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Gun Reports - News

Courtesy, NSSF

Firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid $109.8 million in excise taxes in the first quarter of 2009, up 43 percent over the same period last year. Released by the U.S. Department of Treasury, excise tax figures are one of the industry's best indicators of performance. Manufacturers pay the tax -- a major source of wildlife conservation funding -- on all firearms and ammunition sold (11 percent on long guns and ammunition and 10 percent on handguns). Between Jan. 1 and March 31, $33 million was collected for pistols and revolvers, $38.9 million for long guns and $37.8 million for ammunition. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, collections were up 65.5 percent for handguns, 42.9 percent for ammunition and 28.3 percent for long guns.

Quarterly Firearm and Ammunition Excise Taxes up 43%

This dramatic increase follows a 31.3 percent increase in excise taxes from the previous quarter (4Q, 2008) and eight straight months of increased FBI background checks – another strong indicator of firearm sales.

A third reliable source, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), reported that in 2008, “Hunting and Firearms” equipment was the only category to grow double digits and only one of seven categories that exhibited growth. NSGA’s forecast for 2009 shows “Hunting and Firearms” as one of only two categories to exhibit growth.

Manufacturers of firearms and ammunition pay a federal excise tax -- a major source of wildlife conservation funding -- on all firearms and ammunition manufactured (11% on long guns and ammunition and 10% on handguns).

This latest excise tax report, which covers the time period of January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009, shows that the following amounts were collected in taxes for various firearms market segments:

$33.0 million for pistols and revolvers, up 65.5% from 2008;

$38.9 million for long guns; up 28.3% from 2008;

$37.8 million for ammunition, up 42.9% from 2008;

Translation to sales:

Using the latest collections as an indicator of sales, a projection of $1.03 billion was generated in the first quarter (calendar year) of 2009, broken down by segment:

Pistols and revolvers: $330.4 million

Long guns: $354.3 million

Ammunition: $344.0 million

Reader Comments

How much of these increases are attributable to the "run" on firearms and ammunition that's taken place since the Obama Administration has assumed power? Hasn't the industry paid more taxes because they realized more revenue in the first quarter?

Comment by: lee b | August 6, 2009

I wander why they went up LOL

Comment by: bear1 | August 6, 2009