Gun ownership is a constitutional right in the United States — but it is one that most Americans choose not to exercise. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, only about 32% of American adults own a firearm. Still, even though fewer than one-third of the population owns a gun, the U.S. stands out as the only country in the world with more civilian-owned guns than people.
While these two facts may appear contradictory on their face, the simple explanation is most Americans who do own guns have more than one — often, many more. Firearms are used and carried every day for a wide range of specific functions, and no single firearm is optimal for every use case. A hunter, for example, would not likely use the same firearm for big game as they would for waterfowl. Similarly, while a shotgun may be an ideal home defense weapon, a small semi-automatic pistol is better suited for personal protection in public.
Whether for hunting, home defense, personal protection, or recreational shooting, gun owners in the United States have some clear preferences for certain firearms.
Using a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from the online firearm marketplace GunBroker.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 25 most popular firearms in America. Guns are ranked on sales volume in the 2024 calendar year, though exact sales figures were not provided. Supplemental data on the approximate base price for each make and model are from online retailers, including GunBroker.
While all firearms are weapons capable of affording some level of protection, semi-automatic pistols are the most popular choice for that purpose — particularly in concealed carry scenarios. Given that 72% of gun owners cite personal protection as a major reason for owning a firearm, according to Pew, it is perhaps no surprise that the largest share of the best-selling firearms in 2024 are pistols. Of the 25 firearms on this list, 13 are semi-automatic pistols — including three manufactured by Glock and two models each from Ruger and Sig Sauer. (Here is a look at the most powerful handguns.)
Other common firearm types on this list include bolt- and lever-action rifles. Many of these are chambered for large-caliber rounds primarily used for hunting. Others, meanwhile, are only available in smaller rimfire calibers, which are ideal for inexperienced shooters, as they offer lower recoil and fire relatively inexpensive ammunition. (Here is a look at the most expensive rifles you can buy.)
It is important to note that this list was compiled using online gun sales only. Unlike most items purchased online, firearms are generally not shipped directly to your door. Typically, the process requires buyers to have their gun shipped to a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer – usually a local gun store – which will run a background check before transferring the gun to the customer.
Why It Matters
The United States is the largest consumer market for firearms in the world. Partially as a result, the U.S. is home to thousands of licensed gun makers that collectively generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue every year. But, while crowded, America’s arms and ammunition industry is dominated by a handful of companies that design and manufacture firearms with wide appeal among American gun owners.
25. Savage 10/110 series rifles
- Firearm type: Bolt-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $480
- Manufacturer: Savage Arms, Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Westfield, Massachusetts
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Long Range Acquisition LLC
24. Colt Government
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $880
- Manufacturer: Colt’s Manufacturing Company
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
23. Heritage Rough Rider
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Approx. base price: $120
- Manufacturer: Heritage Manufacturing
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Bainbridge, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Taurus Armas, S.A.
22. Glock G17
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $500
- Manufacturer: Glock Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Smyrna, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
21. CZ-USA Model 457 series rifles
- Firearm type: Bolt-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $560
- Manufacturer: CZ-USA
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
20. Henry Big Boy series rifles
- Firearm type: Lever-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $770
- Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Rice Lake, Wisconsin
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
19. Remington Model 700 series rifles
- Firearm type: Bolt-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $580
- Manufacturer: Remington Arms
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Madison, North Carolina
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Roundhill Group
18. Henry Side Gate Lever Actions
- Firearm type: Lever-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $860
- Manufacturer: Henry Repeating Arms
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Rice Lake, Wisconsin
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
17. Beretta Model 90 series pistols
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $630
- Manufacturer: Beretta
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Accokeek, Maryland
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Beretta Holding Group
16. Colt Python
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Approx. base price: $1,300
- Manufacturer: Colt’s Manufacturing Company
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
15. Armscor/RIA Rock
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $380
- Manufacturer: Armscor USA/Rock Island Armory
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Pahrump, Nevada
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Armscor Precision International
14. Smith & Wesson M&P9
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $350
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Maryville, Tennessee
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
13. Springfield Hellcat
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $500
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory, Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Geneseo, Illinois
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
12. Mossberg Model 590 series shotguns
- Firearm type: Pump-action shotgun
- Approx. base price: $440
- Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: North Haven, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
11. Ruger Mark IV
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $400
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
10. Browning X-Bolt
- Firearm type: Bolt-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $660
- Manufacturer: Browning Arms Company
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Morgan, Utah
- Manufacturer’s parent company: FN Herstal
9. Marlin Model 1895 series rifles
- Firearm type: Lever-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $1,400
- Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Madison, North Carolina
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
8. CZ-USA CZ 75
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $620
- Manufacturer: CZ-USA
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
7. Glock G43
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $450
- Manufacturer: Glock Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Smyrna, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
6. Ruger American series rifles
- Firearm type: Bolt-action rifle
- Approx. base price: $400
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
5. Ruger American series pistols
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $450
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
4. Glock G19
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $500
- Manufacturer: Glock Inc.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Smyrna, Georgia
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Glock Ges.m.b.H.
3. Sig Sauer P320
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $460
- Manufacturer: SIG Sauer
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Newington, New Hampshire
- Manufacturer’s parent company: L&O Holding
2. Ruger 10/22
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic rifle
- Approx. base price: $260
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
1. Sig Sauer P365
- Firearm type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Approx. base price: $500
- Manufacturer: SIG Sauer
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Newington, New Hampshire
- Manufacturer’s parent company: L&O Holding
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