The late 1880s saw the birth of the first semi-automatic rifles, which quickly gained popularity. Within just a few years, well-known manufacturers like Remington, Savage Arms, Fabrique Nationale, and Winchester jumped on the trend, introducing their own .22 caliber semi-automatics in the early twentieth century. (Here is a look at every standard issue U.S. military rifle since the American Revolution.)
These new semi-automatic rifles were appealing for many reasons. While they offered the same power as traditional hunting rifles, they had a clear advantage: automatic loading. Each pull of the trigger fired a single bullet, but also automatically ejected the spent cartridge and loaded a fresh round into the chamber. This eliminated the need for manual loading after each shot. (These are the 30 most powerful hunting rifles you can buy.)
Today, consumer demand for rifles throughout the United States is continuing to rise. Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reveals a significant increase in domestic rifle production. On average, 3.3 million rifles were manufactured annually in the U.S. over the decade ending in 2022. In contrast, between 2003 and 2012 a lower average of 1.9 million rifles were produced annually, and only 1.4 million were produced annually for the decade ending in 2002.
This surge in rifle sales can be attributed in part to the growing popularity of modern sporting rifles (MSRs). MSRs are semi-automatic rifles built on the platform of military rifles (such as the AR-15 or AK-47), offering civilian-legal versions of familiar military designs. According to a report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, an industry advocacy group, over 2.4 million MSRs were purchased by Americans between 1990 and 2020, with nearly 75% of those sales occurring since 2011.
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 can tell us a lot about what’s going on in the nation. Certain gun companies are consistently topping the sales charts, which 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. Looking at the most popular rifles can illustrate how powerful manufacturing companies are and how they can influence our culture and decision-making.
These are the best-selling semi-automatic rifles in America.
10. Browning BAR Series
The Browning BAR Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by the Herstal Group. It has a base price of around $1,300 with a variety of calibers, including .243, 7.62x39mm, 7mm-08, .270, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. In 2021, only one Browning BAR rifle was produced in the United States at the company’s facility in Morgan, UT.
9. Colt M4 Carbine Series
The Colt M4 Carbine Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by the Colt CZ Group. It has a base price of around $820 and a 5.56x45mm caliber. In 2021, 61,509 rifles (1.6% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in West Hartford, CT.
8. IWI Tavor Series
The IWI Tavor Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries. It has a base price of around $1,740 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm. In 2021, 31,603 rifles (0.8% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Middletown, PA.
7. Springfield Saint Series
The Springfield Saint Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Springfield Armory. It has a base price of around $800 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm, 9mm, and 7.62x39mm. In 2021, 442,486 rifles (11.2% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Geneseo, IL.
6. FNH SCAR Series
The FNH SCAR Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by the Herstal Group. It has a base price of around $3,840 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and 6.5mm Creedmoor. There weren’t any rifles produced in the U.S. in 2021.
5. Zastava ZPAP Series
The Zastava ZPAP Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Zastava Arms. It has a base price of around $960 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm. There weren’t any rifles produced in the U.S. in 2021.
4. Springfield M1A Series
The Springfield M1A Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Springfield Armory. It has a base price of around $1,500 and a variety of calibers, including 7.62x39mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor. In 2021, 442,486 rifles (11.2% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Geneseo, IL.
3. Ruger Mini-14 Series
The Ruger Mini-14 Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Company. It has a base price of around $960 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm and .300 AAC Blackout. In 2021, 736,664 rifles (18.7% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Prescott, AZ; Southport, CT; Mayodan, NC; and Newport, NH.
2. Sig Sauer MCX Series
The Sig Sauer MCX Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sig Sauer. It has a base price of around $850 and a variety of calibers, including 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm. In 2021, 80,172 rifles (2.0% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Newington, NH and Exeter, NH.
1. Ruger 10/22 Series
The Ruger 10/22 Series is a semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Company. It has a base price of around $270 and a .22 LR caliber. In 2021, 736,664 rifles (18.7% of all U.S.-made rifles) were produced in the United States in Prescott, AZ; Southport, CT; Mayodan, NC; and Newport, NH.
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