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North Carolina firearms statistics

How many guns North Carolina 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 North Carolina compares · U.S. statistics · North Carolina directory

  1. 656,267firearms made in North Carolina in 2024, 6th of 50 states and 6.9% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 3,058federal firearms license records, 4th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 581,521paid hunting-license holders, 7th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 681,093FBI background checks in 2025, 25.2% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 1,020private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $63,182 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $22,308,487Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 13th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $64.1 millionof firearms and ammunition exported from North Carolina in 2025, across 4 product groupsCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in North Carolina?

Plants in North Carolina reported making 656,267 firearms in 2024, up 4.8% from 2023. That is 6.9% of U.S. production, 6th among the states. The high was 894,882 in 2021. [1] See gun manufacturers in North Carolina for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in North Carolina, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 656,267 · 2023: 625,961 · 4.8% more

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

  • 656,267firearms reported by plants in North Carolina for 2024, 6.9% of U.S. production; 625,961 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · North CarolinaCite

What North Carolina makes

Rifles were 57.4% of North Carolina production in 2024.

  1. Rifles376,677 57.4%
  2. Pistols261,999 39.9%
  3. Shotguns10,305 1.6%
  4. Revolvers202 <0.1%

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

Largest filings in North Carolina, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. North Carolina had 190 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of North Carolina
1Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.Mayodan · 83.3%Mayodan546,60983.3%
2Del-Ton, Inc.Elizabethtown · 3.6%Elizabethtown23,9513.6%
3Bear Creek Arsenal LLCSanford · 3.1%Sanford20,3913.1%
4Outdoor Colors LLCRutherfordton · 3.1%Rutherfordton20,2913.1%
5WMSR, LLCRutherford College · 2.1%Rutherford College13,6452.1%
6Riley Defense Inc.Hickory · 1.0%Hickory6,5421.0%
7Complete Carry, LLCFletcher · 0.8%Fletcher4,9270.8%
8Palmetto State Armory LLCDenver · 0.7%Denver4,8740.7%
9Trailblazer Firearms LLCFletcher · 0.6%Fletcher4,1030.6%
10James River Armory Inc.Burgaw · 0.2%Burgaw1,4640.2%

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

Production by city

Rutherford College has the most filings (3), and Mayodan reported the most firearms.

  1. Mayodan547,838 2 filings
  2. Elizabethtown23,951 1 filing
  3. Sanford20,408 2 filings
  4. Rutherfordton20,291 1 filing
  5. Rutherford College14,979 3 filings
  6. Fletcher9,110 3 filings
  7. Hickory6,568 2 filings
  8. Denver4,875 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 North Carolina, in all and by type
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotgunsRevolvers
2024Firearms made656,267Rifles376,677Sum of 190 filingsPistols261,999Sum of 190 filingsShotguns10,305Sum of 190 filingsRevolvers202Sum of 190 filings
2023Firearms made625,961Rifles383,726Sum of 161 filingsPistols214,617Sum of 161 filingsShotguns18,968Sum of 161 filingsRevolvers192Sum of 161 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldRiflesNot reportedPistolsNot reportedShotgunsNot reportedRevolversNot reported
2021Firearms made894,882Rifles443,257Sum of 152 filingsPistols436,738Sum of 152 filingsShotguns5,656Sum of 152 filingsRevolvers42Sum of 152 filings
2020Firearms made687,691Rifles353,963Sum of 131 filingsPistols315,751Sum of 131 filingsShotguns12,917Sum of 131 filingsRevolvers18Sum of 131 filings
2019Firearms made533,004Rifles306,726Sum of 94 filingsPistols204,515Sum of 94 filingsShotguns18,007Sum of 94 filingsRevolvers4Sum of 94 filings
2018Firearms made561,619Rifles339,832Sum of 87 filingsPistols194,194Sum of 87 filingsShotguns17,854Sum of 87 filingsRevolvers6Sum of 87 filings
2017Firearms made508,670Rifles297,840Sum of 77 filingsPistols172,334Sum of 77 filingsShotguns19,793Sum of 77 filingsRevolvers3Sum of 77 filings
2016Firearms made427,524Rifles292,210Sum of 67 filingsPistols108,395Sum of 67 filingsShotguns0Sum of 67 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 67 filings
2015Firearms made273,980Rifles190,880Sum of 76 filingsPistols82,861Sum of 76 filingsShotguns2Sum of 76 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 76 filings
2014Firearms made142,206Rifles83,470Sum of 66 filingsPistols57,773Sum of 66 filingsShotguns2Sum of 66 filingsRevolvers3Sum of 66 filings
2013Firearms made84,819Rifles24,258Sum of 52 filingsPistols57,046Sum of 52 filingsShotguns0Sum of 52 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 52 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in North Carolina, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotgunsRevolvers
2012Firearms made69,064Rifles31,208Sum of 55 filingsPistols25,890Sum of 55 filingsShotguns0Sum of 55 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 55 filings
2011Firearms made35,519Rifles9,905Sum of 47 filingsPistols20,346Sum of 47 filingsShotguns59Sum of 47 filingsRevolvers42Sum of 47 filings
2010Firearms made36,415Rifles11,598Sum of 39 filingsPistols24,568Sum of 39 filingsShotguns47Sum of 39 filingsRevolvers27Sum of 39 filings
2009Firearms made36,314Rifles35,308Sum of 32 filingsPistols937Sum of 32 filingsShotguns32Sum of 32 filingsRevolvers21Sum of 32 filings
2008Firearms made4,755Rifles4,672Sum of 25 filingsPistols24Sum of 25 filingsShotguns33Sum of 25 filingsRevolvers17Sum of 25 filings
2007Firearms made1,813Rifles1,715Sum of 13 filingsPistols23Sum of 13 filingsShotguns37Sum of 13 filingsRevolvers16Sum of 13 filings
2006Firearms made136Rifles85Sum of 10 filingsPistols10Sum of 10 filingsShotguns15Sum of 10 filingsRevolvers10Sum of 10 filings
2005Firearms made60Rifles55Sum of 4 filingsPistols5Sum of 4 filingsShotguns0Sum of 4 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 4 filings
2004Firearms made571Rifles97Sum of 5 filingsPistols12Sum of 5 filingsShotguns462Sum of 5 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 5 filings
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in North Carolina?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in North Carolina had 1,020 jobs at 21 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $63,182 a year. Jobs were highest in 2022, at 1,201, the first year BLS counted other ordnance makers too. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, North Carolina, 2009–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 1,020 · 2024: 1,079 · 5.5% fewer

