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California firearms statistics

How many guns California makes and who makes them, the jobs and pay behind them, licenses, background checks, exports, hunting licenses and conservation money. Every figure comes from a federal source and keeps that source’s own period.

Newest data: FBI checks through August 2026 · ATF licenses, August 2026 · ATF production, 2024 · BLS jobs, 2025. How California compares · U.S. statistics · California directory

  1. 49,971firearms made in California in 2024, 24th of 50 states and 0.5% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 2,030federal firearms license records, 10th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 251,590paid hunting-license holders, 29th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 1,455,424FBI background checks in 2025, 34.6% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 486private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $98,973 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $26,821,647Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 5th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $26.4 millionof firearms and ammunition exported from California in 2025, across 6 product groupsCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in California?

Plants in California reported making 49,971 firearms in 2024, up 9.0% from 2023. That is 0.5% of U.S. production, 24th among the states. The high was 99,230 in 2004. [1] See gun manufacturers in California for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in California, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 49,971 · 2023: 45,824 · 9.0% more

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report (AFMER), plants in California, by calendar year. ATF withheld the state’s figures for 2022 and 1992–2003.

  • 49,971firearms reported by plants in California for 2024, 0.5% of U.S. production; 45,824 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · CaliforniaCite

What California makes

Pistols were 18.7% of California production in 2024.

  1. Pistols9,360 18.7%
  2. Rifles4,125 8.3%
  3. Shotguns518 1.0%
  4. Revolvers339 0.7%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. Each type adds up what California plants reported.

Largest filings in California, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. California had 86 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of California
1Senga Engineering Inc.Santa Ana · 58.6%Santa Ana29,28058.6%
2FMK Firearms IncorporatedPlacentia · 12.0%Placentia5,98312.0%
3Juggernaut Tactical Inc.Orange · 9.9%Orange4,9689.9%
4Individual licenseeVisalia · 4.1%Visalia2,0644.1%
5Taran Tactical Innovations LLCSimi Valley · 4.0%Simi Valley1,9984.0%
6Bah-Bam Inc.Hesperia · 3.2%Hesperia1,5953.2%
7Alpha Precision Works CorpAnaheim · 1.9%Anaheim9471.9%
8RSI TAC LLCHuntington Beach · 0.9%Huntington Beach4700.9%
9Individual licenseeVacaville · 0.7%Vacaville3590.7%
10Individual licenseeRancho Cucamonga · 0.7%Rancho Cucamonga3570.7%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024 filings. A filing covers one plant, so it is not a company total.

Production by city

Orange has the most filings (3), and Santa Ana reported the most firearms.

  1. Santa Ana29,280 1 filing
  2. Placentia5,983 1 filing
  3. Orange4,997 3 filings
  4. Visalia2,064 1 filing
  5. Simi Valley2,053 3 filings
  6. Hesperia1,600 2 filings
  7. Anaheim947 1 filing
  8. Huntington Beach518 2 filings

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. A filing’s city is where the plant is, not always where the company is based.

Show all 21 years
Firearms made in California, in all and by type
YearFirearms madePistolsRiflesShotgunsRevolvers
2024Firearms made49,971Pistols9,360Sum of 86 filingsRifles4,125Sum of 86 filingsShotguns518Sum of 86 filingsRevolvers339Sum of 86 filings
2023Firearms made45,824Pistols27,346Sum of 74 filingsRifles2,433Sum of 74 filingsShotguns315Sum of 74 filingsRevolvers405Sum of 74 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldPistolsNot reportedRiflesNot reportedShotgunsNot reportedRevolversNot reported
2021Firearms made82,532Pistols36,629Sum of 76 filingsRifles14,252Sum of 76 filingsShotguns320Sum of 76 filingsRevolvers142Sum of 76 filings
2020Firearms made49,341Pistols30,750Sum of 80 filingsRifles8,579Sum of 80 filingsShotguns288Sum of 80 filingsRevolvers230Sum of 80 filings
2019Firearms made26,652Pistols21,223Sum of 63 filingsRifles3,998Sum of 63 filingsShotguns118Sum of 63 filingsRevolvers2Sum of 63 filings
2018Firearms made71,352Pistols29,056Sum of 74 filingsRifles31,487Sum of 74 filingsShotguns10,304Sum of 74 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 74 filings
2017Firearms made37,242Pistols28,231Sum of 77 filingsRifles6,843Sum of 77 filingsShotguns40Sum of 77 filingsRevolvers34Sum of 77 filings
2016Firearms made90,133Pistols54,242Sum of 108 filingsRifles17,742Sum of 108 filingsShotguns0Sum of 108 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 108 filings
2015Firearms made51,302Pistols32,852Sum of 105 filingsRifles8,992Sum of 105 filingsShotguns4Sum of 105 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 105 filings
2014Firearms made55,999Pistols30,099Sum of 112 filingsRifles9,074Sum of 112 filingsShotguns0Sum of 112 filingsRevolvers2Sum of 112 filings
2013Firearms made86,407Pistols33,135Sum of 106 filingsRifles35,435Sum of 106 filingsShotguns3Sum of 106 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 106 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in California, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madePistolsRiflesShotgunsRevolvers
2012Firearms made42,667Pistols25,169Sum of 70 filingsRifles8,513Sum of 70 filingsShotguns1Sum of 70 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 70 filings
2011Firearms made30,390Pistols22,351Sum of 46 filingsRifles1,436Sum of 46 filingsShotguns2Sum of 46 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 46 filings
2010Firearms made76,393Pistols66,445Sum of 25 filingsRifles1,206Sum of 25 filingsShotguns0Sum of 25 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 25 filings
2009Firearms made29,201Pistols21,961Sum of 15 filingsRifles895Sum of 15 filingsShotguns0Sum of 15 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 15 filings
2008Firearms made17,066Pistols15,613Sum of 14 filingsRifles1,204Sum of 14 filingsShotguns3Sum of 14 filingsRevolvers1Sum of 14 filings
2007Firearms made12,982Pistols11,926Sum of 10 filingsRifles1,050Sum of 10 filingsShotguns3Sum of 10 filingsRevolvers2Sum of 10 filings
2006Firearms made20,723Pistols20,234Rifles488Shotguns1Revolvers0
2005Firearms made29,345Pistols28,623Sum of 13 filingsRifles720Sum of 13 filingsShotguns2Sum of 13 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 13 filings
2004Firearms made99,230Pistols99,215Sum of 7 filingsRifles12Sum of 7 filingsShotguns3Sum of 7 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 7 filings
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in California?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in California had 486 jobs at 28 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $98,973 a year. Jobs were highest in 2022, at 546, the first year BLS counted other ordnance makers too. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, California, 1990–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 486 · 2024: 494 · 1.6% fewer

Source: BLS county and state jobs counts (QCEW), California, private employers. From 2022, BLS counts other ordnance makers in this industry too, so years on either side of the line are not compared. Years BLS withheld are gaps.

