Handguns Market Report 2026

The handguns market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.09 billion in 2025 to $4.48 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing civilian adoption of handguns for personal protection driving demand for pistols and revolvers, rising use of target pistols and air pistols in competitive and recreational shooting sports, expansion of law-enforcement procurement sustaining consistent handgun sales, development of custom parts and upgrades enhancing performance and ergonomics, growth of accessory sales such as holsters and sights supporting broader handgun utilization.

The handguns market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.37 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for modular handgun platforms enabling customization across user groups, rising adoption of enhanced-safety and low-recoil designs improving usability, expansion of sport-shooting participation increasing consumption of target and air pistols, increasing innovation in lightweight materials improving durability and concealability, development of smart and integrated-optic ready handgun models supporting advanced shooting applications. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for compact and polymer-framed pistols, increased customization and aftermarket upgrades, growth of online firearm and accessory sales, expansion of sport shooting and competitive handgun categories, adoption of lightweight composite materials in manufacturing.

The rising demand for recreational shooting and hunting is expected to propel the growth of the handgun market going forward. Recreational shooting and hunting refer to leisure activities in which individuals participate in target practice and wildlife pursuit for sport, skill development, and outdoor enjoyment. The increasing interest in these activities is largely driven by growing public awareness of firearms safety training and proficiency programs, as more people seek structured environments to develop responsible firearm handling skills and marksmanship. This rising participation directly boosts consumer purchases of handguns, as these firearms are essential for target shooting at ranges and serve as sidearms for personal protection during hunting expeditions. For instance, in August 2025, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), a US-based government agency, over 1 million hunters in the US harvested nearly 17 million mourning doves in 2023. Therefore, the rising demand for recreational shooting and hunting is driving the growth of the handgun market.

Major companies operating in the handgun market are focusing on developing innovative products such as striker-fired semi-automatic pistols to enhance performance, safety, and user experience. Striker-fired semi-automatic pistols use a spring-loaded striker instead of a traditional hammer to ignite the primer, providing a consistent trigger pull and faster firing. For instance, in January 2024, Daniel Defense, Inc., a US-based firearms manufacturer, introduced the DANIEL H9 Handgun. This pistol merges the ergonomic feel and aiming ease of a 1911 with the straightforward shooting and maintenance of a striker-fired system. Its low bore axis reduces recoil and muzzle rise, enabling quicker and more accurate follow-up shots. Constructed with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, the H9 is lightweight yet durable. It features fully ambidextrous controls and a modular design for enhanced ergonomics and customization. Additionally, the handgun is optics-ready and includes a 1911-style straight-pull trigger with a safety blade for precise and safer operation.

In April 2024, RSBC Investment Group, a Czech Republic-based private investment firm, acquired Steyr Arms GmbH & Co. KG for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, RSBC Investment aims to advance the strategic development and international expansion of Steyr Arms by strengthening its position in global markets and leveraging RSBC’s resources and expertise. Steyr Arms GmbH & Co. KG is an Austria-based arms manufacturer specializing in handguns, including service pistols and air pistols.

Major companies operating in the handguns market are Diamondback Firearms LLC, Smith And Wesson Brands Inc., Sig Sauer Inc., Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal, CZ-USA Inc., Heckler And Koch GmbH, GLOCK Ges.m.b.H., Colt s Manufacturing Company LLC, Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A, Springfield Armory Inc., Kimber Manufacturing Inc., Israel Weapon Industries Ltd., Browning Arms Company, Walther Arms Inc., Kahr Arms Inc., Kalashnikov Group, Fratelli Tanfoglio S.N.C., Taurus Holdings Inc., Zastava Arms d.o.o, Canik Firearms Manufacturing Inc.

North America was the largest region in the handguns market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the handguns market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on metals, firearm components, and imported manufacturing equipment are increasing production costs and slowing output in the handguns market, particularly affecting metal-framed pistols, revolvers, and aftermarket parts in regions reliant on international supply chains. Segments such as defense procurement, self-defense pistols, and sport shooting revolvers experience pricing pressures, with North America and Europe facing the greatest impact due to stringent import dependencies. However, tariffs are also promoting domestic manufacturing, encouraging localized sourcing, and supporting regional industry resilience, creating selective positive outcomes despite overall market disruptions.

The handguns market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides handguns market statistics, including the handguns industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the handguns market share, detailed handguns market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the handguns market. This handguns market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

A handgun is a compact, easily portable firearm designed for use with one hand. It encompasses various types such as pistols and revolvers, and is commonly utilized for self-defense, law enforcement duties, and sport shooting. Due to their smaller size, handguns are more convenient to carry and conceal compared to larger firearms.

The primary categories of handguns include revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, single-shot handguns, and other variants. Revolvers are characterized by a rotating cylinder that holds multiple cartridges, allowing multiple shots before needing to reload. These firearms are usually made from materials like metal, polymer, or composite substances and are sold through different distribution channels, such as online platforms, physical retail outlets, and specialty stores. The key end users of handguns include defense forces, homeland security agencies, individual users for self-defense, sports shooting enthusiasts, hunters, and law enforcement bodies.

The countries covered in the handguns market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The handguns market consists of sales of single-shot pistols, target pistols, air pistols, accessories, and custom parts and upgrades. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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