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Massachusetts firearms statistics

How many guns Massachusetts 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, 2020. How Massachusetts compares · U.S. statistics · Massachusetts directory

  1. 479,681firearms made in Massachusetts in 2024, 9th of 50 states and 5.0% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 589federal firearms license records, 42nd of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 60,377paid hunting-license holders, 44th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 261,773FBI background checks in 2025, 56.9% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 1,750private jobs making small arms in 2020, the latest year BLS published, paying $67,410 on averageBLS · 2020
  6. $8,289,959Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 42nd of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $10.0 millionof firearms and ammunition exported from Massachusetts in 2025, across 2 product groupsCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in Massachusetts?

Plants in Massachusetts reported making 479,681 firearms in 2024, down 35.6% from 2023. That is 5.0% of U.S. production, 9th among the states. The high was 2,634,040 in 2016. [1] See gun manufacturers in Massachusetts for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in Massachusetts, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 479,681 · 2023: 744,564 · 35.6% fewer

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

  • 479,681firearms reported by plants in Massachusetts for 2024, 5.0% of U.S. production; 744,564 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · MassachusettsCite

What Massachusetts makes

Rifles were 83.0% of Massachusetts production in 2024.

  1. Rifles398,355 83.0%
  2. Shotguns73,140 15.2%
  3. Pistols6,702 1.4%
  4. Revolvers483 0.1%

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

Largest filings in Massachusetts, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. Massachusetts had 46 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of Massachusetts
1Savage Arms, Inc.Westfield · 98.7%Westfield473,51398.7%
2Smith & Wesson Inc.Springfield · 0.5%Springfield2,3480.5%
3Whalley Precision Inc.Southwick · 0.5%Southwick2,1960.5%
4Yankee Hill Machine Co Inc.Easthampton · 0.1%Easthampton2930.1%
5JJT Enterprises, LLCBarre · 0.1%Barre2690.1%
6KJS Armament LLCWalpole · <0.1%Walpole163<0.1%
7Powder House Arms and Instruction LLCBridgewater · <0.1%Bridgewater132<0.1%
8Individual licenseeLittleton · <0.1%Littleton109<0.1%
9Armour Sports Inc.Taunton · <0.1%Taunton95<0.1%
10Individual licenseeHubbardston · <0.1%Hubbardston57<0.1%

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

Production by city

Littleton has the most filings (11), and Westfield reported the most firearms.

  1. Westfield473,513 1 filing
  2. Springfield2,348 1 filing
  3. Southwick2,196 1 filing
  4. Easthampton293 1 filing
  5. Barre269 1 filing
  6. Littleton239 11 filings
  7. Bridgewater177 4 filings
  8. Walpole163 1 filing