  • 486private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in California at 28 establishments, paying $98,973 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · CaliforniaCite
  • 0.17job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is a smaller share of California jobs than of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $125,045,000shipped by 16 small arms plants with 441 employees and a $28,723,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. San Diego County5 establishments
  2. Los Angeles County4 establishments
  3. Orange County2 establishments
  4. Ventura County2 establishments
  5. San Bernardino County2 establishments
  6. Kern County1 establishment
  7. Placer County1 establishment
  8. Shasta County1 establishment

Source: BLS QCEW, private small arms establishments (NAICS 332994) by county, 2025. BLS publishes every county’s establishment count but withholds most county job counts.

Show all 36 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)486Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$98,973Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$48,142,200Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)28Ammunition (332992)7

Source: BLS QCEW, 2025. “Not published” means BLS withheld the figure or has none for California.

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)16Ammunition (332992)Withheld
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)441Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)$125,045,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value addedSmall arms (332994)$95,027,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$28,723,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census.

Private firearm industry jobs by year, California
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2025Small arms jobs486Ammunition jobsNot published
2024Small arms jobs494Ammunition jobsNot published
2023Small arms jobs519Ammunition jobsNot published
2022Small arms jobs546Ammunition jobsNot published
2021Small arms jobs538Ammunition jobsNot published
2020Small arms jobs485Ammunition jobsNot published
2019Small arms jobs402Ammunition jobsNot published
2018Small arms jobs846Ammunition jobsNot published
2017Small arms jobs830Ammunition jobsNot published
2016Small arms jobs865Ammunition jobsNot published
2015Small arms jobs901Ammunition jobsNot published
2014Small arms jobs774Ammunition jobsNot published
Earlier years, 1990–2013
Private firearm industry jobs by year, California, 1990–2013
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2013Small arms jobs823Ammunition jobsNot published
2012Small arms jobs761Ammunition jobsNot published
2011Small arms jobs798Ammunition jobsNot published
2010Small arms jobs204Ammunition jobsNot published
2009Small arms jobs273Ammunition jobsNot published
2008Small arms jobs395Ammunition jobsNot published
2007Small arms jobs377Ammunition jobsNot published
2006Small arms jobs352Ammunition jobsNot published
2005Small arms jobs396Ammunition jobsNot published
2004Small arms jobs450Ammunition jobs29
2003Small arms jobs187Ammunition jobs31
2002Small arms jobs216Ammunition jobs44
2001Small arms jobs198Ammunition jobs140
2000Small arms jobs238Ammunition jobs159
1999Small arms jobs310Ammunition jobs164
1998Small arms jobs376Ammunition jobs169
1997Small arms jobs389Ammunition jobs357
1996Small arms jobs412Ammunition jobs377
1995Small arms jobs528Ammunition jobs466
1994Small arms jobs646Ammunition jobs565
1993Small arms jobs629Ammunition jobs693
1992Small arms jobs549Ammunition jobs683
1991Small arms jobs641Ammunition jobs489
1990Small arms jobs1,297Ammunition jobs882
Cite a figure from this section (19)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in California?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 2,030 license records in California, 207 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 1,209 are dealers and 585 are manufacturers. A record is one license, not one store, and one business can hold several. [2] License records are not storefronts: to find a store, see gun shops in California.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in California, January 2021 to August 2026 records

  • Dealers (type 01)
  • Manufacturers (type 07)

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, monthly lists. Months ATF did not publish are gaps, not zeros. ATF’s October and November 2025 lists came out during the federal shutdown (October 1 to November 12, 2025), when ATF paused license renewals. Both are about 10% short in every state and license type, and the count recovers in December: licenses waiting on renewal were left off, not closed.

  • 2,030federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 2,237 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · CaliforniaCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)1,209 59.6%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)585 28.8%
  3. Importers (type 08)75 3.7%
  4. Pawnbrokers (type 02)65 3.2%
  5. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)52 2.6%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)22 1.1%
  7. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)11 0.5%
  8. Destructive-device importers (type 11)11 0.5%

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, August 2026. ATF’s public list leaves out collector (type 03) licenses, so they are not counted here. That does not mean there are none.