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

  • 1,020private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in North Carolina at 21 establishments, paying $63,182 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · North CarolinaCite
  • 1.29job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 1.3 times as large a share of North Carolina jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $353,684,000shipped by 13 small arms plants with 881 employees and a $43,593,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Wake County2 establishments
  2. Iredell County2 establishments
  3. Mecklenburg County2 establishments
  4. Lee County1 establishment
  5. Burke County1 establishment
  6. Davie County1 establishment
  7. Moore County1 establishment
  8. Rowan 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 17 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)1,020Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$63,182Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$64,430,056Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)21Ammunition (332992)6

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

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)13Ammunition (332992)Withheld
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)881Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)$353,684,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value addedSmall arms (332994)$230,137,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$43,593,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld

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

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, North Carolina
YearJobs
2025Jobs1,020
2024Jobs1,079
2023Jobs1,075
2022Jobs1,201
2021Jobs1,321
2020Jobs1,061
2019Jobs788
2018Jobs660
2017Jobs606
2016Jobs612
2015Jobs363
2014Jobs264
Earlier years, 2009–2013
Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, North Carolina, 2009–2013
YearJobs
2013Jobs133
2012Jobs106
2011JobsNot published
2010JobsNot published
2009Jobs250
Cite a figure from this section (19)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in North Carolina?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 3,058 license records in North Carolina, 10 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 1,704 are dealers and 916 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 North Carolina.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in North Carolina, 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.

  • 3,058federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 3,068 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · North CarolinaCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)1,704 55.7%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)916 30.0%
  3. Pawnbrokers (type 02)307 10.0%
  4. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)58 1.9%
  5. Importers (type 08)46 1.5%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)17 0.6%
  7. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)5 0.2%
  8. Destructive-device importers (type 11)5 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.