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 Massachusetts, in all and by type
YearFirearms madeRiflesShotgunsPistolsRevolvers
2024Firearms made479,681Rifles398,355Sum of 46 filingsShotguns73,140Sum of 46 filingsPistols6,702Sum of 46 filingsRevolvers483Sum of 46 filings
2023Firearms made744,564Rifles640,237Sum of 30 filingsShotguns82,706Sum of 30 filingsPistols14,930Sum of 30 filingsRevolvers5,650Sum of 30 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldRiflesNot reportedShotgunsNot reportedPistolsNot reportedRevolversNot reported
2021Firearms made435,514Rifles396,320Sum of 27 filingsShotguns13,566Sum of 27 filingsPistols19,827Sum of 27 filingsRevolvers2,196Sum of 27 filings
2020Firearms made45,276Rifles10,664Sum of 22 filingsShotguns244Sum of 22 filingsPistols20,969Sum of 22 filingsRevolvers1,067Sum of 22 filings
2019Firearms made36,718Rifles8,802Sum of 23 filingsShotguns3Sum of 23 filingsPistols19,359Sum of 23 filingsRevolvers208Sum of 23 filings
2018Firearms made1,813,971Rifles656,842Sum of 26 filingsShotguns15,495Sum of 26 filingsPistols901,900Sum of 26 filingsRevolvers231,771Sum of 26 filings
2017Firearms made1,550,692Rifles276,288Sum of 15 filingsShotguns21Sum of 15 filingsPistols1,057,726Sum of 15 filingsRevolvers215,274Sum of 15 filings
2016Firearms made2,634,040Rifles726,077Sum of 21 filingsShotguns16,239Sum of 21 filingsPistols1,471,896Sum of 21 filingsRevolvers294,680Sum of 21 filings
2015Firearms made1,967,290Rifles603,265Sum of 23 filingsShotguns13,344Sum of 23 filingsPistols1,017,159Sum of 23 filingsRevolvers274,136Sum of 23 filings
2014Firearms made1,833,594Rifles482,415Sum of 17 filingsShotguns72,539Sum of 17 filingsPistols957,077Sum of 17 filingsRevolvers268,724Sum of 17 filings
2013Firearms made2,071,597Rifles732,552Sum of 18 filingsShotguns154,141Sum of 18 filingsPistols953,706Sum of 18 filingsRevolvers225,777Sum of 18 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in Massachusetts, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madeRiflesShotgunsPistolsRevolvers
2012Firearms made1,461,961Rifles615,141Sum of 11 filingsShotguns15,524Sum of 11 filingsPistols607,725Sum of 11 filingsRevolvers216,150Sum of 11 filings
2011Firearms made1,097,236Rifles380,929Sum of 10 filingsShotguns12,988Sum of 10 filingsPistols464,930Sum of 10 filingsRevolvers237,646Sum of 10 filings
2010Firearms made845,462Rifles275,715Sum of 9 filingsShotguns0Sum of 9 filingsPistols340,675Sum of 9 filingsRevolvers228,814Sum of 9 filings
2009Firearms made788,172Rifles249,391Sum of 11 filingsShotguns1,548Sum of 11 filingsPistols314,542Sum of 11 filingsRevolvers221,895Sum of 11 filings
2008Firearms made671,487Rifles164,736Shotguns1,146Pistols289,634Revolvers215,955
2007Firearms made815,145Rifles261,481Sum of 7 filingsShotguns74,255Sum of 7 filingsPistols283,154Sum of 7 filingsRevolvers196,255Sum of 7 filings
2006Firearms made720,788Rifles200,589Shotguns88,386Pistols246,713Revolvers185,078
2005Firearms made572,883Rifles190,734Sum of 9 filingsShotguns88,473Sum of 9 filingsPistols135,224Sum of 9 filingsRevolvers158,146Sum of 9 filings
2004Firearms made570,423Rifles195,886Sum of 6 filingsShotguns120,229Sum of 6 filingsPistols107,823Sum of 6 filingsRevolvers146,089Sum of 6 filings
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in Massachusetts?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in Massachusetts had 1,750 jobs at 8 establishments in 2020. Average pay was $67,410 a year. That is the latest year BLS published; it did not publish 2025. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, Massachusetts, 2001–2020 jobs, annual average

2020: 1,750 · 2019: 1,710 · 2.3% more

Source: BLS county and state jobs counts (QCEW), Massachusetts, 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.

  • 1,750private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in Massachusetts at 8 establishments, paying $67,410 on averageBLS QCEW · 2020 annual average · MassachusettsCite
  • 3.56job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 3.6 times as large a share of Massachusetts jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2020 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Hampden County5 establishments
  2. Plymouth County1 establishment
  3. Worcester 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 20 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2020, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)
JobsSmall arms (332994)1,750
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$67,410
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$117,944,297
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)8

Source: BLS QCEW, 2020.

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)Withheld
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)1,874
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)Withheld
Value addedSmall arms (332994)Withheld
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$101,354,000

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

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, Massachusetts
YearJobs
2020Jobs1,750
2019Jobs1,710
2018Jobs1,753
2017Jobs1,901
2016Jobs1,959
2015Jobs1,883
2014Jobs2,064
2013Jobs1,947
2012Jobs1,664
2011Jobs1,357
2010Jobs1,160
2009Jobs1,133
Earlier years, 2001–2008
Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, Massachusetts, 2001–2008
YearJobs
2008Jobs1,246
2007Jobs1,306
2006Jobs1,137
2005Jobs1,063
2004Jobs1,030
2003Jobs979
2002Jobs956
2001Jobs936
Cite a figure from this section (10)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in Massachusetts?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 589 license records in Massachusetts, 7 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 254 are dealers and 306 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 Massachusetts.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in Massachusetts, 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.

  • 589federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 7 listed types together; 596 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · MassachusettsCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Manufacturers (type 07)306 52.0%
  2. Dealers (type 01)254 43.1%
  3. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)9 1.5%
  4. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)7 1.2%
  5. Importers (type 08)7 1.2%
  6. Destructive-device importers (type 11)5 0.8%
  7. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)1 0.2%

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. ATF’s August 2026 list has no pawnbroker (type 02) records for Massachusetts. They are left out, not counted as zero.