Show all 68 months by type
License records in California by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Importer (08)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2026All types2,030Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,209Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)75Pawnbroker (02)65Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Destructive-device manufacturer (10)22Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)11
July 2026All types2,041Dealer (01)1,222Manufacturer (07)581Importer (08)76Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Destructive-device manufacturer (10)21Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
June 2026All types2,046Dealer (01)1,223Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)75Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Destructive-device manufacturer (10)21Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
May 2026All types2,063Dealer (01)1,236Manufacturer (07)588Importer (08)75Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Destructive-device manufacturer (10)21Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
April 2026All types2,066Dealer (01)1,243Manufacturer (07)586Importer (08)75Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)56Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
March 2026All types2,073Dealer (01)1,253Manufacturer (07)584Importer (08)74Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)56Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
February 2026All types2,082Dealer (01)1,255Manufacturer (07)588Importer (08)76Pawnbroker (02)68Ammunition manufacturer (06)57Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
January 2026All types2,081Dealer (01)1,255Manufacturer (07)584Importer (08)77Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)57Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
December 2025All types2,083Dealer (01)1,263Manufacturer (07)577Importer (08)77Pawnbroker (02)69Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
November 2025All types1,963Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)1,190Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)540Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)76Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)67Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)53Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)19Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)10Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)8Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types1,882Dealer (01)1,139Manufacturer (07)521Importer (08)72Pawnbroker (02)62Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)8
September 2025All types2,174Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,348Manufacturer (07)582Importer (08)78Pawnbroker (02)69Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
August 2025All types2,237Dealer (01)1,405Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)78Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)10
July 2025All types2,260Dealer (01)1,427Manufacturer (07)583Importer (08)81Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
June 2025All types2,290Dealer (01)1,452Manufacturer (07)586Importer (08)82Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
May 2025All types2,325Dealer (01)1,485Manufacturer (07)586Importer (08)83Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
April 2025All types2,322Dealer (01)1,486Manufacturer (07)581Importer (08)83Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
March 2025All types2,321Dealer (01)1,484Manufacturer (07)583Importer (08)84Pawnbroker (02)72Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
February 2025All types2,336Dealer (01)1,500Manufacturer (07)580Importer (08)85Pawnbroker (02)72Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)10
January 2025All types2,347Dealer (01)1,505Manufacturer (07)584Importer (08)84Pawnbroker (02)72Ammunition manufacturer (06)67Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
December 2024All types2,346Dealer (01)1,510Manufacturer (07)579Importer (08)83Pawnbroker (02)72Ammunition manufacturer (06)67Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
November 2024All types2,373Dealer (01)1,530Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)84Pawnbroker (02)70Ammunition manufacturer (06)68Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)9
October 2024All types2,402Dealer (01)1,552Manufacturer (07)588Importer (08)85Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)69Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)10
September 2024All types2,408Dealer (01)1,561Manufacturer (07)586Importer (08)84Pawnbroker (02)71Ammunition manufacturer (06)69Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)10
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in California by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Importer (08)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2024All types2,440Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,585Manufacturer (07)589Importer (08)87Pawnbroker (02)73Ammunition manufacturer (06)69Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)11Destructive-device importer (11)10
July 2024All types2,463Dealer (01)1,605Manufacturer (07)593Importer (08)89Pawnbroker (02)73Ammunition manufacturer (06)68Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
June 2024All types2,460Dealer (01)1,604Manufacturer (07)592Importer (08)87Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)68Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
May 2024All types2,481Dealer (01)1,622Manufacturer (07)591Importer (08)88Pawnbroker (02)75Ammunition manufacturer (06)70Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
April 2024All types2,522Dealer (01)1,648Manufacturer (07)597Importer (08)92Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
March 2024All types2,532Dealer (01)1,657Manufacturer (07)594Importer (08)94Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
February 2024All types2,556Dealer (01)1,676Manufacturer (07)598Importer (08)95Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
January 2024All types2,575Dealer (01)1,689Manufacturer (07)599Importer (08)100Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
December 2023All types2,578Dealer (01)1,693Manufacturer (07)596Importer (08)102Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
November 2023All types2,585Dealer (01)1,703Manufacturer (07)594Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)74Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
October 2023All types2,598Dealer (01)1,710Manufacturer (07)598Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)76Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
September 2023All types2,609Dealer (01)1,721Manufacturer (07)598Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)76Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
August 2023All types2,620Dealer (01)1,731Manufacturer (07)599Importer (08)104Pawnbroker (02)76Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
July 2023All types2,623Dealer (01)1,734Manufacturer (07)600Importer (08)105Pawnbroker (02)75Ammunition manufacturer (06)75Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
June 2023All types2,634Dealer (01)1,749Manufacturer (07)593Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)76Ammunition manufacturer (06)75Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
May 2023All types2,624Dealer (01)1,742Manufacturer (07)589Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)77Ammunition manufacturer (06)75Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
April 2023All types2,627Dealer (01)1,747Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)107Pawnbroker (02)77Ammunition manufacturer (06)76Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
March 2023All types2,637Dealer (01)1,753Manufacturer (07)585Importer (08)108Pawnbroker (02)78Ammunition manufacturer (06)78Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
February 2023All types2,636Dealer (01)1,760Manufacturer (07)581Importer (08)105Pawnbroker (02)78Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
January 2023All types2,634Dealer (01)1,757Manufacturer (07)580Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)79Ammunition manufacturer (06)77Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
December 2022All types2,653Dealer (01)1,774Manufacturer (07)580Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)79Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
November 2022All types2,659Dealer (01)1,779Manufacturer (07)578Importer (08)107Pawnbroker (02)80Ammunition manufacturer (06)80Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
October 2022All types2,665Dealer (01)1,787Manufacturer (07)575Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)81Ammunition manufacturer (06)81Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
September 2022All types2,682Dealer (01)1,802Manufacturer (07)574Importer (08)106Pawnbroker (02)84Ammunition manufacturer (06)80Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
August 2022All types2,674Dealer (01)1,797Manufacturer (07)574Importer (08)104Pawnbroker (02)84Ammunition manufacturer (06)79Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
July 2022All types2,660Dealer (01)1,790Manufacturer (07)566Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)84Ammunition manufacturer (06)81Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)10Destructive-device importer (11)9
June 2022All types2,663Dealer (01)1,792Manufacturer (07)565Importer (08)105Pawnbroker (02)85Ammunition manufacturer (06)82Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)8
May 2022All types2,671Dealer (01)1,804Manufacturer (07)562Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)82Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)8
April 2022All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availableImporter (08)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
March 2022All types2,673Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,809Manufacturer (07)558Importer (08)104Pawnbroker (02)89Ammunition manufacturer (06)78Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
February 2022All types2,673Dealer (01)1,814Manufacturer (07)553Importer (08)104Pawnbroker (02)89Ammunition manufacturer (06)78Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
January 2022All types2,675Dealer (01)1,814Manufacturer (07)556Importer (08)103Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)78Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
December 2021All types2,680Dealer (01)1,818Manufacturer (07)558Importer (08)102Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)78Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)9
November 2021All types2,677Dealer (01)1,820Manufacturer (07)556Importer (08)101Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)75Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
October 2021All types2,674Dealer (01)1,821Manufacturer (07)556Importer (08)99Pawnbroker (02)90Ammunition manufacturer (06)73Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
September 2021All types2,675Dealer (01)1,830Manufacturer (07)553Importer (08)98Pawnbroker (02)88Ammunition manufacturer (06)72Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
August 2021All types2,657Dealer (01)1,821Manufacturer (07)546Importer (08)96Pawnbroker (02)88Ammunition manufacturer (06)72Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
July 2021All types2,661Dealer (01)1,835Manufacturer (07)542Importer (08)90Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)73Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
June 2021All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availableImporter (08)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
May 2021All types2,647Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,827Manufacturer (07)542Importer (08)86Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)71Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
April 2021All types2,637Dealer (01)1,821Manufacturer (07)540Importer (08)85Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)70Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)9Destructive-device importer (11)10
March 2021All types2,612Dealer (01)1,813Manufacturer (07)535Importer (08)79Pawnbroker (02)86Ammunition manufacturer (06)66Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)8Destructive-device importer (11)10
February 2021All types2,607Dealer (01)1,816Manufacturer (07)530Importer (08)76Pawnbroker (02)87Ammunition manufacturer (06)65Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)8Destructive-device importer (11)10
January 2021All types2,620Dealer (01)1,823Manufacturer (07)532Importer (08)77Pawnbroker (02)89Ammunition manufacturer (06)64Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)8Destructive-device importer (11)10
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does California run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 1,455,424 checks in California in 2025, down 1.4% from 2024. Permit checks were 34.6% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 935,860, against 941,451 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in California per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 1,455,424 · 2024: 1,475,944 · 1.4% fewer

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, California monthly counts added up by calendar year. A year is shown only when all twelve months are reported.

