The Survey Says: First-Time Gun Ownership Still Strong in 2021

A recent NSSF survey of firearms retailers indicates that more than 3.2 million people purchased a firearm for the first time during the first half of 2021.

by posted on September 13, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
NSSF Firearm Retailers Survey
NSSF images

While it would be hard to imagine a year where gun sales could top the frenetic growth of 2020, particularly by first-time buyers, all indications are that 2021 will be another extremely strong year for firearms retailers. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry trade association, surveyed firearm retailers recently, and estimates that more than 3.2 million people purchased a firearm for the first time during the first half of 2021.

The survey was conducted to learn the buying habits and factors of this year’s firearm purchasers during the first six months of 2021. Respondents indicated that 33.2 percent of customers, or 3,247,351, purchased a firearm for the first time, based on June’s total of nearly 9.8 million background checks for a gun sale.

“This survey shows that there is a continuing demand signal for firearms from the American public,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “We witnessed each month background check figures associated with a gun sale that are second only to those we saw in last year’s record-breaking totals. These survey results show not only is there a strong and healthy appetite from first-time gun buyers but that there is still room to grow. We are encouraged by the sustained interest in lawful and responsible gun ownership as well as by the manufacturing base which has been challenged to meet this remarkable demand.”

Survey results showed that in the first six months of 2021:

  • More than 90 percent of retailers reported an increase of African American men purchasing firearms.
  • Nearly 87 percent of retailers reported an increase of African American women purchasing firearms.
  • Nearly 84 percent of retailers reported an increase of Hispanic-American men purchasing firearms.
  • More than 87 percent of retailers reported an increase of Hispanic-American women purchasing firearms.
  • More than 76.5 percent of retailers reported an increase of Asian-American men purchasing firearms.
  • More than 82 percent of retailers reported an increase of Asian-American women purchasing firearms.
  • 1 percent of customers purchased a second firearm since their initial purchase.
  • 5 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 were under 40.

Download the infographic on NSSF Firearm Retailer Survey Firearm & Ammunition Sales here.

 

Latest

Nra Logo Flag Background
Nra Logo Flag Background

U.S. House Sends Reconciliation Bill to President Trump

Under the bill, NFA tax on suppressors, short-barreled firearms and other arms is reduced to $0.

The Armed Citizen® July 3, 2025

A domestic violence victim is safe, while her abuser is charged with battery, strangulation and criminal confinement. 

The Evolution of the Canik Mete MC9 Prime Pistol

Canik blends a slim-profile pistol with its competition gun know how to produce a best-of-class concealed-carry pistol.

Women for Gun Rights Descends on Washington D.C.

The event brought in delegates representing more than 40 states to the nation’s capital to speak up for the Second Amendment and ensure that lawmakers heard directly from America's fastest-growing group of gun owners.

9 Tips for Shooting in Bad Weather

Snow, rain and extreme temperatures can present a few challenges for your firearm.

Single-Stack 1911 10 mm Auto Pistols: Ideal Big-Bore Trail Guns?

Polymer pistols may be all the rage, but the venerable 1911 still has a lot to offer 10 mm cartridge fans.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.