Show all 68 months by type
License records in Massachusetts by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesManufacturer (07)Dealer (01)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device importer (11)Destructive-device dealer (09)
August 2026All types589Sum of 7 reported license typesManufacturer (07)306Dealer (01)254Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)7Importer (08)7Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2026All types592Manufacturer (07)306Dealer (01)256Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)7Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2026All types597Manufacturer (07)306Dealer (01)261Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)7Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2026All types596Manufacturer (07)303Dealer (01)263Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)7Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2026All types597Manufacturer (07)303Dealer (01)264Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)7Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2026All types597Manufacturer (07)301Dealer (01)265Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2026All types598Manufacturer (07)302Dealer (01)265Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2026All types594Manufacturer (07)299Dealer (01)265Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2025All types597Manufacturer (07)301Dealer (01)266Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2025All types561Sum of 7 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)285Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)249Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)6Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)8Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)8Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)4Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)1Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types545Manufacturer (07)276Dealer (01)242Destructive-device manufacturer (10)6Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2025All types597Sum of 7 reported license typesManufacturer (07)300Dealer (01)266Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2025All types596Manufacturer (07)299Dealer (01)266Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2025All types599Manufacturer (07)299Dealer (01)269Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2025All types598Manufacturer (07)297Dealer (01)270Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2025All types595Manufacturer (07)293Dealer (01)272Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2025All types592Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)271Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)8Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2025All types590Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)270Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2025All types587Manufacturer (07)287Dealer (01)270Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2025All types593Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)272Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2024All types594Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)273Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2024All types597Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)276Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2024All types595Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)275Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2024All types590Manufacturer (07)286Dealer (01)274Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)8Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in Massachusetts by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesManufacturer (07)Dealer (01)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device importer (11)Destructive-device dealer (09)
August 2024All types600Sum of 7 reported license typesManufacturer (07)286Dealer (01)283Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)9Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2024All types604Manufacturer (07)286Dealer (01)285Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)11Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2024All types600Manufacturer (07)280Dealer (01)286Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2024All types605Manufacturer (07)282Dealer (01)289Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2024All types604Manufacturer (07)281Dealer (01)290Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)11Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2024All types608Manufacturer (07)282Dealer (01)292Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2024All types611Manufacturer (07)282Dealer (01)295Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2024All types613Manufacturer (07)282Dealer (01)297Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2023All types618Manufacturer (07)285Dealer (01)299Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2023All types626Manufacturer (07)287Dealer (01)306Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)11Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2023All types633Manufacturer (07)289Dealer (01)311Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)11Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2023All types634Manufacturer (07)292Dealer (01)309Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)11Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2023All types639Manufacturer (07)294Dealer (01)311Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2023All types635Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)311Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2023All types640Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)315Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2023All types640Manufacturer (07)291Dealer (01)313Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2023All types641Manufacturer (07)287Dealer (01)317Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2023All types642Manufacturer (07)287Dealer (01)318Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2023All types645Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)318Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2023All types644Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)317Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2022All types646Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)319Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2022All types647Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)320Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2022All types647Manufacturer (07)290Dealer (01)320Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)9Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2022All types645Manufacturer (07)286Dealer (01)320Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2022All types643Manufacturer (07)285Dealer (01)319Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2022All types642Manufacturer (07)284Dealer (01)319Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2022All types639Manufacturer (07)279Dealer (01)321Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2022All types640Manufacturer (07)277Dealer (01)324Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2022All typesNot availableManufacturer (07)Not availableDealer (01)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not available
March 2022All types636Sum of 7 reported license typesManufacturer (07)273Dealer (01)324Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2022All types637Manufacturer (07)273Dealer (01)325Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2022All types636Manufacturer (07)272Dealer (01)325Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2021All types633Manufacturer (07)268Dealer (01)326Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2021All types632Manufacturer (07)265Dealer (01)327Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2021All types630Manufacturer (07)262Dealer (01)327Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)15Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2021All types629Manufacturer (07)261Dealer (01)327Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)15Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2021All types630Manufacturer (07)261Dealer (01)328Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)15Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2021All types628Manufacturer (07)256Dealer (01)331Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)14Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2021All typesNot availableManufacturer (07)Not availableDealer (01)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not available
May 2021All types607Sum of 7 reported license typesManufacturer (07)238Dealer (01)330Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2021All types607Manufacturer (07)237Dealer (01)331Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2021All types604Manufacturer (07)236Dealer (01)329Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)11Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2021All types604Manufacturer (07)236Dealer (01)331Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)13Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2021All types606Manufacturer (07)236Dealer (01)334Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)10Importer (08)12Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
Cite a figure from this section (8)

How many background checks does Massachusetts run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 261,773 checks in Massachusetts in 2025, down 12.6% from 2024. Permit checks were 56.9% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 181,676, against 175,063 a year earlier. [4]