  • 1,455,424firearm background checks in California in 2025, 503,804 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Handgun485,358 33.3%
  2. Permit374,840 25.8%
  3. Long gun232,390 16.0%
  4. Permit recheck128,964 8.9%
  5. Private sale handgun93,679 6.4%
  6. Other firearm47,263 3.2%
  7. All other types92,930 6.4%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, California counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 1,455,424 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in California by year
YearChecks
2025Checks1,455,424
2024Checks1,475,944
2023Checks1,498,353
2022Checks1,431,993
2021Checks1,476,073
2020Checks1,601,054
2019Checks1,240,632
2018Checks1,297,132
2017Checks1,570,110
2016Checks2,377,167
2015Checks1,761,079
2014Checks1,474,616
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in California by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks1,368,295
2012Checks1,132,603
2011Checks905,701
2010Checks816,399
2009Checks788,164
2008Checks780,398
2007Checks855,943
2006Checks617,820
2005Checks611,022
2004Checks548,843
2003Checks524,431
2002Checks684,390
2001Checks854,569
2000Checks794,506
1999Checks883,144
FBI NICS background checks in California by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks116,373
July 2026Checks113,024
June 2026Checks115,104
May 2026Checks111,290
April 2026Checks118,578
March 2026Checks136,781
February 2026Checks106,717
January 2026Checks117,993
December 2025Checks136,460
November 2025Checks120,161
October 2025Checks139,097
September 2025Checks118,255
August 2025Checks119,025
July 2025Checks113,607
June 2025Checks114,152
May 2025Checks111,075
April 2025Checks118,861
March 2025Checks129,172
February 2025Checks114,683
January 2025Checks120,876
December 2024Checks127,187
November 2024Checks117,070
October 2024Checks121,359
September 2024Checks113,329
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in California by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks129,824
July 2024Checks106,815
June 2024Checks138,676
May 2024Checks124,928
April 2024Checks118,588
March 2024Checks130,539
February 2024Checks123,463
January 2024Checks124,166
December 2023Checks150,791
November 2023Checks144,675
October 2023Checks137,944
September 2023Checks118,625
August 2023Checks127,662
July 2023Checks114,154
June 2023Checks119,610
May 2023Checks119,898
April 2023Checks117,488
March 2023Checks128,399
February 2023Checks109,948
January 2023Checks109,159
December 2022Checks121,543
November 2022Checks116,394
October 2022Checks116,527
September 2022Checks126,521
August 2022Checks138,358
July 2022Checks120,932
June 2022Checks123,930
May 2022Checks111,612
April 2022Checks116,208
March 2022Checks129,391
February 2022Checks106,295
January 2022Checks104,282
December 2021Checks124,997
November 2021Checks112,977
October 2021Checks114,144
September 2021Checks116,704
August 2021Checks120,959
July 2021Checks116,701
June 2021Checks125,609
May 2021Checks119,739
April 2021Checks126,285
March 2021Checks143,742
February 2021Checks119,784
January 2021Checks134,432
December 2020Checks135,442
November 2020Checks130,793
October 2020Checks151,359
September 2020Checks139,313
August 2020Checks145,797
July 2020Checks149,685
June 2020Checks158,349
May 2020Checks110,823
April 2020Checks122,999
March 2020Checks164,497
February 2020Checks95,430
January 2020Checks96,567
December 2019Checks106,600
November 2019Checks92,765
October 2019Checks96,252
September 2019Checks95,540
August 2019Checks99,146
July 2019Checks89,532
June 2019Checks115,987
May 2019Checks111,816
April 2019Checks114,466
March 2019Checks123,056
February 2019Checks96,970
January 2019Checks98,502
December 2018Checks110,017
November 2018Checks106,380
October 2018Checks101,623
September 2018Checks91,975
August 2018Checks103,019
July 2018Checks94,672
June 2018Checks99,683
May 2018Checks104,498
April 2018Checks121,478
March 2018Checks136,228
February 2018Checks107,649
January 2018Checks119,910
December 2017Checks142,492
November 2017Checks140,695
October 2017Checks119,395
September 2017Checks123,506
August 2017Checks130,901
July 2017Checks114,595
June 2017Checks130,187
May 2017Checks129,307
April 2017Checks132,190
March 2017Checks146,592
February 2017Checks129,885
January 2017Checks130,365
December 2016Checks298,161
November 2016Checks224,039
October 2016Checks180,968
September 2016Checks159,077
August 2016Checks176,770
July 2016Checks190,218
June 2016Checks173,846
May 2016Checks166,035
April 2016Checks171,256
March 2016Checks201,041
February 2016Checks214,844
January 2016Checks220,912
December 2015Checks252,946
November 2015Checks180,116
October 2015Checks163,211
September 2015Checks125,441
August 2015Checks125,122
July 2015Checks140,365
June 2015Checks112,704
May 2015Checks119,574
April 2015Checks114,686
March 2015Checks199,833
February 2015Checks113,789
January 2015Checks113,292
December 2014Checks164,170
November 2014Checks132,469
October 2014Checks128,439
September 2014Checks118,856
August 2014Checks119,570
July 2014Checks104,309
June 2014Checks102,639
May 2014Checks120,661
April 2014Checks134,448
March 2014Checks137,660
February 2014Checks111,341
January 2014Checks100,054
December 2013Checks138,522
November 2013Checks109,140
October 2013Checks114,595
September 2013Checks104,067
August 2013Checks111,132
July 2013Checks100,114
June 2013Checks109,153
May 2013Checks112,464
April 2013Checks110,149
March 2013Checks117,106
February 2013Checks108,666
January 2013Checks133,187
December 2012Checks150,805
November 2012Checks113,832
October 2012Checks89,164
September 2012Checks79,077
August 2012Checks87,291
July 2012Checks80,683
June 2012Checks85,384
May 2012Checks83,820
April 2012Checks90,368
March 2012Checks107,573
February 2012Checks89,188
January 2012Checks75,418
December 2011Checks89,592
November 2011Checks74,118
October 2011Checks83,926
September 2011Checks70,043
August 2011Checks76,162
July 2011Checks62,387
June 2011Checks75,317
May 2011Checks66,457
April 2011Checks87,052
March 2011Checks84,183
February 2011Checks67,480
January 2011Checks68,984
December 2010Checks81,522
November 2010Checks63,995
October 2010Checks68,851
September 2010Checks60,530
August 2010Checks65,506
July 2010Checks62,682
June 2010Checks61,889
May 2010Checks69,344
April 2010Checks80,750
March 2010Checks74,011
February 2010Checks64,271
January 2010Checks63,048
December 2009Checks69,236
November 2009Checks56,392
October 2009Checks64,468
September 2009Checks62,920
August 2009Checks65,927
July 2009Checks61,389
June 2009Checks63,190
May 2009Checks64,304
April 2009Checks73,315
March 2009Checks72,248
February 2009Checks62,736
January 2009Checks72,039
December 2008Checks77,512
November 2008Checks73,190
October 2008Checks65,372
September 2008Checks56,404
August 2008Checks63,942
July 2008Checks62,382
June 2008Checks57,322
May 2008Checks64,811
April 2008Checks66,612
March 2008Checks74,599
February 2008Checks59,380
January 2008Checks58,872
December 2007Checks62,295
November 2007Checks63,910
October 2007Checks69,809
September 2007Checks80,429
August 2007Checks69,084
July 2007Checks71,837
June 2007Checks83,523
May 2007Checks86,930
April 2007Checks67,801
March 2007Checks75,306
February 2007Checks62,560
January 2007Checks62,459
December 2006Checks57,901
November 2006Checks48,401
October 2006Checks45,861
September 2006Checks45,311
August 2006Checks51,245
July 2006Checks43,014
June 2006Checks43,634
May 2006Checks46,154
April 2006Checks57,810
March 2006Checks65,610
February 2006Checks56,086
January 2006Checks56,793
December 2005Checks63,213
November 2005Checks54,120
October 2005Checks51,604
September 2005Checks54,442
August 2005Checks52,317
July 2005Checks47,223
June 2005Checks47,509
May 2005Checks48,571
April 2005Checks49,679
March 2005Checks51,971
February 2005Checks46,095
January 2005Checks44,278
December 2004Checks60,560
November 2004Checks45,685
October 2004Checks45,571
September 2004Checks45,463
August 2004Checks46,906
July 2004Checks43,563
June 2004Checks46,403
May 2004Checks42,434
April 2004Checks43,369
March 2004Checks44,793
February 2004Checks40,636
January 2004Checks43,460
December 2003Checks49,624
November 2003Checks41,693
October 2003Checks43,376
September 2003Checks42,763
August 2003Checks45,078
July 2003Checks40,846
June 2003Checks42,438
May 2003Checks43,667
April 2003Checks45,508
March 2003Checks48,429
February 2003Checks41,724
January 2003Checks39,285
December 2002Checks73,051
November 2002Checks54,868
October 2002Checks52,756
September 2002Checks52,881
August 2002Checks56,621
July 2002Checks54,488
June 2002Checks51,886
May 2002Checks58,303
April 2002Checks55,856
March 2002Checks58,116
February 2002Checks56,796
January 2002Checks58,768
December 2001Checks85,476
November 2001Checks78,910
October 2001Checks76,958
September 2001Checks72,914
August 2001Checks71,416
July 2001Checks63,395
June 2001Checks66,811
May 2001Checks76,603
April 2001Checks77,120
March 2001Checks65,127
February 2001Checks58,904
January 2001Checks60,935
December 2000Checks98,293
November 2000Checks74,834
October 2000Checks62,588
September 2000Checks59,837
August 2000Checks63,724
July 2000Checks60,311
June 2000Checks64,614
May 2000Checks62,909
April 2000Checks65,796
March 2000Checks64,895
February 2000Checks58,905
January 2000Checks57,800
December 1999Checks136,278
November 1999Checks90,391
October 1999Checks77,927
September 1999Checks70,519
August 1999Checks70,183
July 1999Checks65,646
June 1999Checks65,298
May 1999Checks61,497
April 1999Checks62,654
March 1999Checks68,327
February 1999Checks57,471
January 1999Checks56,953
December 1998Checks65,344
November 1998Checks2,101Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does California export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in California came to $26.4 million in 2025, across 6 product groups. Cartridges and parts were 45.1% of that. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from California, 2010–2025 current dollars

