Sports Gun Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Product (Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun), By Application (Competitive Shooting and Recreational Sport), By Material Use (Metal, Wood, and Plastic), and Regional Forecast, 2024 – 2032

A sports gun, commonly known as an air gun or pellet gun, represents a subdivision of non-lethal or less-lethal firearms or pistols and is used in various sports and recreational activities such as target shooting, hunting, and competitive sports. The market for sports guns has seen significant growth over the last decade driven by several rising popularity of shooting sports, technological advancements, and increase in recreational activities. Competitive shooting sports, such as Olympic events and local shooting competitions, have gained popularity in the last few years. Further, multiple shooting sports organizations such as the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), USA Shooting (USAS), British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), and China Practical Shooting Association are constantly putting efforts in promoting shooting as a sport around the globe which consolidates market growth.

This rise in interest in shooting sports has driven the demand for high-quality sports guns, and enthusiasts and athletes are seeking better equipment to improve their performance. Further, innovations in sports gun design and manufacturing have led to the development of more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly guns. Features such as enhanced precision, better ergonomics, and lightweight materials have attracted both professionals and hobbyists, further boosting market growth.

With the rising number of people seeking outdoor recreational activities, sports shooting has become a favored pastime. This trend is [particularly notable in regions with ample outdoor spaces and shooting ranges, expanding the market horizons. In regions where hunting is a popular activity or a necessary wildlife management tool, the demand for sports guns remains robust. Hunting regulations and the need for wildlife control also support the market.

Moreover, rising disposable income, especially in developed economies, has enabled more people to afford sports guns and participate in related activities, thereby driving market growth. Additionally, the increasing commercialization of sports guns as recreational gaming tools and the extensive participation of youngsters and kids in sports such as skirmish, high power rifle, skeet shooting, and cowboy action shooting games fuels product demand. In line with this, the ongoing investments in prominent sporting events, such as the World Shooting Championship, Commonwealth, Olympics, and Asia Games, further increase the demand for sports guns. Such firearms are used in diverse institutes and academies that offer proper training courses to individuals interested in national-level shooting games.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the sports gun market. Initially, lockdowns and restrictions on outdoor activities led to a decline in demand as shooting ranges closed and sporting events were canceled. Manufacturing and supply chain disruptions also contributed to a temporary slowdown in the market. However, as restrictions eased, there was a noticeable rebound. Individuals seeking safe outdoor activities turned to shooting sports as a way to maintain social distancing while engaging in recreational activities. Online sales platforms also played a crucial role in sustaining the market during lockdowns.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report encompasses the following essential insights:

• Parent/related Market Overview


• Sports Gun Market SWOT Analysis


• Supply Chain Analysis


• Recent Technological Advancements

Analysis by Product

The market is segmented into rifle, pistol, and shotgun based on product. The rifle product segment is anticipated to hold a significant share of the market as rifles offer precision and long-range shots, making them preferable to other sports guns. Additionally, their reliability and consistent performance without malfunctions are essential aspects, particularly during competition, which sets them apart.

The pistol segment is expected to grow significantly through the projected years. Owing to its convenience in handling and easy-to-fire features, it’s being considered one of the most preferred choices for aspiring shooters. Moreover, the incorporation of advanced materials, electronic triggers, and customizability to fit the varying needs of different shooters enhances its performance, attributing to the segment’s growth. Besides, the brands with a long history and good reputation offer quality products in this category, which is likely to favor market growth. 

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is segmented into recreational sports and competitive shooting. Recreational sport is estimated to be the leading segment with significant market share in light of its large number of users, unlike competitive shooting, which has limited professionals participating in the competitions. Also, shooting sports are growing in popularity among young individuals who are taking up shooting as a hobby or recreational sport. For instance, according to the NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association released the Firearm Ownership & Sport Shooting Participation in the U.S. in 2022 report, which marked 24.1% growth in adult participation in sport shooting in America from 2009 to 2022.

Meanwhile, the competitive shooting application segment is poised to grow at a steady CAGR over the projected period. The application offers numerous benefits for youth participants, including helping improve focus and concentration, developing discipline, and providing opportunities for college admissions and scholarships while building self-confidence.  

Analysis by Material Use

The market is segmented into metal, plastic, and wood based on the material used in sports guns. The metal segment accounted for the majority of the market share and is expected to maintain its high share over the projected period. While stainless steel alloys have proven to be stronger, providing more excellent durability over the lifetime of a weapon, aluminum can more than make up for this deficiency owing to its lightweight. Other metals used in the making of guns are titanium, carbon steel, and aluminum alloys. Modern firearms use many different metals, each chosen for specific properties of machinability, hardness, durability, and cost.

Plastic materials are anticipated to grow at the highest during the forecast period. Engineering polymers and elastomers have evolved to the extent that they are considered significant materials in the manufacturing of guns. They not only provide excellent strength and are lightweight but also have high stiffness, dimensional stability, and increased chemical resistance to meet the most demanding requirements.

Regional Analysis

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The sports gun market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa based on geography.

North America accounted for the largest share of the global sports gun market in 2023. The U.S. predominantly leads the North American market owing to a massive base of target audience and their inclination toward shooting sports as a recreational activity. The increase in the number of individuals participating in competitive shooting and other sports, such as paintball activity, has led to an upsurge in the need and demand for the product. Additionally, the growing popularity of owning a gun by the population in the region is predicted to foster the consumption of the product. For instance, keeping and bearing arms is a fundamental right protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which makes it the most dominant region in the global sports gun market.

Asia Pacific is foreseen to grow at a significant growth rate during 2024-2032. An increase in investment made in the military by emerging economies, including China and India, has resulted in the escalation of demand for sports guns for training and war simulation purposes. Further, the availability of sports guns on a rising number of e-commerce platforms, such as Airsoft Shop Japan, Airsoft Gun India, Made in China, and others, enables easy accessibility. Moreover, the increasing participation of millennials in varying Asian sports games and other sports events is supplementing market expansion. Government initiatives, such as one by India named “Khelo India,” promote sporting culture amongst youth, which in turn has increased demand for sporting equipment, including sports guns, benefiting market growth.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of various key players, including Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc., American Outdoor Brands Inc., Remington Ammunition., Savage Arms, Carl Walther GmbH, Beretta Holding, Herstal SA, Ltd, Howa Machinery, and  Crosman Corporation.

Key Industry Developments

• December 2022: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. launched the newest addition, the Ruger Security-380, to its Lite Rack Pistols collection. The Ruger Security-380 is fully featured, compact-sized, and is a reasonably priced pistol model available in their collection.


• November 2022: Beretta Holdings S.A. announced the expansion of its manufacturing facility in the U.S. with an investment of USD 60 million. Following its recent acquisition of Norma Precision, the company strives to further consolidate its position in the U.S. market by investing USD 60 million in a cutting-edge ammunition manufacturing and distribution plant in Savannah, Georgia.


• February 2021: Beretta Holding signed an agreement to acquire 100% of luxury brand Holland & Holland Ltd., one of the foremost brands in British gun-making, serving international markets with handmade shotguns and rifles. With this acquisition, the company aims to increase its geographical footprint and strengthen its already existing position in the U.K. market.