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 6,051,110 (19.9% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Brazil: Taurus

1. Austria

• Handguns exported to U.S., 2010-2020: 9,953,808 (32.7% of all imported handguns)
• Popular handgun brand(s) made in Austria: Glock