2025: $26,399,541 · 2024: $16,764,103 · 57.5% more

Source: Census international trade, exports by the state where they start their trip to the border, which is not always where they were made. USA Arms adds up the product groups Census reported each year, and the groups can differ from year to year.

By product, 2025

  1. Cartridges and parts$11,913,485
  2. Military weapons$9,138,257
  3. Other explosive-charge firearms$3,718,570
  4. Pistols and revolvers$613,014
  5. Rifles$596,150
  6. Shotguns and combination guns$420,065

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from California, 2025. USA Arms adds up each product’s twelve months; a product Census did not report every month is left out. Monthly values by product and country through December 2025 are in Census trade data.

Where the exports went, 2025

  1. Slovakia$5,285,200
  2. Ukraine$3,758,400
  3. Australia$3,647,052
  4. Taiwan$3,581,184
  5. Norway$2,198,959
  6. Japan$1,708,486
  7. Italy$1,549,099
  8. Korea, South$1,173,195

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from California, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 35 destinations in all, the largest 8 shown. A destination is where the goods were bound, not always where they were used.

Show all 16 years
Firearm and ammunition exports from California, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$26,399,5416 product families
2024Exports$16,764,103
2023Exports$14,354,7805 product families
2022Exports$10,644,5396 product families
2021Exports$16,357,6107 product families
2020Exports$23,419,0506 product families
2019Exports$12,050,113
2018Exports$10,439,3615 product families
2017Exports$11,277,0784 product families
2016Exports$16,990,4626 product families
2015Exports$29,227,653
2014Exports$30,487,781
Earlier years, 2010–2013
Firearm and ammunition exports from California, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010–2013
YearExports
2013Exports$25,039,0036 product families
2012Exports$31,405,7297 product families
2011Exports$45,230,2645 product families
2010Exports$19,679,559
Cite a figure from this section (15)

How many hunting licenses does California certify?

California certified 251,590 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 888,308 resident and 29,626 nonresident licenses, for $27,837,150 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in California, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 251,590 · 2023: 251,792 · 0.1% fewer

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) hunting license counts, California, by license year.

