Rifles Market Growth, Size, Forecast and Insights, 2025–2032

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global rifles market was valued at USD 3.44 billion in 2024. It’s projected to grow from USD 3.54 billion in 2025 to USD 4.77 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 4.35% over the forecast period. In 2024, North America led the market, accounting for 43.31% of total revenue driven by elevated defense spending, robust civilian usage, and widespread adoption of advanced rifle systems.

What Is a Rifle?

A rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed for shoulder firing. Its defining feature is rifling—spiral grooves cut inside the barrel that impart a stabilizing spin to the bullet, enhancing its accuracy and effective range. Rifles are precision instruments extensively used in military operations, law enforcement, hunting, and competitive shooting, where their superior long-distance accuracy sets them apart from shotguns and pistols.

Market Composition & Drivers

The rifles market spans a broad spectrum from traditional non-automatic rifles to semi‑automatic, sniper, and automatic variants, with key segments including hunting, sporting, military, and law enforcement applications.

Competitive Landscape

The market remains highly competitive, featuring global players like:

• Kalashnikov Group (Russia)

• Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany)

• Remington Arms (U.S.)

• Israel Weapons Industries (Israel)

• Colt (U.S.)

• FN Herstal (Belgium)

• American Outdoor Brands (U.S.)

• Smith & Wesson (U.S.)

• Sturm, Ruger & Co. (U.S.)

These companies are increasingly investing in R&D, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging M&A to gain competitive advantage through innovations like smart fire control, lightweight materials, and digital targeting systems.

Information Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/rifles-market-112872

Key Market Drivers

• Military Modernization: Heightened demand for next-gen firearms with enhanced performance and operational flexibility fuels market growth.

• Civilian Demand: Rising interest in personal defense, sport shooting, and hunting—especially since the pandemic—has increased rifle sales.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as smart optics, modular designs, and the use of advanced materials (e.g., polymers) are transforming product offerings.

• High-Value Procurement: Examples include India's procurement of SiG Sauer rifles and strategic joint ventures for domestic rifle production.

Market Segmentation

By Firing TypeThe rifles market is segmented into non-automatic, semi-automatic, and automatic types. The automatic segment is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. This is driven by the rising demand for next-generation firearms, growing civilian gun ownership in certain regions, and ongoing military modernization programs. Furthermore, increasing geopolitical tensions are accelerating the adoption of more advanced and efficient automatic rifle systems worldwide.

By ProductBased on product type, the market is classified into assault rifles, light machine guns, designated marksman rifles, general-purpose machine guns, and others. Among these, the assault rifle segment is projected to experience the highest growth. This growth is fueled by expanding defense budgets, technological innovations in weaponry, and strengthened national security initiatives. A key example is the India–Russia joint venture to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles, underscoring the segment's rising strategic relevance in global defense planning.

Market Constraints

One of the main barriers to market growth is regulatory inconsistency. International firearm laws vary widely, limiting trade, complicating compliance, and extending procurement cycles—thereby affecting market dynamics and profitability.

Emerging and Regional Trends

Smart & Modular Advancements: The global rifles market is witnessing a shift toward next-generation firearm systems featuring smart technologies such as RFID tagging, biometric safety mechanisms, and modular architectures. These innovations enhance operational flexibility, safety, and customization for both military and civilian users.

Rising Defense Budgets: Escalating geopolitical tensions and modernization programs are pushing governments to increase defense spending, driving significant investment in advanced rifle systems.

Regional Insights:

• North America maintains market leadership due to strong military procurement programs and a robust civilian firearms sector.

• Asia Pacific is projected to experience the fastest growth, led by rising defense expenditure and security modernization in countries such as India, China, South Korea, and Australia.

• Europe is witnessing steady growth, driven by established arms manufacturers and continued upgrades of military inventories.

• Rest of the World (RoW) regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, are emerging as key markets fueled by regional conflicts, internal security concerns, and growing interest in civilian rifle ownership.

Notable Industry Developments

• August 2024: India signed a USD 832 million deal with the U.S. to procure 73,000 Sig Sauer SIG‑716 assault rifles, addressing supply shortfalls in border deployments.

• January 2024: Israel’s ARI Arms secured a USD 26 million contract to deliver OR‑4 assault rifles to the IDF, signaling key infantry weapon upgrades.

Comprehensive Report Insights

This report offers:

• Detailed market sizing and forecasting

• Regional insights and demand dynamics

• SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces analysis

• Overview of competitive strategies and recent developments

• Examination of regulatory & adoption trends