Show all 68 months by type
License records in North Carolina by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2026All types3,058Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,704Manufacturer (07)916Pawnbroker (02)307Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Importer (08)46Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)5
July 2026All types3,068Dealer (01)1,709Manufacturer (07)914Pawnbroker (02)310Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)5
June 2026All types3,087Dealer (01)1,721Manufacturer (07)917Pawnbroker (02)312Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)5
May 2026All types3,085Dealer (01)1,724Manufacturer (07)913Pawnbroker (02)312Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)5
April 2026All types3,078Dealer (01)1,726Manufacturer (07)904Pawnbroker (02)312Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)5
March 2026All types3,075Dealer (01)1,719Manufacturer (07)905Pawnbroker (02)312Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)51Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2026All types3,066Dealer (01)1,714Manufacturer (07)901Pawnbroker (02)315Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2026All types3,063Dealer (01)1,714Manufacturer (07)901Pawnbroker (02)314Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2025All types3,053Dealer (01)1,717Manufacturer (07)888Pawnbroker (02)316Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)3
November 2025All types2,855Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)1,615Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)834Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)281Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)58Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)47Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)14Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)3Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)3Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types2,773Dealer (01)1,572Manufacturer (07)815Pawnbroker (02)264Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)3
September 2025All types3,059Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,731Manufacturer (07)875Pawnbroker (02)321Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)3
August 2025All types3,068Dealer (01)1,742Manufacturer (07)868Pawnbroker (02)324Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2025All types3,081Dealer (01)1,753Manufacturer (07)871Pawnbroker (02)323Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2025All types3,084Dealer (01)1,756Manufacturer (07)870Pawnbroker (02)324Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2025All types3,086Dealer (01)1,763Manufacturer (07)862Pawnbroker (02)328Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2025All types3,067Dealer (01)1,756Manufacturer (07)853Pawnbroker (02)328Ammunition manufacturer (06)57Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2025All types3,053Dealer (01)1,756Manufacturer (07)840Pawnbroker (02)327Ammunition manufacturer (06)57Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2025All types3,043Dealer (01)1,753Manufacturer (07)834Pawnbroker (02)326Ammunition manufacturer (06)57Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2025All types3,043Dealer (01)1,752Manufacturer (07)831Pawnbroker (02)332Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2024All types3,034Dealer (01)1,749Manufacturer (07)827Pawnbroker (02)331Ammunition manufacturer (06)56Importer (08)46Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
November 2024All types3,035Dealer (01)1,749Manufacturer (07)827Pawnbroker (02)330Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
October 2024All types3,051Dealer (01)1,758Manufacturer (07)832Pawnbroker (02)332Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
September 2024All types3,039Dealer (01)1,752Manufacturer (07)826Pawnbroker (02)332Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in North Carolina by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2024All types3,059Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,768Manufacturer (07)828Pawnbroker (02)331Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2024All types3,057Dealer (01)1,765Manufacturer (07)828Pawnbroker (02)330Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2024All types3,053Dealer (01)1,761Manufacturer (07)827Pawnbroker (02)330Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2024All types3,057Dealer (01)1,764Manufacturer (07)821Pawnbroker (02)335Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2024All types3,079Dealer (01)1,786Manufacturer (07)813Pawnbroker (02)339Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)52Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2024All types3,085Dealer (01)1,789Manufacturer (07)812Pawnbroker (02)344Ammunition manufacturer (06)65Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2024All types3,091Dealer (01)1,805Manufacturer (07)803Pawnbroker (02)342Ammunition manufacturer (06)66Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2024All types3,100Dealer (01)1,811Manufacturer (07)802Pawnbroker (02)347Ammunition manufacturer (06)65Importer (08)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2023All types3,107Dealer (01)1,819Manufacturer (07)801Pawnbroker (02)351Ammunition manufacturer (06)64Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
November 2023All types3,122Dealer (01)1,826Manufacturer (07)803Pawnbroker (02)355Ammunition manufacturer (06)66Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
October 2023All types3,125Dealer (01)1,830Manufacturer (07)801Pawnbroker (02)356Ammunition manufacturer (06)66Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
September 2023All types3,119Dealer (01)1,831Manufacturer (07)795Pawnbroker (02)355Ammunition manufacturer (06)68Importer (08)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
August 2023All types3,117Dealer (01)1,830Manufacturer (07)792Pawnbroker (02)357Ammunition manufacturer (06)68Importer (08)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
July 2023All types3,118Dealer (01)1,834Manufacturer (07)788Pawnbroker (02)358Ammunition manufacturer (06)67Importer (08)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
June 2023All types3,112Dealer (01)1,842Manufacturer (07)778Pawnbroker (02)358Ammunition manufacturer (06)66Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
May 2023All types3,106Dealer (01)1,851Manufacturer (07)766Pawnbroker (02)359Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)43Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
April 2023All types3,107Dealer (01)1,853Manufacturer (07)762Pawnbroker (02)360Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2023All types3,094Dealer (01)1,851Manufacturer (07)750Pawnbroker (02)363Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2023All types3,097Dealer (01)1,852Manufacturer (07)747Pawnbroker (02)367Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2023All types3,090Dealer (01)1,856Manufacturer (07)737Pawnbroker (02)369Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2022All types3,102Dealer (01)1,865Manufacturer (07)737Pawnbroker (02)372Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
November 2022All types3,095Dealer (01)1,860Manufacturer (07)733Pawnbroker (02)372Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)14Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
October 2022All types3,074Dealer (01)1,853Manufacturer (07)718Pawnbroker (02)375Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)5Destructive-device importer (11)4
September 2022All types3,074Dealer (01)1,855Manufacturer (07)711Pawnbroker (02)376Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
August 2022All types3,058Dealer (01)1,842Manufacturer (07)705Pawnbroker (02)379Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)46Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2022All types3,054Dealer (01)1,846Manufacturer (07)698Pawnbroker (02)378Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)46Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2022All types3,053Dealer (01)1,848Manufacturer (07)697Pawnbroker (02)380Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
May 2022All types3,034Dealer (01)1,838Manufacturer (07)689Pawnbroker (02)377Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
April 2022All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
March 2022All types3,010Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,839Manufacturer (07)663Pawnbroker (02)378Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
February 2022All types3,022Dealer (01)1,844Manufacturer (07)667Pawnbroker (02)381Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)13Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
January 2022All types3,006Dealer (01)1,836Manufacturer (07)661Pawnbroker (02)381Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
December 2021All types3,006Dealer (01)1,839Manufacturer (07)656Pawnbroker (02)381Ammunition manufacturer (06)64Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
November 2021All types3,007Dealer (01)1,841Manufacturer (07)653Pawnbroker (02)384Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)12Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
October 2021All types3,005Dealer (01)1,853Manufacturer (07)642Pawnbroker (02)384Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Importer (08)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
September 2021All types3,006Dealer (01)1,862Manufacturer (07)633Pawnbroker (02)385Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)46Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
August 2021All types2,983Dealer (01)1,857Manufacturer (07)615Pawnbroker (02)387Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Importer (08)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
July 2021All types2,960Dealer (01)1,855Manufacturer (07)600Pawnbroker (02)384Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Importer (08)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)11Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
June 2021All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
May 2021All types2,907Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,829Manufacturer (07)580Pawnbroker (02)385Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Importer (08)39Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
April 2021All types2,915Dealer (01)1,837Manufacturer (07)580Pawnbroker (02)385Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Importer (08)39Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
March 2021All types2,900Dealer (01)1,833Manufacturer (07)573Pawnbroker (02)385Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Importer (08)35Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
February 2021All types2,909Dealer (01)1,842Manufacturer (07)568Pawnbroker (02)391Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Importer (08)34Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)6Destructive-device importer (11)3
January 2021All types2,908Dealer (01)1,842Manufacturer (07)565Pawnbroker (02)394Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Importer (08)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)7Destructive-device importer (11)4
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does North Carolina run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 681,093 checks in North Carolina in 2025, down 1.4% from 2024. Permit checks were 25.2% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 469,722, against 427,810 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in North Carolina per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 681,093 · 2024: 690,628 · 1.4% fewer

