5.4 Million First-Time Gun Buyers in 2021

The National Shooting Sports Foundation^® (NSSF^®), the firearm industry trade association, revealed that at least 5.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2021. Nearly 30 percent of all firearm purchases last year went to new gun owners, based on NSSF’s retailer surveys and adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background checks.

“We welcome these new gun owners to the greater community of law-abiding Americans who choose to own a firearm for lawful purposes, including self-defense, recreational target shooting and hunting,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “The surveys revealed that new gun owners are continuing to embrace their Second Amendment rights and nearly half of them are seeking out professional training. These trends show that not only is there still a strong interest in gun ownership but also that these new gun owners are interested in learning more about the safe and responsible handling, use and storage of firearms.”

NSSF’s 2021 survey of retailers showed several other key findings:

• Nearly 47 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 inquired about training and 43 percent signed up for training.
• Nearly 23 percent of retailers indicated that first-time gun buyers in 2020 purchased another firearm in 2021.
• Over 33 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 were women.
• 44 percent of retailers saw an increase of African-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Nearly 40 percent of retailers saw an increase of Hispanic-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Over 27 percent of retailers saw an increase of Asian-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Over 18 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.
• Nearly 14 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders purchasing firearms in 2021.

If You are New to the Community Welcome

Welcome to the Community of Gun Owners! If you are one of the millions of first-time gun buyers new to the world of gun ownership, you will find this community to be friendly and supportive.

https://www.letsgoshooting.org/articles/you-bought-your-first-gun-welcome-heres-what-to-do-next/

As a first-time gun owner, you’re going to want to spend time practicing with your new firearm, improving your gun-handling and marksmanship skills, educate yourself about personal and home protection, and to learn about keeping guns securely stored and out of the wrong hands. This video and resources guide will help you get started.

VIDEO: Welcome First-time Gun Buyers

Welcome to the Community of Gun Owners from NSSF on Vimeo.

NSSF^® President and CEO Joe Bartozzi welcomes you to the community of firearm owners and offers tips on how to safely enjoy the shooting sports.