NSSF Report Reveals Record 32 Million Modern Sporting Rifles in Circulation
Media Underreporting Ownership Amid State Ban Proposals
There are over 32 million MSRs in circulation today — more than the number of
Ford F-150s on American roads.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recently released its “2025 Firearm Production in the United States” report, revealing that there are now more than 32 million Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) in circulation in the United States. This updated figure significantly exceeds the outdated estimates frequently cited by mainstream media outlets and AI search tools.
The report, which compiles data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and industry manufacturing records, shows that 32,091,000 MSRs have been produced or imported since 1990. This represents a 4.5% increase over previous estimates, confirming the MSR’s status as the most popular centerfire rifle in America—surpassing even the number of Ford F-150s on the road today.
Image courtesy NSSF.
Correcting the Narrative
Despite the record-breaking numbers, major media outlets and search engines continue to cite ownership figures between 16 and 24 million, often relying on data that is several years old.
“Journalists reporting on gun control proposals must recognize just how commonly owned these firearms are,” said Larry Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Truthfully reporting the popularity of the MSR is critical to ensure Second Amendment rights are not infringed by scare tactics and misinformation.”
Legislative and Legal Implications
The surge in ownership comes as several states, including Virginia under the leadership of Governor Abigail Spanberger and Delegate Dan Helmer, propose strict bans on the manufacture, sale, and possession of these rifles.
The NSSF highlights that the “commonly owned” status of MSRs carries significant legal weight. Under the Supreme Court’s Heller (2008) decision and the more recent 2025 Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos ruling, the Court has affirmed that firearms “widely legal and bought by many ordinary citizens” cannot be banned.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling shows that all nine justices agree with the statement that AR-15s are ‘widely legal and bought by many ordinary citizens’ and are ‘the most popular rifle in the country,'” noted Shelby Baird Smith, NSSF’s Chief Litigation Counsel.
Key Findings from the 2025 Report:
Total MSRs in Circulation: 32,091,000 (since 1990).
Growth: A 4.5% increase in total estimated stock despite a slight production slowdown between 2022 and 2023.
Common Use: MSRs are used daily by law-abiding citizens for recreational target shooting, hunting, and home defense.
The NSSF urges mainstream media organizations to update their reporting to reflect current industry facts, ensuring the public and policymakers have an accurate understanding of the firearm landscape in America.
For more information visit: NSSF.