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

  • 681,093firearm background checks in North Carolina in 2025, 171,668 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Handgun279,877 41.1%
  2. Permit169,004 24.8%
  3. Long gun151,034 22.2%
  4. Redemption handgun28,417 4.2%
  5. Other firearm14,017 2.1%
  6. Multiple firearms12,798 1.9%
  7. All other types25,946 3.8%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, North Carolina counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 681,093 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in North Carolina by year
YearChecks
2025Checks681,093
2024Checks690,628
2023Checks730,157
2022Checks612,695
2021Checks781,733
2020Checks890,284
2019Checks530,365
2018Checks529,916
2017Checks537,813
2016Checks601,445
2015Checks531,876
2014Checks1,182,349
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in North Carolina by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks574,622
2012Checks489,307
2011Checks375,211
2010Checks331,637
2009Checks368,460
2008Checks347,473
2007Checks289,215
2006Checks290,024
2005Checks271,527
2004Checks276,480
2003Checks264,488
2002Checks268,916
2001Checks289,571
2000Checks290,884
1999Checks309,707
FBI NICS background checks in North Carolina by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks54,188
July 2026Checks53,192
June 2026Checks54,399
May 2026Checks55,211
April 2026Checks58,571
March 2026Checks70,087
February 2026Checks64,006
January 2026Checks60,068
December 2025Checks74,510
November 2025Checks63,385
October 2025Checks60,385
September 2025Checks55,003
August 2025Checks51,621
July 2025Checks47,545
June 2025Checks47,886
May 2025Checks48,687
April 2025Checks50,625
March 2025Checks63,125
February 2025Checks59,503
January 2025Checks58,818
December 2024Checks73,144
November 2024Checks67,015
October 2024Checks56,491
September 2024Checks46,822
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in North Carolina by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks52,587
July 2024Checks49,072
June 2024Checks47,078
May 2024Checks50,736
April 2024Checks56,211
March 2024Checks65,413
February 2024Checks66,643
January 2024Checks59,416
December 2023Checks73,095
November 2023Checks65,490
October 2023Checks56,921
September 2023Checks48,410
August 2023Checks52,536
July 2023Checks50,371
June 2023Checks58,917
May 2023Checks65,227
April 2023Checks83,395
March 2023Checks67,325
February 2023Checks53,785
January 2023Checks54,685
December 2022Checks60,223
November 2022Checks52,080
October 2022Checks45,899
September 2022Checks43,920
August 2022Checks49,063
July 2022Checks44,513
June 2022Checks50,992
May 2022Checks44,641
April 2022Checks47,034
March 2022Checks66,464
February 2022Checks56,914
January 2022Checks50,952
December 2021Checks65,191
November 2021Checks58,875
October 2021Checks53,753
September 2021Checks53,482
August 2021Checks53,133
July 2021Checks56,487
June 2021Checks59,187
May 2021Checks58,045
April 2021Checks75,043
March 2021Checks90,090
February 2021Checks72,430
January 2021Checks86,017
December 2020Checks81,676
November 2020Checks83,270
October 2020Checks81,490
September 2020Checks74,810
August 2020Checks77,846
July 2020Checks82,831
June 2020Checks90,593
May 2020Checks61,155
April 2020Checks67,465
March 2020Checks83,077
February 2020Checks52,252
January 2020Checks53,819
December 2019Checks54,582
November 2019Checks48,107
October 2019Checks42,903
September 2019Checks38,305
August 2019Checks44,438
July 2019Checks36,694
June 2019Checks34,768
May 2019Checks38,637
April 2019Checks42,651
March 2019Checks53,896
February 2019Checks49,154
January 2019Checks46,230
December 2018Checks51,028
November 2018Checks47,992
October 2018Checks39,478
September 2018Checks29,572
August 2018Checks39,800
July 2018Checks35,244
June 2018Checks37,350
May 2018Checks43,211
April 2018Checks47,770
March 2018Checks61,950
February 2018Checks53,082
January 2018Checks43,439
December 2017Checks57,209
November 2017Checks51,839
October 2017Checks43,211
September 2017Checks37,325
August 2017Checks41,122
July 2017Checks34,784
June 2017Checks39,169
May 2017Checks39,413
April 2017Checks39,992
March 2017Checks55,574
February 2017Checks51,627
January 2017Checks46,548
December 2016Checks65,145
November 2016Checks59,658
October 2016Checks49,372
September 2016Checks46,452
August 2016Checks46,518
July 2016Checks44,123
June 2016Checks44,535
May 2016Checks38,727
April 2016Checks43,592
March 2016Checks53,581
February 2016Checks58,096
January 2016Checks51,646
December 2015Checks76,441
November 2015Checks49,217
October 2015Checks46,020
September 2015Checks42,348
August 2015Checks39,565
July 2015Checks37,651
June 2015Checks33,889
May 2015Checks32,357
April 2015Checks37,520
March 2015Checks45,196
February 2015Checks48,473
January 2015Checks43,199
December 2014Checks56,571
November 2014Checks45,758
October 2014Checks43,204
September 2014Checks35,405
August 2014Checks35,184