  • 251,590paid hunting-license holders California certified for license year 2024; the high was 767,149 in 1968USFWS certifications · 2024 · CaliforniaCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by California
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders251,590Resident licenses888,308Nonresident licenses29,626Gross cost$27,837,150
2023Paid license holders251,792Resident licenses892,836Nonresident licenses27,441Gross cost$25,847,103
2022Paid license holders260,359Resident licenses926,773Nonresident licenses27,568Gross cost$23,601,831
2021Paid license holders278,210Resident licenses991,800Nonresident licenses26,457Gross cost$24,111,812
2020Paid license holders250,441Resident licenses911,098Nonresident licenses25,609Gross cost$21,377,021
2019Paid license holders262,009Resident licenses949,540Nonresident licenses25,535Gross cost$21,385,566
2018Paid license holders267,170Resident licenses968,752Nonresident licenses23,145Gross cost$21,107,452
2017Paid license holders279,248Resident licenses984,465Nonresident licenses21,309Gross cost$21,530,939
2016Paid license holders280,967Resident licenses1,007,422Nonresident licenses22,738Gross cost$21,615,994
2015Paid license holders284,069Resident licenses1,032,069Nonresident licenses21,931Gross cost$22,019,983
2014Paid license holders287,147Resident licenses1,014,445Nonresident licenses20,906Gross cost$24,240,864
2013Paid license holders283,539Resident licenses830,070Nonresident licenses17,278Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by California, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders283,539Resident licenses830,070Nonresident licenses17,278Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders281,472Resident licenses817,675Nonresident licenses17,064Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders289,609Resident licenses860,236Nonresident licenses15,061Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders293,263Resident licenses813,895Nonresident licenses14,840Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders296,623Resident licenses821,038Nonresident licenses15,656Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders300,615Resident licenses825,163Nonresident licenses16,076Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders295,163Resident licenses815,259Nonresident licenses15,441Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders299,303Resident licenses816,592Nonresident licenses14,939Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders305,962Resident licenses818,810Nonresident licenses15,167Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders315,588Resident licenses843,357Nonresident licenses15,334Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders320,092Resident licenses854,046Nonresident licenses14,163Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders315,588Resident licenses843,357Nonresident licenses15,334Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders320,092Resident licenses854,046Nonresident licenses14,163Gross cost$15,777,132
1999Paid license holders316,549Resident licenses844,779Nonresident licenses13,984Gross cost$14,715,196
1998Paid license holders317,063Resident licenses842,347Nonresident licenses12,834Gross cost$14,903,695
1997Paid license holders309,236Resident licenses827,700Nonresident licenses11,192Gross cost$14,001,052
1996Paid license holders316,815Resident licenses313,064Nonresident licenses3,751Gross cost$8,399,925
1995Paid license holders328,824Resident licenses859,306Nonresident licenses8,925Gross cost$13,844,148
1994Paid license holders343,838Resident licenses902,210Nonresident licenses8,449Gross cost$14,494,924
1993Paid license holders354,555Resident licenses911,667Nonresident licenses14,113Gross cost$14,041,471
1992Paid license holders363,397Resident licenses944,684Nonresident licenses4,653Gross cost$13,919,587
1991Paid license holders367,373Resident licenses731,786Nonresident licenses3,853Gross cost$13,012,361
1990Paid license holders372,038Resident licenses707,624Nonresident licenses3,602Gross cost$12,300,449
1989Paid license holders382,713Resident licenses723,646Nonresident licenses4,049Gross cost$12,061,257
1988Paid license holders390,655Resident licenses686,644Nonresident licenses3,211Gross cost$11,197,462
1987Paid license holders422,909Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1986Paid license holders463,543Resident licenses1,053,071Nonresident licenses4,788Gross cost$13,688,967
1985Paid license holders463,074Resident licenses970,606Nonresident licenses3,601Gross cost$12,858,220
1984Paid license holders488,316Resident licenses703,990Nonresident licenses4,436Gross cost$9,696,518
1983Paid license holders493,677Resident licenses880,290Nonresident licenses4,641Gross cost$9,305,576
1982Paid license holders509,106Resident licenses939,078Nonresident licenses3,573Gross cost$8,931,148
1981Paid license holders523,390Resident licenses877,977Nonresident licenses5,612Gross cost$8,207,765
1980Paid license holders539,557Resident licenses807,458Nonresident licenses5,345Gross cost$6,912,375
1979Paid license holders554,144Resident licenses902,326Nonresident licenses5,372Gross cost$6,990,821
1978Paid license holders540,393Resident licenses870,711Nonresident licenses5,049Gross cost$6,655,824
1977Paid license holders534,796Resident licenses849,873Nonresident licenses4,282Gross cost$6,532,769
1976Paid license holders569,422Resident licenses942,310Nonresident licenses3,935Gross cost$6,490,432
1975Paid license holders584,957Resident licenses966,676Nonresident licenses3,410Gross cost$6,595,719
1974Paid license holders611,564Resident licenses992,035Nonresident licenses2,765Gross cost$6,731,539
1973Paid license holders660,135Resident licenses1,282,693Nonresident licenses2,605Gross cost$5,414,117
1972Paid license holders677,993Resident licenses1,317,464Nonresident licenses2,561Gross cost$5,566,180
1971Paid license holders641,319Resident licenses1,247,259Nonresident licenses2,211Gross cost$5,265,537
1970Paid license holders699,748Resident licenses1,354,282Nonresident licenses2,771Gross cost$3,995,858
1969Paid license holders756,975Resident licenses1,440,097Nonresident licenses2,474Gross cost$4,255,007
1968Paid license holders767,149Resident licenses1,474,986Nonresident licenses2,765Gross cost$4,361,882
1967Paid license holders757,840Resident licenses1,449,960Nonresident licenses2,315Gross cost$4,323,909
1966Paid license holders755,137Resident licenses1,459,874Nonresident licenses1,962Gross cost$4,388,080
1965Paid license holders737,637Resident licenses1,442,853Nonresident licenses1,863Gross cost$4,307,148
1964Paid license holders700,804Resident licenses699,637Nonresident licenses1,167Gross cost$2,634,413
1963Paid license holders685,157Resident licenses684,100Nonresident licenses1,057Gross cost$2,573,733
1962Paid license holders655,198Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders645,734Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders625,844Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders631,734Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders610,882Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders608,111Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders642,839Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does California receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $26,821,647 to California for fiscal 2026, 8.2% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $38,858,021 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to California, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $26,821,647 · FY 2025: $29,213,717 · 8.2% less

Source: USFWS, California, including hunter education money. Not adjusted for inflation.