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

2025: 261,773 · 2024: 299,437 · 12.6% fewer

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

  • 261,773firearm background checks in Massachusetts in 2025, 148,859 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Permit148,850 56.9%
  2. Handgun63,345 24.2%
  3. Long gun29,660 11.3%
  4. Other firearm15,061 5.8%
  5. Multiple firearms3,723 1.4%
  6. Private sale handgun405 0.2%
  7. All other types729 0.3%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Massachusetts counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 261,773 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in Massachusetts by year
YearChecks
2025Checks261,773
2024Checks299,437
2023Checks231,926
2022Checks227,928
2021Checks259,248
2020Checks262,583
2019Checks212,316
2018Checks211,295
2017Checks206,492
2016Checks226,212
2015Checks167,285
2014Checks179,344
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in Massachusetts by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks251,361
2012Checks210,453
2011Checks153,487
2010Checks115,904
2009Checks98,864
2008Checks119,859
2007Checks165,446
2006Checks137,148
2005Checks105,347
2004Checks112,996
2003Checks131,395
2002Checks94,824
2001Checks66,635
2000Checks54,843
1999Checks24,314
FBI NICS background checks in Massachusetts by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks23,511
July 2026Checks20,415
June 2026Checks20,990
May 2026Checks20,974
April 2026Checks23,826
March 2026Checks28,698
February 2026Checks21,911
January 2026Checks21,351
December 2025Checks20,178
November 2025Checks21,731
October 2025Checks23,528
September 2025Checks21,273
August 2025Checks22,775
July 2025Checks20,612
June 2025Checks19,583
May 2025Checks22,875
April 2025Checks20,842
March 2025Checks24,118
February 2025Checks21,852
January 2025Checks22,406
December 2024Checks20,281
November 2024Checks23,950
October 2024Checks29,709
September 2024Checks26,057
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in Massachusetts by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks28,222
July 2024Checks39,543
June 2024Checks18,295
May 2024Checks20,775
April 2024Checks20,994
March 2024Checks25,344
February 2024Checks23,249
January 2024Checks23,018
December 2023Checks21,654
November 2023Checks23,845
October 2023Checks20,592
September 2023Checks16,086
August 2023Checks18,678
July 2023Checks17,053
June 2023Checks16,068
May 2023Checks17,222
April 2023Checks18,778
March 2023Checks21,888
February 2023Checks19,078
January 2023Checks20,984
December 2022Checks18,846
November 2022Checks20,236
October 2022Checks18,673
September 2022Checks17,567
August 2022Checks20,080
July 2022Checks19,054
June 2022Checks18,507
May 2022Checks17,306
April 2022Checks18,518
March 2022Checks23,708
February 2022Checks18,136
January 2022Checks17,297
December 2021Checks18,710
November 2021Checks18,318
October 2021Checks19,178
September 2021Checks18,819
August 2021Checks20,836
July 2021Checks20,756
June 2021Checks18,490
May 2021Checks19,639
April 2021Checks22,964
March 2021Checks28,257
February 2021Checks23,711
January 2021Checks29,570
December 2020Checks24,487
November 2020Checks27,378
October 2020Checks27,772
September 2020Checks26,145
August 2020Checks24,176
July 2020Checks23,816
June 2020Checks24,165
May 2020Checks16,371
April 2020Checks7,934
March 2020Checks23,579
February 2020Checks18,525
January 2020Checks18,235
December 2019Checks15,069
November 2019Checks16,649
October 2019Checks18,059
September 2019Checks16,991
August 2019Checks19,189
July 2019Checks15,272
June 2019Checks16,256
May 2019Checks18,007
April 2019Checks17,738
March 2019Checks20,670
February 2019Checks18,604
January 2019Checks19,812
December 2018Checks17,968
November 2018Checks19,392
October 2018Checks17,969
September 2018Checks16,320
August 2018Checks17,975
July 2018Checks14,275
June 2018Checks15,930
May 2018Checks18,574
April 2018Checks17,983
March 2018Checks22,326
February 2018Checks16,463
January 2018Checks16,120
December 2017Checks17,941
November 2017Checks17,548
October 2017Checks16,842
September 2017Checks15,460
August 2017Checks16,258
July 2017Checks12,900
June 2017Checks15,841
May 2017Checks16,651
April 2017Checks17,866
March 2017Checks21,059
February 2017Checks18,130
January 2017Checks19,996
December 2016Checks19,842
November 2016Checks21,581
October 2016Checks19,500
September 2016Checks17,481
August 2016Checks18,138
July 2016Checks20,480
June 2016Checks17,743
May 2016Checks15,449
April 2016Checks17,505
March 2016Checks20,450
February 2016Checks17,835
January 2016Checks20,208
December 2015Checks22,723
November 2015Checks15,885
October 2015Checks13,947
September 2015Checks12,092
August 2015Checks12,792
July 2015Checks11,898
June 2015Checks11,383
May 2015Checks11,907
April 2015Checks14,211
March 2015Checks16,296
February 2015Checks11,039