July 2014Checks31,117
June 2014Checks32,577
May 2014Checks34,589
April 2014Checks59,495
March 2014Checks541,978
February 2014Checks224,667
January 2014Checks41,804
December 2013Checks59,061
November 2013Checks50,272
October 2013Checks40,850
September 2013Checks34,609
August 2013Checks36,326
July 2013Checks33,798
June 2013Checks32,934
May 2013Checks38,695
April 2013Checks46,729
March 2013Checks58,353
February 2013Checks72,694
January 2013Checks70,301
December 2012Checks74,023
November 2012Checks53,692
October 2012Checks40,956
September 2012Checks33,538
August 2012Checks37,343
July 2012Checks30,022
June 2012Checks29,124
May 2012Checks31,590
April 2012Checks31,334
March 2012Checks41,221
February 2012Checks49,479
January 2012Checks36,985
December 2011Checks49,323
November 2011Checks38,647
October 2011Checks31,770
September 2011Checks29,321
August 2011Checks28,308
July 2011Checks22,879
June 2011Checks23,829
May 2011Checks23,166
April 2011Checks26,486
March 2011Checks34,691
February 2011Checks38,046
January 2011Checks28,745
December 2010Checks39,333
November 2010Checks32,825
October 2010Checks28,544
September 2010Checks26,711
August 2010Checks26,494
July 2010Checks22,358
June 2010Checks21,312
May 2010Checks20,806
April 2010Checks23,378
March 2010Checks30,488
February 2010Checks32,128
January 2010Checks27,260
December 2009Checks38,760
November 2009Checks30,279
October 2009Checks29,399
September 2009Checks25,737
August 2009Checks24,625
July 2009Checks22,884
June 2009Checks23,591
May 2009Checks25,730
April 2009Checks31,413
March 2009Checks37,632
February 2009Checks39,872
January 2009Checks38,538
December 2008Checks50,951
November 2008Checks45,424
October 2008Checks31,276
September 2008Checks23,083
August 2008Checks23,533
July 2008Checks21,817
June 2008Checks20,951
May 2008Checks22,466
April 2008Checks24,025
March 2008Checks26,027
February 2008Checks30,838
January 2008Checks27,082
December 2007Checks37,789
November 2007Checks30,995
October 2007Checks25,975
September 2007Checks21,688
August 2007Checks23,387
July 2007Checks17,804
June 2007Checks18,412
May 2007Checks18,741
April 2007Checks18,434
March 2007Checks23,536
February 2007Checks26,192
January 2007Checks26,262
December 2006Checks39,578
November 2006Checks30,759
October 2006Checks26,424
September 2006Checks22,525
August 2006Checks21,914
July 2006Checks17,174
June 2006Checks17,828
May 2006Checks17,722
April 2006Checks17,609
March 2006Checks25,428
February 2006Checks26,722
January 2006Checks26,341
December 2005Checks41,087
November 2005Checks29,392
October 2005Checks25,490
September 2005Checks22,555
August 2005Checks20,772
July 2005Checks16,034
June 2005Checks16,331
May 2005Checks15,489
April 2005Checks17,206
March 2005Checks21,719
February 2005Checks23,501
January 2005Checks21,951
December 2004Checks37,512
November 2004Checks28,490
October 2004Checks24,972
September 2004Checks22,304
August 2004Checks23,935
July 2004Checks16,397
June 2004Checks15,936
May 2004Checks15,522
April 2004Checks18,815
March 2004Checks23,684
February 2004Checks25,119
January 2004Checks23,794
December 2003Checks37,286
November 2003Checks27,707
October 2003Checks26,582
September 2003Checks20,031
August 2003Checks21,568
July 2003Checks15,547
June 2003Checks15,887
May 2003Checks15,734
April 2003Checks17,066
March 2003Checks21,147
February 2003Checks23,950
January 2003Checks21,983
December 2002Checks34,054
November 2002Checks29,216
October 2002Checks26,629
September 2002Checks21,396
August 2002Checks23,077
July 2002Checks16,372
June 2002Checks16,030
May 2002Checks15,989
April 2002Checks17,383
March 2002Checks21,416
February 2002Checks24,556
January 2002Checks22,798
December 2001Checks39,498
November 2001Checks33,064
October 2001Checks33,010
September 2001Checks25,304
August 2001Checks23,803
July 2001Checks16,277
June 2001Checks16,492
May 2001Checks15,681
April 2001Checks16,310
March 2001Checks22,405
February 2001Checks24,393
January 2001Checks23,334
December 2000Checks38,569
November 2000Checks31,520
October 2000Checks26,848
September 2000Checks23,661
August 2000Checks23,641
July 2000Checks17,014
June 2000Checks17,839
May 2000Checks16,974
April 2000Checks18,841
March 2000Checks24,942
February 2000Checks27,125
January 2000Checks23,910
December 1999Checks47,921
November 1999Checks34,673
October 1999Checks29,922
September 1999Checks24,381
August 1999Checks23,651
July 1999Checks18,917
June 1999Checks18,957
May 1999Checks17,945
April 1999Checks19,965
March 1999Checks25,738
February 1999Checks25,866
January 1999Checks21,771
December 1998Checks37,633
November 1998Checks1,310Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does North Carolina export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in North Carolina came to $64.1 million in 2025, across 4 product groups. Cartridges and parts were 48.7% of that. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from North Carolina, 2010–2025 current dollars