  • $26,821,647apportioned to California for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $38,858,021 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · CaliforniaCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to California
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$26,821,647
FY 2025Apportioned$29,213,717
FY 2024Apportioned$31,691,431
FY 2023Apportioned$38,858,021
FY 2022Apportioned$35,651,553
FY 2021Apportioned$21,943,377
FY 2020Apportioned$19,541,968
FY 2019Apportioned$21,988,681
FY 2018Apportioned$26,037,993
FY 2017Apportioned$25,602,136
FY 2016Apportioned$22,913,160
FY 2015Apportioned$26,808,714
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to California, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$25,301,091
FY 2013Apportioned$17,298,413
FY 2012Apportioned$12,282,822
FY 2011Apportioned$12,757,572
FY 2010Apportioned$15,921,065
FY 2009Apportioned$11,347,347
FY 2008Apportioned$10,360,873
FY 2007Apportioned$8,964,724
FY 2006Apportioned$7,857,386
FY 2005Apportioned$8,006,336
FY 2004Apportioned$6,910,043
FY 2003Apportioned$7,238,447
FY 2002Apportioned$6,381,792
FY 2001Apportioned$6,861,214
FY 2000Apportioned$6,610,254
FY 1999Apportioned$5,696,882
FY 1998Apportioned$5,365,616
FY 1997Apportioned$5,782,621
FY 1996Apportioned$7,048,485
FY 1995Apportioned$7,366,160
FY 1994Apportioned$6,337,297
FY 1993Apportioned$5,519,504
FY 1992Apportioned$5,334,984
FY 1991Apportioned$5,679,076
FY 1990Apportioned$4,375,320
FY 1989Apportioned$4,447,688
FY 1988Apportioned$4,200,586
FY 1987Apportioned$4,102,870
FY 1986Apportioned$4,139,627
FY 1985Apportioned$3,016,752
FY 1984Apportioned$3,395,108
FY 1983Apportioned$4,147,447
FY 1982Apportioned$4,567,309
FY 1981Apportioned$3,201,657
FY 1980Apportioned$3,556,260
FY 1979Apportioned$3,311,969
FY 1978Apportioned$2,566,275
FY 1977Apportioned$3,537,098
FY 1976Apportioned$2,511,184
FY 1975Apportioned$2,308,010
FY 1974Apportioned$2,131,495
FY 1973Apportioned$1,870,832
FY 1972Apportioned$1,598,883
FY 1971Apportioned$1,495,148
FY 1970Apportioned$1,549,714
FY 1969Apportioned$1,476,843
FY 1968Apportioned$1,262,787
FY 1967Apportioned$1,117,440
FY 1966Apportioned$899,376
FY 1965Apportioned$779,786
FY 1964Apportioned$774,823
FY 1963Apportioned$631,036
FY 1962Apportioned$625,103
FY 1961Apportioned$651,215
FY 1960Apportioned$715,651
FY 1959Apportioned$790,110
FY 1958Apportioned$809,942
FY 1957Apportioned$777,566
FY 1956Apportioned$685,222
FY 1955Apportioned$461,048
FY 1954Apportioned$542,508
FY 1953Apportioned$456,639
FY 1952Apportioned$785,792
FY 1951Apportioned$399,138
FY 1950Apportioned$478,584
FY 1949Apportioned$496,628
FY 1948Apportioned$374,283
FY 1947Apportioned$103,274
FY 1946Apportioned$39,413
FY 1945Apportioned$34,493
FY 1944Apportioned$41,555
FY 1943Apportioned$50,163
FY 1942Apportioned$111,801
FY 1941Apportioned$98,821
FY 1940Apportioned$58,625
FY 1939Apportioned$37,269
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does California compare?

California ranks 24th for firearms made, 10th for license records, 16th for small arms jobs, 33rd for job concentration, 29th for hunting license holders and 5th for Wildlife Restoration money. Pick a measure to see every state, or see all fifty states compared on the U.S. page.

Measure
AlaskaAK10256287.2K$35.6MAlabamaAL150K1.48K497K$19.2MArkansasAR50.8K1.5K8103.88331K$14MArizonaAZ550K2.58K2.23K4.32303K$23.1MColoradoCO2.31K1.68K2790.60379K$22.9MConnecticutDelawareFloridaFL350K4.56K8280.52265K$16.4MGeorgiaGA797K2.42K1.25K1.60816K$27.7MHawaiiHI29810515.3K$5.03MIowaIA23.2K1.46K710.28223K$12.1MIdahoID42.7K1.34K3522.52301K$16.6MIllinoisIL213K1.41K282K$16.6MIndianaIN18.1K1.73K2610.51253K$13.9MKansasKS8.88K1.21K530.23282K$16.1MKentuckyKY613K1.44K9442.97316K$14MLouisianaLA4.79K1.29K451K$17.6MMassachusettsMarylandMaineME735547208K$9.38MMichiganMI23.9K2.44K350.05632K$23.9MMinnesotaMN26K1.55K1.69K3.58528K$23.8MMissouriMO55.1K2.44K2380.51522K$22.4MMississippiMS1.04K1.05K272K$12.2MMontanaMT10.4K1.18K3143.83233K$22MNorth CarolinaNC656K3.06K1.02K1.29582K$22.3MNorth DakotaND1.66K543149K$12.1MNebraskaNE4.19K804267K$15.2MNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNM2.74K689280.20160K$17.8MNevadaNV147K8592490.99111K$15.6MNew YorkNY88.2K1.82K2990.19533K$20.9MOhioOH53.9K2.79K2370.27360K$16.6MOklahomaOK6.01K1.7K356K$17.5MOregonOR12.9K1.38K330K$20.1MPennsylvaniaPA95.6K3.24K1.2K1.241.03M$30.6MRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSC765K1.49K7652.06199K$11.1MSouth DakotaSD1.9K646801.09223K$14.3MTennesseeTN1.16M1.99K1.17K2.24734K$24.2MTexasTX666K8.34K1.12K0.501.12M$38.9MUtahUT135K1.37K7002.51283K$16.4MVirginiaVA12K1.99K2210.33251K$14.3MVermontWashingtonWA177K1.17K4820.84164K$15.4MWisconsinWI205K1.77K1.02K2.16652K$23.5MWest VirginiaWV3.32K943260.23278K$9.83MWyomingWY12.9K8243678.13119K$14.4MCaliforniaCA50K2.03K4860.17252K$26.8M
  • Under 3.32K
  • 3.32K to 18.1K
  • 18.1K to 88.2K
  • 88.2K to 350K
  • 350K and up
  • Under 646
  • 646 to 1.18K
  • 1.18K to 1.49K
  • 1.49K to 2.03K
  • 2.03K and up
  • Under 123
  • 123 to 299
  • 299 to 765
  • 765 to 1.17K
  • 1.17K and up
  • Not published
  • Under 0.27
  • 0.27 to 0.52
  • 0.52 to 1.60
  • 1.60 to 3.58
  • 3.58 and up
  • Not published
  • Under 111K
  • 111K to 251K
  • 251K to 301K
  • 301K to 522K
  • 522K and up
  • Under $9.83M
  • $9.83M to $14.4M
  • $14.4M to $17.5M
  • $17.5M to $23.1M
  • $23.1M and up

Map and table: firearms the state’s plants reported to ATF, calendar year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: federal firearms license records on ATF’s Aug 2026 list, all listed types. Darker means higher.

