Rifles Market Report

Attractive Opportunities

Global Demand Analysis & Sales Opportunities in Rifles Market 

• The annual demand for rifles was USD 3.50 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.69 billion in 2025, up 5.3% than the value in 2024.
• During the next 8 years (forecast period of 2025-2032), the rifles market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9%. The annual demand will reach USD 5.15 billion in 2032, which is almost 1.5 times the demand in 2025.
• During 2025-2032, the rifles industry is expected to generate a cumulative sales opportunity of USD 35.18 billion.

High-Growth Market Segments: 

• North America is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.
• By firing type, Automatic segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period.
• By product type, Assault Rifles segment is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period.

Market Statistics 

Have a look at the sales opportunities presented by the rifles market in terms of growth and market forecast.

Market Dynamics

Introduction:

What are rifles?

Rifles are long-barreled, precision firearms designed with rifled barrels to enhance bullet stability, accuracy, and range. Commonly shoulder-fired, they are widely used across multiple sectors. In the military, rifles serve as standard infantry weapons; law enforcement employs them for tactical operations; they are also used in hunting, competitive shooting, personal defense, and ceremonial functions.

Market Drivers: 

Advancements in Modern Weaponry

• Ongoing advancements in firearms technology are significantly propelling the growth of the global rifles market. Modern military rifles now offer enhanced precision, modular architecture, and seamless compatibility with advanced optics systems, aligning with the evolving demands of modern warfare.
• Innovations such as high-rate-of-fire machine guns (750–1,000 rounds per minute) and next-generation 6.8mm ammunition, developed by leading players like SIG SAUER and Textron Systems, are transforming battlefield performance. Additionally, India’s transition from 5.56mm to 7.62mm assault rifles reflects the worldwide shift toward advanced weaponry.
• Collectively, these developments are not only redefining operational capabilities but also serving as a key driver fueling sustained growth in the global rifles market.

Increased Civilian Demand for Rifles

• Civilian ownership of rifles is rising steadily, driven by heightened concerns over personal safety, increased participation in shooting sports, and a cultural shift toward self-reliance.
• Countries like the U.S. continue to report strong firearm sales, with millions of first-time buyers emerging post-2024. This expanding civilian base is no longer a side segment; it’s a core growth engine reshaping the global rifles market landscape.

Market Challenges: 

Cross-Border Compliance Complexities

• The regulation of rifles and other small arms varies significantly across countries, driven by differences in legal, economic, and political frameworks. These disparities create challenges for manufacturers and exporters, especially when navigating complex procurement procedures and gun ownership laws.
• Non-compliance with international or domestic regulations can result in financial losses, restricted market access, and even legal penalties.
• As a result, global players invest heavily in compliance and licensing, which limits operational flexibility and restrains the overall growth potential of the rifle market.

Market Opportunities: 

Rise in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security Investments

• Increasing geopolitical tensions, insurgencies, and internal security threats have prompted governments worldwide to enhance their homeland security and counter-terrorism capabilities.
• This has led to a consistent rise in demand for reliable, high-performance rifles suited for urban combat and rapid deployment scenarios, opening new avenues for suppliers focused on law enforcement and paramilitary segments.

Segments' Analysis

By Firing Type

“Automatic segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period.”

• The automatic segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, fueled by advancements in modern weaponry, increasing adoption by civilian users, and ongoing military modernization initiatives.
• Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions and the demand for integrated targeting technologies are further accelerating the growth of this segment.

By Product Type

“Assault Rifles segment is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period.”

• The assault rifle segment is expected to be the fastest-growing category during the forecast period (2025–2032), driven by advancements in firearm technology, rising defense expenditures, and increasing civilian interest in self-defense.
• Military modernization efforts and intensifying geopolitical tensions are further propelling demand. A notable example is the India–Russia collaboration for the production of AK-203 rifles to equip the Indian Armed Forces.

Regional Analysis

“North America is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.”

• North America is expected to dominate the rifle market during the forecast period due to a combination of high military spending, strong civilian firearm ownership, and the presence of major rifle manufacturers.
• The United States, in particular, drives demand through continuous investments in defense modernization programs and large-scale procurement initiatives such as the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW).

Competitive Landscape

Most of the major players compete in some of the factors, including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the rifles market -  

• Kalashnikov Concern (Russia)
• FN Herstal (Belgium)
• Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany)
• Colt’s Manufacturing Company, LLC (USA)
• Beretta Holding S.p.A. (Italy)
• SIG Sauer, Inc. (Germany/USA)
• Steyr Arms (Austria)
• Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd. (Israel)
• Browning International S.A. (Belgium/USA)
• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (USA)

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

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Recent Developments/Mergers & Acquisitions:

• In August 2024, India finalized a purchase agreement for 73,000 SIG Sauer SIG-716 assault rifles from the United States, valued at USD 832 million, following an earlier acquisition of 72,400 units. These rifles are designated for frontline troops deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan. The procurement was expedited due to delays in the supply of Russian AK-203 rifles in India.
• In January 2024, Israeli company ARI Arms secured a landmark USD 26 million contract to supply the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with OR-4 assault rifles, replacing the previously standard Tavor rifles. This deal aims to standardize infantry weaponry and bolster Israel’s domestic arms production capabilities.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market.

The following are the key features of the report:

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
• Market trend and forecast analysis.
• Market segment trend and forecast.
• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
• COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve.
• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
• Emerging trends.
• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
• Key success factors.

Market Segmentation 

This report studies the market, covering a period of 15 years of trend and forecast. The report provides detailed insights into the market dynamics to enable informed business decision-making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.

The global rifles market is segmented into the following categories. 

Global Rifles Market, by Rifle Type

• Automatic
• Semi-Automatic
• Non-Automatic

Global Rifles Market, by Product Type

• Assault Rifles
• Light Machine Guns
• Designated Marksman Rifles
• General-Purpose Machine Guns
• Others

Global Rifles Market, by Platform Type

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force

Global Rifles Market, by Region

• North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
• Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, Italy, The UK, and Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)

Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s global rifles market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruits available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
• We conducted more than 3.5 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Customization Options

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respected clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

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