January 2015Checks13,112
December 2014Checks14,332
November 2014Checks13,258
October 2014Checks14,369
September 2014Checks12,394
August 2014Checks13,949
July 2014Checks12,638
June 2014Checks13,474
May 2014Checks14,087
April 2014Checks16,097
March 2014Checks20,176
February 2014Checks16,662
January 2014Checks17,908
December 2013Checks16,407
November 2013Checks18,506
October 2013Checks19,891
September 2013Checks18,583
August 2013Checks21,380
July 2013Checks20,775
June 2013Checks18,481
May 2013Checks20,226
April 2013Checks22,616
March 2013Checks25,220
February 2013Checks21,491
January 2013Checks27,785
December 2012Checks25,251
November 2012Checks21,166
October 2012Checks19,062
September 2012Checks17,519
August 2012Checks17,855
July 2012Checks14,682
June 2012Checks15,165
May 2012Checks15,951
April 2012Checks15,957
March 2012Checks18,697
February 2012Checks15,536
January 2012Checks13,612
December 2011Checks14,572
November 2011Checks12,944
October 2011Checks13,199
September 2011Checks12,509
August 2011Checks12,992
July 2011Checks11,285
June 2011Checks11,643
May 2011Checks12,030
April 2011Checks13,456
March 2011Checks15,402
February 2011Checks11,390
January 2011Checks12,065
December 2010Checks11,887
November 2010Checks11,609
October 2010Checks12,237
September 2010Checks10,818
August 2010Checks9,673
July 2010Checks7,845
June 2010Checks7,959
May 2010Checks7,926
April 2010Checks8,748
March 2010Checks10,018
February 2010Checks8,302
January 2010Checks8,882
December 2009Checks8,378
November 2009Checks8,631
October 2009Checks8,887
September 2009Checks7,681
August 2009Checks6,682
July 2009Checks6,730
June 2009Checks7,487
May 2009Checks7,827
April 2009Checks9,236
March 2009Checks10,135
February 2009Checks8,230
January 2009Checks8,960
December 2008Checks9,196
November 2008Checks9,777
October 2008Checks8,631
September 2008Checks7,857
August 2008Checks8,676
July 2008Checks9,068
June 2008Checks9,128
May 2008Checks10,247
April 2008Checks11,676
March 2008Checks13,113
February 2008Checks11,024
January 2008Checks11,466
December 2007Checks9,923
November 2007Checks12,353
October 2007Checks14,084
September 2007Checks13,517
August 2007Checks14,955
July 2007Checks13,792
June 2007Checks13,681
May 2007Checks14,890
April 2007Checks13,968
March 2007Checks15,587
February 2007Checks13,668
January 2007Checks15,028
December 2006Checks13,574
November 2006Checks12,912
October 2006Checks13,508
September 2006Checks12,414
August 2006Checks11,886
July 2006Checks8,906
June 2006Checks10,599
May 2006Checks9,723
April 2006Checks10,479
March 2006Checks12,696
February 2006Checks9,873
January 2006Checks10,578
December 2005Checks8,920
November 2005Checks8,904
October 2005Checks9,139
September 2005Checks8,699
August 2005Checks8,717
July 2005Checks7,263
June 2005Checks7,458
May 2005Checks7,969
April 2005Checks8,892
March 2005Checks10,764
February 2005Checks8,708
January 2005Checks9,914
December 2004Checks12,430
November 2004Checks9,584
October 2004Checks9,922
September 2004Checks9,547
August 2004Checks8,845
July 2004Checks8,701
June 2004Checks8,088
May 2004Checks7,766
April 2004Checks9,429
March 2004Checks10,213
February 2004Checks8,699
January 2004Checks9,772
December 2003Checks9,835
November 2003Checks8,552
October 2003Checks11,515
September 2003Checks12,672
August 2003Checks9,915
July 2003Checks10,566
June 2003Checks10,576
May 2003Checks12,481
April 2003Checks10,364
March 2003Checks13,102
February 2003Checks10,285
January 2003Checks11,532
December 2002Checks8,426
November 2002Checks10,705
October 2002Checks12,415
September 2002Checks7,535
August 2002Checks7,485
July 2002Checks6,376
June 2002Checks6,631
May 2002Checks6,806
April 2002Checks6,297
March 2002Checks8,054
February 2002Checks6,471
January 2002Checks7,623
December 2001Checks7,673
November 2001Checks6,993
October 2001Checks7,727
September 2001Checks5,533
August 2001Checks4,528
July 2001Checks4,243
June 2001Checks4,307
May 2001Checks4,780
April 2001Checks4,747
March 2001Checks5,747
February 2001Checks5,064
January 2001Checks5,293
December 2000Checks5,394
November 2000Checks6,017
October 2000Checks6,334
September 2000Checks5,253
August 2000Checks6,178
July 2000Checks5,133
June 2000Checks5,311
May 2000Checks2,673
April 2000Checks3,600
March 2000Checks3,547
February 2000Checks2,825
January 2000Checks2,578
December 1999Checks3,498
November 1999Checks3,151
October 1999Checks3,332
September 1999Checks2,344
August 1999Checks2,045
July 1999Checks1,735
June 1999Checks1,542
May 1999Checks1,449
April 1999Checks1,766
March 1999Checks1,593
February 1999Checks1,016
January 1999Checks843
December 1998Checks1,400
November 1998Checks43Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does Massachusetts export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in Massachusetts came to $10.0 million in 2025, across 2 product groups. Rifles were 89.2% of that. [7]

