The USA:
The United States has the largest firearms market in the world, with millions of firearms sold annually. The market includes both major factories and small, specialised businesses. Its economic impact grew significantly from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $80.73 billion in 2022, according to the Firearm Industry Trade Association’s 2023 report. . Full-time employment in the industry rose from 166,000 to 393,696. In 2021, 12.5 million firearms were manufactured, marking a 17.3% increase in production from 2016, when 10.7 million weapons were produced.
There are two most prominent manufacturers in the USA, Smith & Wesson and Ruger. In the year 2021, around 4,384,210 firearms were manufactured by both manufacturers, which is more than 33% of the total production of firearms in the USA.
| Number | Manufacturer | Pistols | Revolvers | Rifles | Shotguns | Total |
| 1. | Smith & Wesson | 1,649,540 | 232,476 | 427,523 | 2,774 | 2,312,213 |
| 2. | Sturm, Ruger & Co. | 1,058,205 | 276,999 | 736,664 | 29 | 2,071,897 |
India:
The Indian Ordnance Factory, overseen by the Ministry of Defence, controls the production, sale, and distribution of firearms in India, with strict regulations to ensure public safety and minimize gun violence. Guns must have identifiable markers, and unauthorized modifications or trade can result in severe legal consequences.
The firearms industry in India is small, primarily driven by defense investments, with a significant boost in the 2023-24 Union Budget, which allocated INR 1.62 lakh crore for defense modernisation. While the civilian firearms market is tightly regulated, mainly for licensed domestic use and limited exports, growth is constrained by these regulations. The sector’s future expansion will likely be propelled by defense initiatives rather than civilian demand.
Government-Owned Manufacturers:
The Indian defense sector is home to several key manufacturers, both public and private.
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), consisting of 41 factories under the Ministry of Defence, manufactures a wide array of defense equipment, including firearms, ammunition, and military hardware, such as the INSAS rifle and small arms used by the Indian Armed Forces and law enforcement.
Additionally, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), formed after the corporatization of OFB, focuses on advanced weapon systems, including small arms, artillery, and specialized weaponry. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), another public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, is known for its manufacturing of missiles, specializing in anti-tank guided missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and underwater weapons. These entities contribute to India’s robust defense manufacturing capabilities.
Private Sector Manufacturers:
India’s defense manufacturing sector includes both government-owned and private entities that contribute to a wide range of military and civilian equipment production. The Indian Ordnance Factories (IOF), primarily government-owned, has partnered with private entities to increase production capacity, manufacturing small arms, ammunition, and specialized defense equipment. In the private sector, companies like Sangam (India) Limited, through its subsidiary Sangam Defence, specialize in small arms and ammunition for both civilian and military markets. The Kalyani Group, through its subsidiary Bharat Forge, manufactures artillery systems, small arms, and other defense equipment. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a multinational company, also plays a significant role in defense manufacturing, focusing on artillery, missile systems, and naval platforms. These contributions highlight the diverse and growing capabilities of India’s defense industry.
Pakistan:
The gun industry in Pakistan plays a significant role in both domestic and international markets. Major manufacturers like Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) produce firearms primarily for military use, with civilian demand driven by protection, hunting, and sports shooting. While civilian ownership is regulated, there is also a large illegal firearms market contributing to organized crime and militancy. The defense sector is a key consumer, and Pakistan exports firearms to regions like the Middle East and Africa. Most firearms are locally manufactured, particularly in the town of Darra Adam Khel, known for its traditional gun-making shops. The gun market in Pakistan is influenced by cultural factors, security concerns, and regional conflicts, with millions of firearms in civilian hands. However, the exact size of the market is difficult to determine due to the prevalence of both legal and illegal firearms.
Continuing reading: Chapter – 8: Challenges in U.S.A, India and Pakistan
