Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt.
The most widely publicized barometer is the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) monthly estimate of gun sales. The organization’s comparison of January’s purchases to the same month in 2025 reflects a barely palpable decline of 0.7 percent.
NSSF just issued its February’s findings. Roughly 1,265,320 gun purchases resulted in the buyer’s name being cleared through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check system. That’s a 3.5 percent improvement over February 2025.
There are other hints the long-awaited stabilization—and potential rebound—has arrived. Here are a few from three layers in the supply line.
Range USA Store Openings
Range USA, the nation’s largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, has announced plans to open three new stores in 2026. The expansion includes stores in Smyrna, Tenn., Monroeville, Pa., and Lenexa, Kan.
“Our current Pittsburgh (Robinson Township), Nashville (Goodlettsville) and Kansas City (North Kansas City, Mo.) locations have seen quick success, with local communities and customers embracing our presence,” said Jimmy McManus, Range USA chief operating officer. “This strong performance made expanding into Smyrna, Lenexa and Monroeville a strategic priority for us, and we’re excited to see all three stores open with similar success.”
A single retail chain’s expansion could be dismissed as consumer reaction to marketing, personnel, profit margin or a host of other factors. But at least one wholesaler that specializes in resupplying gun store inventories is also expanding.
Lipsey’s New Corporate Headquarters/Distribution Center
In April, Lipsey’s—which was established in 1953 and is now one of the nation’s leading sporting goods wholesalers—is beginning construction on its new state-of-the-art corporate headquarters and operation site. The 265,000-square-foot facility will include a modernized distribution center and an expanded office complex.
“For almost 75 years, Lipsey’s has been proud to call Baton Rouge home,” said Laurie Lipsey, Lipsey’s chairwoman and CEO. “This project reflects our continued belief in the region and dedication to our team, customers and partners who have helped us grow. Our new headquarters will position us for the future while honoring the legacy and values that define our family-owned company.”
The new campus will integrate advanced logistics and workflow design, expanded storage capacity and upgraded technology infrastructure to support the firm’s growing operations. The additional office space will provide collaborative work environments and long-term flexibility for future expansion.
Ruger’s Earnings Report
Ruger’s fourth quarter report for fiscal year 2025 came out on March 3, and it contained buoying news on the manufacturing end. The company’s fourth quarter saw a sales increase of 3.6 percent. For the previous 12 months—a period in which NSSF gun sales estimates were almost exclusively down—sales were up 1.9 percent.
“We are encouraged by our fourth quarter and full-year results, with revenues exceeding the same periods last year despite a challenging consumer environment,” said Todd Seyfert, Ruger president and CEO. “This performance reflects the strength of our product strategy and our continued focus on innovation.”
Announcement by three companies representing the entire supply chain are far from definitive proof firearm sales have fully stabilized or on the upswing. On the other hand, the entire trio has access to proprietary numbers, and they have a pretty good track record of reading those tea leaves.
But the firearm industry has generally had a cyclical history of boom-and-bust periods, largely tracking with elections and economic conditions. For consumers, a down period might mean better deals and more availability, while periods of greater demand mean higher prices and out-of-stock items. If the industry is on the rebound, any sales you’re keeping an eye on may not last for much longer.
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