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

2025: $10,017,997 · 2024: $10,661,962 · 6.0% less

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. Rifles$8,939,412
  2. Pistols and revolvers$1,078,585

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Massachusetts, 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. Canada$3,787,023
  2. Germany$1,487,107
  3. Austria$1,158,133
  4. France$907,681
  5. Argentina$580,243
  6. Ukraine$578,061
  7. Poland$348,316
  8. Australia$198,753

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Massachusetts, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 30 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 Massachusetts, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$10,017,9972 product families
2024Exports$10,661,962
2023Exports$24,749,5594 product families
2022Exports$26,327,0013 product families
2021Exports$21,632,4962 product families
2020Exports$12,978,0483 product families
2019Exports$22,983,8034 product families
2018Exports$32,385,5445 product families
2017Exports$36,561,3336 product families
2016Exports$30,772,6334 product families
2015Exports$85,435,4375 product families
2014Exports$66,983,362
Earlier years, 2010–2013
Firearm and ammunition exports from Massachusetts, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010–2013
YearExports
2013Exports$39,234,3166 product families
2012Exports$32,775,0214 product families
2011Exports$27,826,050
2010Exports$25,996,069
Cite a figure from this section (11)

How many hunting licenses does Massachusetts certify?

Massachusetts certified 60,377 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 225,589 resident and 23,528 nonresident licenses, for $4,108,891 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

