Today’s modern sporting rifles, also known as semi-automatic firearms, are popular among civilians for hunting, shooting sports, and defense. These weapons fire one round with every pull of the trigger. Whether someone is interested in improving their shot at the target range or hunting game, semi-automatic rifles are known for precision and long-distance shooting. (Also see the most powerful hunting rifles.)
To identify the 10 most popular semi-automatic rifles in America, 24/7 Wall St. used a report from Gun Genius, which analyzed sales data from GunBroker.com, one of the largest online firearm marketplaces. Our list ranks rifles according to sales volume in 2023, although specific figures are not available. Additional data on domestic manufacturing locations and production volume comes from a 2021 report by the ATF. This list reflects sales trends on online marketplaces, not overall gun sales. Unlike most online purchases, firearms require transfer through a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer (FFL). FFLs are typically local gun stores that conduct background checks before shipping the firearms to the buyer. In addition, although base models of many popular rifles can be found for a few hundred dollars, prices can vary significantly depending on specific features and customizations.
Why We’re Covering This
America’s gun market is booming, and the most popular firearms tell us a lot about what’s going on in the nation. Certain gun companies are consistently topping the sales charts. Such data provides useful information for investing in defense stocks. The types of guns people are buying can also provide insights into contemporary events. A sudden rise in popularity for a particular rifle, for example, can sometimes reflect growing tensions at home and overseas. In addition, America’s gun industry plays a big role in politics. The most popular rifles can illustrate the power of manufacturing companies and how they influence our culture and decision-making.
These are the best-selling semi-automatic rifles in America:
10. Browning BAR Series
- Manufacturer: Herstal Group
- Base price: $1,300
- Calibers: .243, 7.62x39mm, 7mm-08, .270, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag
- Number produced in 2021: 1
9. Colt M4 Carbine Series
- Manufacturer: Colt CZ Group
- Base price: $820
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm
- Number produced in 2021: 61,509 (1.6% of all U.S.-made rifles)
8. IWI Tavor Series
- Manufacturer: Israel Weapon Industries
- Base price: $1,740
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm
- Number produced in 2021: 31,603 rifles (0.8% of all U.S.-made rifles)
7. Springfield Saint Series
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Base price: $800
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm, 9mm, and 7.62x39mm
- Number produced in 2021: 442,486 rifles (11.2% of all U.S.-made rifles)
6. FNH SCAR Series
- Manufacturer: Herstal Group
- Base price: $3,840
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and 6.5mm Creedmoor
- Number produced in 2021: 0
5. Zastava ZPAP Series
- Manufacturer: Zastava Arms
- Base price: $960
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm
- Number produced in 2021: 0
4. Springfield M1A Series
- Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
- Base price: $1,500
- Calibers: 7.62x39mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor
- Number produced in 2021: 442,486 rifles (11.2% of all U.S.-made rifles)
3. Ruger Mini-14 Series
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Company
- Base price: $960
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm and .300 AAC Blackout
- Number produced in 2021: 736,664 rifles (18.7% of all U.S.-made rifles)
2. Sig Sauer MCX Series
- Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
- Base price: $850
- Calibers: 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm
- Number produced in 2021: 80,172 rifles (2.0% of all U.S.-made rifles)
1. Ruger 10/22 Series
- Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Company
- Base price: $270
- Calibers: .22 LR
- Number produced in 2021: 736,664 rifles (18.7% of all U.S.-made rifles)
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)
Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.
Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.
Click here now to get started.
The post The Best-Selling Semi-Automatic Rifles in America Right Now appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..