2025: $64,067,869 · 2024: $27,934,039 · $36,133,830 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$31,217,299
  2. Rifles$17,528,825
  3. Shotgun shells and parts$12,238,655
  4. Pistols and revolvers$3,083,090

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from North Carolina, 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. Australia$17,014,481
  2. Ukraine$12,685,801
  3. Mexico$7,795,284
  4. Austria$6,521,897
  5. Singapore$5,664,382
  6. United Arab Emirates$4,277,824
  7. Germany$1,710,049
  8. France$1,333,601

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from North Carolina, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 41 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 North Carolina, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$64,067,8694 product families
2024Exports$27,934,0393 product families
2023Exports$25,087,9154 product families
2022Exports$41,789,8253 product families
2021Exports$19,368,416
2020Exports$25,930,3596 product families
2019Exports$30,528,286
2018Exports$17,718,6175 product families
2017Exports$14,226,2586 product families
2016Exports$57,927,3685 product families
2015Exports$14,639,829
2014Exports$83,575,6376 product families
Earlier years, 2010–2013
Firearm and ammunition exports from North Carolina, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010–2013
YearExports
2013Exports$25,796,4696 product families
2012Exports$21,133,3745 product families
2011Exports$17,845,4426 product families
2010Exports$23,341,640
Cite a figure from this section (13)

How many hunting licenses does North Carolina certify?

North Carolina certified 581,521 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024, 1.6 times the 365,635 of 1956. Hunters bought 254,626 resident and 19,377 nonresident licenses, for $13,191,859 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in North Carolina, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 581,521 · 2023: 608,465 · 4.4% fewer