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

2024: 60,377 · 2023: 62,499 · 3.4% fewer

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

  • 60,377paid hunting-license holders Massachusetts certified for license year 2024; the high was 140,896 in 1967USFWS certifications · 2024 · MassachusettsCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by Massachusetts
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders60,377Resident licenses225,589Nonresident licenses23,528Gross cost$4,108,891
2023Paid license holders62,499Resident licenses233,315Nonresident licenses24,171Gross cost$3,919,000
2022Paid license holders61,865Resident licenses388,465Nonresident licenses22,314Gross cost$3,757,725
2021Paid license holders59,652Resident licenses257,046Nonresident licenses21,719Gross cost$2,595,473
2020Paid license holders58,827Resident licenses250,576Nonresident licenses19,243Gross cost$2,495,578
2019Paid license holders55,139Resident licenses239,101Nonresident licenses17,849Gross cost$2,355,086
2018Paid license holders56,985Resident licenses240,449Nonresident licenses16,202Gross cost$2,367,256
2017Paid license holders57,970Resident licenses244,831Nonresident licenses16,138Gross cost$2,408,754
2016Paid license holders57,921Resident licenses246,052Nonresident licenses15,504Gross cost$2,406,096
2015Paid license holders57,973Resident licenses237,525Nonresident licenses14,687Gross cost$2,380,540
2014Paid license holders59,669Resident licenses238,539Nonresident licenses15,186Gross cost$2,372,184
2013Paid license holders56,797Resident licenses233,037Nonresident licenses13,472Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by Massachusetts, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders61,204Resident licenses237,861Nonresident licenses12,917Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders57,641Resident licenses212,730Nonresident licenses14,757Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders57,346Resident licenses364,612Nonresident licenses25,401Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders59,470Resident licenses220,371Nonresident licenses14,480Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders57,153Resident licenses209,850Nonresident licenses14,596Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders59,158Resident licenses205,422Nonresident licenses15,223Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders57,193Resident licenses204,875Nonresident licenses15,140Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders59,016Resident licenses208,403Nonresident licenses14,110Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders69,500Resident licenses228,081Nonresident licenses7,036Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders56,662Resident licenses204,885Nonresident licenses5,465Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders68,488Resident licenses217,984Nonresident licenses6,115Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders56,662Resident licenses204,885Nonresident licenses5,465Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders68,488Resident licenses217,894Nonresident licenses6,115Gross cost$2,286,070
1999Paid license holders62,024Resident licenses202,164Nonresident licenses5,011Gross cost$2,076,086
1998Paid license holders68,866Resident licenses238,335Nonresident licenses4,991Gross cost$2,359,911
1997Paid license holders74,241Resident licenses237,013Nonresident licenses4,759Gross cost$2,432,062
1996Paid license holders75,070Resident licenses241,027Nonresident licenses8,494Gross cost$2,469,088
1995Paid license holders83,443Resident licenses254,417Nonresident licenses5,074Gross cost$2,655,599
1994Paid license holders61,993Resident licenses245,355Nonresident licenses4,919Gross cost$2,220,787
1993Paid license holders99,397Resident licenses253,693Nonresident licenses10,975Gross cost$1,889,542
1992Paid license holders100,762Resident licenses261,038Nonresident licenses7,347Gross cost$1,907,111
1991Paid license holders100,762Resident licenses261,038Nonresident licenses7,347Gross cost$1,907,111
1990Paid license holders111,971Resident licenses206,572Nonresident licenses4,018Gross cost$1,585,627
1989Paid license holders112,519Resident licenses207,579Nonresident licenses4,382Gross cost$1,599,559
1988Paid license holders116,300Resident licenses208,016Nonresident licenses4,278Gross cost$1,610,271
1987Paid license holders111,876Resident licenses196,959Nonresident licenses3,269Gross cost$1,545,615
1986Paid license holders125,703Resident licenses212,816Nonresident licenses3,674Gross cost$1,695,441
1985Paid license holders96,695Resident licenses179,948Nonresident licenses2,859Gross cost$1,344,351
1984Paid license holders110,457Resident licenses189,478Nonresident licenses3,242Gross cost$1,485,642
1983Paid license holders113,769Resident licenses192,443Nonresident licenses3,017Gross cost$1,508,567
1982Paid license holders108,740Resident licenses181,493Nonresident licenses2,932Gross cost$1,440,042
1981Paid license holders117,800Resident licenses193,685Nonresident licenses3,018Gross cost$1,540,383
1980Paid license holders115,676Resident licenses194,163Nonresident licenses2,824Gross cost$1,344,938
1979Paid license holders118,131Resident licenses189,379Nonresident licenses2,518Gross cost$1,274,975
1978Paid license holders114,631Resident licenses177,679Nonresident licenses2,546Gross cost$1,100,313
1977Paid license holders110,931Resident licenses169,999Nonresident licenses2,250Gross cost$960,783
1976Paid license holders108,570Resident licenses164,387Nonresident licenses1,962Gross cost$941,658
1975Paid license holders106,125Resident licenses187,720Nonresident licenses1,606Gross cost$923,420
1974Paid license holders115,913Resident licenses201,833Nonresident licenses1,704Gross cost$1,007,227
1973Paid license holders111,945Resident licenses197,511Nonresident licenses1,385Gross cost$952,050
1972Paid license holders113,709Resident licenses170,658Nonresident licenses1,533Gross cost$937,348
1971Paid license holders107,389Resident licenses140,286Nonresident licenses1,863Gross cost$763,196
1970Paid license holders120,944Resident licenses158,304Nonresident licenses2,075Gross cost$602,255
1969Paid license holders119,376Resident licenses146,142Nonresident licenses2,271Gross cost$600,806
1968Paid license holders118,518Resident licenses140,686Nonresident licenses1,821Gross cost$565,840
1967Paid license holders140,896Resident licenses139,272Nonresident licenses1,624Gross cost$779,757
1966Paid license holders138,015Resident licenses136,380Nonresident licenses1,635Gross cost$777,741
1965Paid license holders117,389Resident licenses115,324Nonresident licenses2,065Gross cost$582,832
1964Paid license holders135,084Resident licenses133,268Nonresident licenses1,816Gross cost$525,605
1963Paid license holders117,744Resident licenses115,891Nonresident licenses1,853Gross cost$471,239
1962Paid license holders124,353Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders116,537Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders115,975Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders116,809Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders122,371Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders126,414Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders126,460Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does Massachusetts receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $8,289,959 to Massachusetts for fiscal 2026, 4.7% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $11,912,373 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

