In 1994, the federal government passed a law that effectively banned the manufacture or sale of assault-style weapons for civilian use. This ban expired in 2004, however, and in the years since, assault-style semi-automatic rifles have become among the most popular firearms in the United States.
24/7 Wall St. Key Points:
- Civilian ownership of semi-automatic rifles — particularly assault-style, or modern sporting rifles — is perhaps the most contentious element of the ongoing gun control debate.
- But, while controversial, these firearms are also hugely popular — and certain makes and models stand out as clear favorites among American gun owners.
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Over the 10 years ending in 2022, Americans bought nearly 22 million assault-style rifles, or modern sporting rifles, according to estimates from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry advocacy group. While popular, these types of firearms are also controversial. Modeled after fully automatic weapons used by militaries around the world, including the AK-47 and AR-15, many gun control advocates argue that modern sporting rifles have no reasonable civilian application. Additionally, many of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history have been carried out with assault-style rifles.
Even though some states have standing bans on these weapons, they remain legal in most of the country — and in these places, they are widely used for home defense, recreational target shooting, and even hunting. Given their popularity, assault-style rifles are sold in the United States by hundreds of companies and are available in countless configurations. But recent firearm sales data shows that when it comes to semi-automatic rifles, Americans have some clear preferences.
Using a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from the online firearm marketplace GunBroker.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 10 best-selling semi-automatic rifles in the United States. Rifles 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.
These 10 rifles are manufactured by seven brands – including Browning, Colt, Sig Sauer, and Ruger, a company with four models on this list. While most of these rifles are, what many would consider to be, assault-style weapons, some are not. One of these rifles is the Ruger 10/22, a .22 caliber rifle that has long been popular with novice shooters. Not only one of the best-selling semi-automatic rifles of 2024, the 10/22 is also one of the best-selling firearms of all time. Since the model was introduced more than 50 years ago, Ruger has reportedly sold over 7 million 10/22 rifles. (Here is a look at the most popular firearms in history.)
Many of the rifles on this list are available in a wide range of calibers commonly used for home defense and hunting. The ballistic characteristics of these different calibers are nuanced, and while some are better suited for certain types of game, variations also cater to a shooter’s personal preference. (Here is a look at the most versatile hunting cartridges.)
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.
These are the best-selling semi-automatic rifles in the United States.
Why It Matters
Rifles have lost considerable market share to pistols in the United States in recent years. Still, semi-automatic rifles — particularly assault-style rifles, like those modeled after military firearms — have surged in demand among American gun owners. While those in the market for a semi-automatic rifle have countless brands, configurations, and calibers to choose from, certain models have emerged as clear favorites.
10. Colt M4 Carbine
- Approx. base price: $1,040
- Available chamberings include: .223 Rem., 5.56mm NATO
- Manufacturer: Colt
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: West Hartford, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Colt CZ Group
9. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Tavor
- Approx. base price: $1,750
- Available chamberings include: .223 Rem., .300 AAC Blackout, 9mm
- Manufacturer: Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Manufacturer’s parent company: SK Group
8. Browning BAR series rifles
- Approx. base price: $1,300
- Available chamberings include: .243 Win., .25-06 Rem., .270 WSM, .270 Win., .30-06, .300 WSM, .300 Win. Mag., .308 Win., .325 WSM, 7mm Rem. Mag.
- Manufacturer: Browning
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Morgan, Utah
- Manufacturer’s parent company: FN Herstal
7. KelTec SUB-2000
- Approx. base price: $420
- Available chamberings include: 9mm
- Manufacturer: KelTec
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Cocoa, Florida
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
6. Ruger LC Carbine
- Approx. base price: $750
- Available chamberings include: 10mm Auto, 45 Auto, 5.7x28mm
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
5. Ruger SFAR
- Approx. base price: $1,000
- Available chamberings include: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62 NATO/308 Win.
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
4. Smith & Wesson M&P15
- Approx. base price: $450
- Available chamberings include: .22 LR, .223 Rem., .300 Whisper, 5.56mm NATO
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Maryville, Tennessee
- Manufacturer’s parent company: Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
3. Sig Sauer MCX series rifles
- Approx. base price: $1,580
- Available chamberings include: .223 Rem., .300 AAC Blackout, 7.62x39mm
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Newington, New Hampshire
- Manufacturer’s parent company: L&O Holding
2. Ruger Mini-14
- Approx. base price: $970
- Available chamberings include: .300 AAC Blackout, 5.56mm NATO, 7.62x39mm
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
1. Ruger 10/22
- Approx. base price: $260
- Available chamberings include: .22 LR
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Manufacturer’s U.S. headquarters: Southport, Connecticut
- Manufacturer’s parent company: None
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