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

  • 581,521paid hunting-license holders North Carolina certified for license year 2024; the high was 654,251 in 2021USFWS certifications · 2024 · North CarolinaCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by North Carolina
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders581,521Resident licenses254,626Nonresident licenses19,377Gross cost$13,191,859
2023Paid license holders608,465Resident licenses282,053Nonresident licenses31,753Gross cost$13,358,774
2022Paid license holders650,361Resident licenses295,936Nonresident licenses31,042Gross cost$13,606,237
2021Paid license holders654,251Resident licenses302,891Nonresident licenses29,324Gross cost$13,165,178
2020Paid license holders633,506Resident licenses287,934Nonresident licenses27,310Gross cost$11,284,475
2019Paid license holders609,131Resident licenses280,656Nonresident licenses26,404Gross cost$10,539,122
2018Paid license holders603,995Resident licenses295,312Nonresident licenses26,732Gross cost$10,669,918
2017Paid license holders592,564Resident licenses302,549Nonresident licenses25,920Gross cost$10,360,344
2016Paid license holders585,766Resident licenses319,136Nonresident licenses25,626Gross cost$10,757,714
2015Paid license holders573,712Resident licenses321,661Nonresident licenses25,463Gross cost$10,551,121
2014Paid license holders570,495Resident licenses336,394Nonresident licenses26,942Gross cost$9,029,600
2013Paid license holders545,032Resident licenses322,552Nonresident licenses24,900Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by North Carolina, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders528,636Resident licenses327,394Nonresident licenses24,832Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders521,717Resident licenses323,558Nonresident licenses35,048Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders505,530Resident licenses318,939Nonresident licenses33,427Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders494,005Resident licenses339,100Nonresident licenses33,269Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders475,375Resident licenses341,331Nonresident licenses31,724Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders460,577Resident licenses516,568Nonresident licenses31,016Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders440,896Resident licenses499,240Nonresident licenses23,534Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders427,608Resident licenses466,203Nonresident licenses22,779Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders438,172Resident licenses474,710Nonresident licenses22,857Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders433,542Resident licenses470,217Nonresident licenses23,728Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders433,135Resident licenses471,648Nonresident licenses24,260Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders433,542Resident licenses470,217Nonresident licenses23,728Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders433,135Resident licenses471,648Nonresident licenses24,260Gross cost$9,649,765
1999Paid license holders425,830Resident licenses464,239Nonresident licenses26,730Gross cost$9,151,545
1998Paid license holders404,562Resident licenses465,493Nonresident licenses25,553Gross cost$8,980,565
1997Paid license holders399,043Resident licenses479,350Nonresident licenses24,727Gross cost$8,922,305
1996Paid license holders384,273Resident licenses469,411Nonresident licenses22,739Gross cost$8,612,760
1995Paid license holders353,606Resident licenses443,481Nonresident licenses23,241Gross cost$7,940,586
1994Paid license holders367,722Resident licenses457,977Nonresident licenses19,336Gross cost$7,976,660
1993Paid license holders367,619Resident licenses447,762Nonresident licenses11,003Gross cost$7,792,552
1992Paid license holders350,497Resident licenses448,278Nonresident licenses9,853Gross cost$5,698,563
1991Paid license holders357,760Resident licenses447,754Nonresident licenses8,004Gross cost$7,297,224
1990Paid license holders359,391Resident licenses451,642Nonresident licenses10,251Gross cost$7,374,240
1989Paid license holders373,145Resident licenses480,842Nonresident licenses10,332Gross cost$7,546,456
1988Paid license holders331,083Resident licenses430,664Nonresident licenses9,954Gross cost$6,830,524
1987Paid license holders335,557Resident licenses440,030Nonresident licenses9,656Gross cost$7,577,750
1986Paid license holders338,238Resident licenses401,949Nonresident licenses9,529Gross cost$6,461,748
1985Paid license holders327,542Resident licenses416,039Nonresident licenses13,711Gross cost$4,883,228
1984Paid license holders329,633Resident licenses422,079Nonresident licenses12,939Gross cost$4,874,363
1983Paid license holders334,169Resident licenses433,810Nonresident licenses12,870Gross cost$4,987,660
1982Paid license holders410,523Resident licenses451,536Nonresident licenses12,011Gross cost$4,938,287
1981Paid license holders351,030Resident licenses508,856Nonresident licenses12,810Gross cost$4,210,747
1980Paid license holders338,435Resident licenses499,518Nonresident licenses11,469Gross cost$4,057,764
1979Paid license holders345,118Resident licenses514,723Nonresident licenses11,394Gross cost$4,077,253
1978Paid license holders353,090Resident licenses538,612Nonresident licenses12,418Gross cost$4,218,801
1977Paid license holders376,718Resident licenses559,160Nonresident licenses13,508Gross cost$3,597,292
1976Paid license holders374,573Resident licenses559,868Nonresident licenses13,068Gross cost$3,537,758
1975Paid license holders378,417Resident licenses564,592Nonresident licenses13,964Gross cost$3,483,703
1974Paid license holders383,755Resident licenses583,119Nonresident licenses13,454Gross cost$3,504,422
1973Paid license holders422,280Resident licenses706,957Nonresident licenses9,905Gross cost$2,783,778
1972Paid license holders436,056Resident licenses694,237Nonresident licenses9,563Gross cost$2,735,632
1971Paid license holders421,531Resident licenses648,675Nonresident licenses9,090Gross cost$2,557,239
1970Paid license holders396,011Resident licenses589,717Nonresident licenses8,588Gross cost$2,349,850
1969Paid license holders408,935Resident licenses597,856Nonresident licenses8,464Gross cost$2,271,781
1968Paid license holders406,948Resident licenses579,954Nonresident licenses8,222Gross cost$2,205,990
1967Paid license holders448,864Resident licenses503,289Nonresident licenses7,591Gross cost$2,356,782
1966Paid license holders437,039Resident licenses483,631Nonresident licenses8,075Gross cost$1,657,651
1965Paid license holders433,331Resident licenses489,543Nonresident licenses7,892Gross cost$1,659,956
1964Paid license holders417,363Resident licenses463,597Nonresident licenses7,495Gross cost$1,483,146
1963Paid license holders413,269Resident licenses457,905Nonresident licenses7,505Gross cost$1,508,067
1962Paid license holders396,899Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders385,987Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders382,518Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders394,328Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders384,182Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders386,654Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders365,635Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does North Carolina receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $22,308,487 to North Carolina for fiscal 2026, 10.2% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $33,642,043 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to North Carolina, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $22,308,487 · FY 2025: $24,850,625 · 10.2% less