Map and table: private small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing jobs, 2025 annual average. Darker means higher.

Map and table: the share of the state’s private jobs in small arms manufacturing, against the U.S. share, 2025; 1.00 means the same share. Darker means higher.

Map and table: paid hunting-license holders the state certified for license year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: Wildlife Restoration and hunter education money apportioned for fiscal 2026. Darker means higher.

Every state and measure
RankStateFirearms made, 2024License records, Aug 2026Small arms jobs, 2025Job concentration, 2025Hunting license holders, 2024Wildlife Restoration, FY 2026
1New Hampshire1,381,9226021,69715.4059,947$5,027,605
2Tennessee1,164,2391,9901,1712.24734,342$24,236,720
3Georgia796,8572,4251,2501.60815,738$27,695,024
4South Carolina764,9041,4947652.06199,114$11,071,422
5Texas665,8328,3431,1200.501,117,858$38,857,809
6North Carolina656,2673,0581,0201.29581,521$22,308,487
7Kentucky613,2251,4429442.97315,758$13,967,424
8Arizona549,9892,5802,2344.32303,298$23,118,473
9Massachusetts479,681589Not publishedNot published60,377$8,289,959
10Florida350,1574,5588280.52265,018$16,437,305
11Connecticut225,5306591,2464.6025,903$6,023,949
12New Jersey222,163380Not publishedNot published67,305$8,289,959
13Illinois213,4461,414Not publishedNot published282,380$16,595,276
14Wisconsin205,1101,7751,0172.16652,399$23,485,531
15Washington176,7451,1654820.84163,801$15,447,463
16Alabama150,1801,479Not publishedNot published497,063$19,216,281
17Nevada146,5248592490.99111,210$15,610,455
18Utah135,2091,3707002.51282,841$16,350,555
19Pennsylvania95,6103,2371,1971.241,031,218$30,594,626
20New York88,1651,8162990.19533,479$20,933,144
21Missouri55,1392,4372380.51521,787$22,441,430
22Ohio53,8952,7852370.27359,811$16,569,111
23Arkansas50,8031,5008103.88331,401$14,014,316
24California49,9712,0304860.17251,590$26,821,647
25Idaho42,6771,3413522.52300,759$16,597,136
26Vermont28,628340Not publishedNot published55,171$5,027,605
27Minnesota26,0321,5521,6853.58527,774$23,819,471
28Michigan23,9142,436350.05632,144$23,914,949
29Iowa23,1901,456710.28222,692$12,112,654
30Indiana18,1361,7312610.51252,645$13,857,865
31Wyoming12,9468243678.13118,896$14,427,611
32Oregon12,8721,379Not publishedNot published330,416$20,075,259
33Virginia11,9591,9942210.33251,350$14,312,936
34Maryland10,7567921230.28111,027$7,898,984
35Montana10,3771,1843143.83233,193$21,957,263
36Kansas8,8811,206530.23282,124$16,080,090
37Oklahoma6,0111,704Not publishedNot published356,283$17,533,166
38Louisiana4,7941,288Not publishedNot published451,343$17,626,642
39Nebraska4,188804Not publishedNot published266,748$15,218,471
40West Virginia3,323943260.23278,193$9,827,675
41New Mexico2,744689280.20160,081$17,768,168
42Colorado2,3131,6792790.60378,763$22,930,115
43South Dakota1,896646801.09222,875$14,329,482
44North Dakota1,659543Not publishedNot published148,512$12,140,115
45Mississippi1,0381,053Not publishedNot published271,751$12,204,415
46Maine735547Not publishedNot published208,206$9,376,640
47Hawaii298105Not publishedNot published15,296$5,027,605
48Rhode Island103115Not publishedNot published7,378$5,027,605
49Alaska102562Not publishedNot published87,159$35,595,455
50Delaware41135Not publishedNot published15,399$5,027,605

Ranks count only states with a published value. A state without one is listed last, never as zero. Background checks are left out: state permit rules change how many checks a state runs, and a check is not a sale. Sources: ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report, ATF Federal Firearms Listings, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, USFWS Wildlife Restoration and hunting licenses.

Find firearms businesses in California

Research with California figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: California’s largest filings each year · compare California with another state or year
  2. When do Americans run firearm background checks?Inside: Every day since 1998 for the whole country; the FBI publishes no daily counts by state
  3. Firearm background checks per person, by stateInside: California’s rate per 1,000 residents · its yearly check mix · monthly checks since 1998
  4. How do federal firearms license counts and types differ by state?Inside: California’s license mix against the U.S. · compare California with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: California’s license holders per 100 residents, its rank and its nonresident share

All research

Sources, downloads and corrections

Every number above has its own link. Select Cite to copy a figure as one sentence with its source, period and link.

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Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0: credit USA Arms and link to this page.

  1. [1] ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reportcalendar years 2004–2024www.atf.gov
  2. [2] ATF Federal Firearms Listingsmonthly lists by license type, January 2021 – August 2026www.atf.gov
  3. [3] USFWS Wildlife Restoration apportionments and hunting-license certificationshunting licenses, license years 1956–2024; apportionments, fiscal years 1939–2026www.fws.gov
  4. [4] FBI NICS firearm checksmonthly state counts, November 1998 – August 2026; checks by type, 2025www.fbi.gov
  5. [5] BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wagesprivate employers by industry, 1990–2025www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, Californiawww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeCalifornia-origin exports by product, 2025; monthly values through December 2025www.census.gov

Each figure keeps the period its source uses: calendar years, federal fiscal years (ending September 30), license years or months. Withheld and unpublished values are labeled, never shown as zero. Partial years are labeled, never stretched to a full year. Totals that USA Arms added up say so. Found something wrong? Submit a correction.