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

FY 2026: $8,289,959 · FY 2025: $8,696,186 · 4.7% less

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

  • $8,289,959apportioned to Massachusetts for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $11,912,373 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · MassachusettsCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Massachusetts
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$8,289,959
FY 2025Apportioned$8,696,186
FY 2024Apportioned$9,667,166
FY 2023Apportioned$11,912,373
FY 2022Apportioned$11,403,050
FY 2021Apportioned$6,953,778
FY 2020Apportioned$6,203,940
FY 2019Apportioned$6,775,277
FY 2018Apportioned$7,986,372
FY 2017Apportioned$7,664,947
FY 2016Apportioned$6,740,034
FY 2015Apportioned$7,666,174
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Massachusetts, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$7,258,798
FY 2013Apportioned$5,265,754
FY 2012Apportioned$3,833,227
FY 2011Apportioned$3,901,164
FY 2010Apportioned$4,529,149
FY 2009Apportioned$3,299,200
FY 2008Apportioned$3,089,160
FY 2007Apportioned$2,611,045
FY 2006Apportioned$2,208,601
FY 2005Apportioned$2,330,650
FY 2004Apportioned$1,974,680
FY 2003Apportioned$2,044,342
FY 2002Apportioned$1,845,915
FY 2001Apportioned$1,932,233
FY 2000Apportioned$1,695,875
FY 1999Apportioned$1,499,777
FY 1998Apportioned$1,465,244
FY 1997Apportioned$1,549,966
FY 1996Apportioned$2,069,356
FY 1995Apportioned$2,045,033
FY 1994Apportioned$1,845,116
FY 1993Apportioned$1,589,500
FY 1992Apportioned$1,450,500
FY 1991Apportioned$1,604,500
FY 1990Apportioned$1,111,341
FY 1989Apportioned$1,110,000
FY 1988Apportioned$974,500
FY 1987Apportioned$1,026,139
FY 1986Apportioned$915,611
FY 1985Apportioned$750,250
FY 1984Apportioned$828,500
FY 1983Apportioned$1,005,800
FY 1982Apportioned$1,009,300
FY 1981Apportioned$771,970
FY 1980Apportioned$727,200
FY 1979Apportioned$690,400
FY 1978Apportioned$534,500
FY 1977Apportioned$684,500
FY 1976Apportioned$441,250
FY 1975Apportioned$381,100
FY 1974Apportioned$341,075
FY 1973Apportioned$299,762
FY 1972Apportioned$262,528
FY 1971Apportioned$173,483
FY 1970Apportioned$178,308
FY 1969Apportioned$152,741
FY 1968Apportioned$149,591
FY 1967Apportioned$120,608
FY 1966Apportioned$103,589
FY 1965Apportioned$86,311
FY 1964Apportioned$91,444
FY 1963Apportioned$69,830
FY 1962Apportioned$72,795
FY 1961Apportioned$77,285
FY 1960Apportioned$82,930
FY 1959Apportioned$89,309
FY 1958Apportioned$92,026
FY 1957Apportioned$90,494
FY 1956Apportioned$81,319
FY 1955Apportioned$53,822
FY 1954Apportioned$65,027
FY 1953Apportioned$64,356
FY 1952Apportioned$105,739
FY 1951Apportioned$69,227
FY 1950Apportioned$64,557
FY 1949Apportioned$75,220
FY 1948Apportioned$59,574
FY 1947Apportioned$14,810
FY 1946Apportioned$6,064
FY 1945Apportioned$5,279
FY 1944Apportioned$6,144
FY 1943Apportioned$7,153
FY 1942Apportioned$16,501
FY 1941Apportioned$12,988
FY 1940Apportioned$9,177
FY 1939Apportioned$5,834
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does Massachusetts compare?

Massachusetts ranks 9th for firearms made, 42nd for license records, 44th for hunting license holders and 42nd 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$23.1MCaliforniaCA50K2.03K4860.17252K$26.8MColoradoCO2.31K1.68K2790.60379K$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$17.6MMarylandMaineME735547208K$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$14.4MMassachusetts
  • 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 Massachusetts

Research with Massachusetts figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: Massachusetts’s largest filings each year · compare Massachusetts 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: Massachusetts’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: Massachusetts’s license mix against the U.S. · compare Massachusetts with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: Massachusetts’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.

Every figure and series · CSVEvery figure and series · JSONHow we source figures

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, 2001–2020www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, Massachusettswww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeMassachusetts-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.