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

  • $22,308,487apportioned to North Carolina for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $33,642,043 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · North CarolinaCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to North Carolina
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$22,308,487
FY 2025Apportioned$24,850,625
FY 2024Apportioned$27,654,765
FY 2023Apportioned$33,642,043
FY 2022Apportioned$31,334,954
FY 2021Apportioned$18,809,557
FY 2020Apportioned$16,626,074
FY 2019Apportioned$18,198,167
FY 2018Apportioned$21,338,737
FY 2017Apportioned$20,734,869
FY 2016Apportioned$18,446,736
FY 2015Apportioned$21,315,164
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to North Carolina, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$19,932,347
FY 2013Apportioned$13,641,695
FY 2012Apportioned$9,440,769
FY 2011Apportioned$9,654,257
FY 2010Apportioned$11,795,308
FY 2009Apportioned$8,291,439
FY 2008Apportioned$7,437,810
FY 2007Apportioned$6,308,429
FY 2006Apportioned$5,414,947
FY 2005Apportioned$5,642,181
FY 2004Apportioned$4,920,679
FY 2003Apportioned$4,829,534
FY 2002Apportioned$4,370,014
FY 2001Apportioned$4,624,376
FY 2000Apportioned$4,153,277
FY 1999Apportioned$3,434,482
FY 1998Apportioned$3,282,762
FY 1997Apportioned$3,567,630
FY 1996Apportioned$4,329,938
FY 1995Apportioned$4,473,679
FY 1994Apportioned$3,882,785
FY 1993Apportioned$3,409,269
FY 1992Apportioned$3,078,923
FY 1991Apportioned$3,275,194
FY 1990Apportioned$2,401,709
FY 1989Apportioned$2,406,726
FY 1988Apportioned$2,205,476
FY 1987Apportioned$2,202,658
FY 1986Apportioned$2,122,013
FY 1985Apportioned$1,616,730
FY 1984Apportioned$1,762,265
FY 1983Apportioned$2,152,975
FY 1982Apportioned$2,355,765
FY 1981Apportioned$1,736,011
FY 1980Apportioned$1,819,670
FY 1979Apportioned$1,699,471
FY 1978Apportioned$1,307,308
FY 1977Apportioned$1,805,308
FY 1976Apportioned$1,267,150
FY 1975Apportioned$1,164,362
FY 1974Apportioned$1,006,556
FY 1973Apportioned$867,847
FY 1972Apportioned$745,153
FY 1971Apportioned$681,928
FY 1970Apportioned$698,988
FY 1969Apportioned$671,456
FY 1968Apportioned$576,457
FY 1967Apportioned$512,460
FY 1966Apportioned$411,536
FY 1965Apportioned$353,591
FY 1964Apportioned$363,248
FY 1963Apportioned$290,922
FY 1962Apportioned$288,219
FY 1961Apportioned$300,852
FY 1960Apportioned$312,438
FY 1959Apportioned$339,780
FY 1958Apportioned$348,953
FY 1957Apportioned$339,320
FY 1956Apportioned$297,812
FY 1955Apportioned$196,556
FY 1954Apportioned$232,706
FY 1953Apportioned$201,506
FY 1952Apportioned$343,507
FY 1951Apportioned$170,881
FY 1950Apportioned$190,920
FY 1949Apportioned$186,120
FY 1948Apportioned$129,448
FY 1947Apportioned$35,665
FY 1946Apportioned$13,015
FY 1945Apportioned$14,037
FY 1944Apportioned$16,522
FY 1943Apportioned$20,307
FY 1942Apportioned$47,864
FY 1941Apportioned$44,732
FY 1940Apportioned$27,399
FY 1939Apportioned$17,418
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does North Carolina compare?

North Carolina ranks 6th for firearms made, 4th for license records, 9th for small arms jobs, 15th for job concentration, 7th for hunting license holders and 13th 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$17.6MMassachusettsMarylandMaineME735547208K$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 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$14.4MNorth CarolinaNC656K3.06K1.02K1.29582K$22.3M
  • 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 North Carolina

Research with North Carolina figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: North Carolina’s largest filings each year · compare North Carolina 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: North Carolina’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: North Carolina’s license mix against the U.S. · compare North Carolina with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: North Carolina’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, 2009–2025www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, North Carolinawww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeNorth Carolina-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.