Top 10 Rifle Manufacturers in 2018

What are the top 10 rifle manufacturers in 2018? Let’s find out.

Although guns can be dangerous when in the wrong hands, they can be very useful when used correctly. Guns are used by the military everyday to defend the homeland. Many civilians use guns to defend themselves in case danger really presents itself. Many also like having guns because it makes them feel safer.

NEstudio/Shutterstock.com

In terms of the different variety of guns, the rifle and the handgun are among the most commonly owned. In terms of its features, a rifle is different from a handgun in that a rifle’s barrel is often considerably longer. A rifle also has walls with a grooved pattern etched into the bore whereas handguns typically do not. In part due to their longer barrel, many rifles are also more higher powered than handguns. Many rifles are also semi-automatic, allowing faster fasting times.

Given the rifle’s features, The United States has long used rifles for combat. The United States Army, for example, have long used the M16 rifle and its successor, the M4 carbine, as an infantry weapon. Other countries have also used rifles. The Soviet Union has long used assault rifles for its infantry, including perhaps the most famous rifle of all time, the AK-47.

In terms of civilian uses, many people use rifles for hunting. Hunting is very popular in America and other parts of the world. According to the website Statista, around 17 million Americans went hunting at some point in the spring of 2017. Tens of millions more people hunt in other countries. The thrill of being in nature and stalking prey can be exhilarating. Hunting can also help one feed their family and create long last memories.

Due to the strong demand for rifles, many companies that make rifles are also large and public corporations such as American Outdoor Brands Corp (NASDAQ:AOBC), Sturm Ruger & Company Inc (NYSE:RGR), and Vista Outdoor Inc (NYSE:VSTO). In this article, we cove the Top 10 Rifle Manufacturers in 2018.

Given that many of the largest gun manufacturers are private and hence their financials are not readily publicly accessible, we use best guess estimates to rank many of their sizes. We use a flexible scale. Also note that pictures of the rifles may not match the brands.

#10 Colt’s Manufacturing

Florin Patrunjel/Shutterstock.com

Colt’s Manufacturing LLC produces rifles such as the combat unit carbine, which was developed with input from veterans of the Armed Forces as well as the AR-15 SERIES, which is another powerful rifle. Due to strong demand for its rifles, Colt’s Manufacturing is number ten on our list of the Top 10 Rifle Manufacturers in 2018.

#9 Taurus International

Taurus International has a long heritage, having been founded over 70 years ago as originally a tool maker in Brazil. Now Taurus International is one of the leading makers of rifles around the world. Some rifles and carbines include the new CT9 and TC40.

#8 Springfield Armory

Frederic Legrand – COMEO / Shutterstock.com

Springfield Armory’s rifles are very good. The U.S. military in fact adopted the M14 rifle, made possible in part due to Springfield Armory. Later, Springfield Armory would offer civilian uses of its rifles including the SOCOM 16 Model.

#7 O.F. Mossberg & Sons

BPTU/Shutterstock.com

O.F. Mossberg & Sons is another company that has been around for a long time, having been founded almost a century ago by Oscar Mossberg. Although it specializes more in shotguns, O.F. Mossberg & Sons also makes popular rifles such as the Mossberg Patriot, which can be used for hunting.

#6 Sig Sauer

Copyright: zabelin / 123RF Stock Photo

Although it specializes more in handguns, Sig Sauer also makes rifles that are known for their precision, reliability, and world-class engineering. Some rifles include the SIG716 and the SIG516. Sig Sauer is number six on our list of Top 10 Rifle Manufacturers in 2018.

#5 Beretta

Pixabay / Public Domain

Another household name in many parts of the country, Beretta is more known for its handguns and shotguns. Yet Beretta also makes top notch rifles and carbines such as ARX100 and ARX160.

#4 Smith & Wesson

Audrey Snider-Bell/Shutterstock.com

Although it may have changed its name to American Outdoor Brands Corp (NASDAQ:AOBC), Smith & Wesson’s owner is still a major player in the gun and rifle industry. American Outdoor Brands Corp (NASDAQ:AOBC), in fact, reported EPS of $0.09 per share on sales of $157.4 million for Q3. Smith & Wesson’s rifles include M&P 10 Sport Optics Ready.

#3 Savage

Pixabay/Public Domain

Another publicly traded company, Vista Outdoor Inc (NYSE:VSTO) ranks third on our list given the Savage Arms Brand. Savage Arms was founded in 1894 and the company has provided millions of firearms for the U.S. military during world war 2. In terms of the stock, Vista Outdoor Inc (NYSE:VSTO) is up around 15% year-to-date. Vista Outdoor Inc (NYSE:VSTO) also has a forward P/E of 19 according to FINVIZ.

#2 Sturm Ruger

NEstudio/Shutterstock.com

Sturm Ruger & Company Inc (NYSE:RGR) is the second largest rifle company in our list of Top 10 Rifle Manufacturers in 2018. Sturm Ruger & Company Inc (NYSE:RGR) reported earnings of $0.62 per share on sales of $118.2 million for Q4. Sturm Ruger & Company Inc (NYSE:RGR) shares are down 1% year-to-date.

#1 Remington

The number one rifle maker on our list is Remington. Remington rifles are often used for hunting. Some pump-action rifles, which offers users the blend of balance and speed, include the Model 7600.

Disclosure: none