South Dakota firearms statistics

Name: South Dakota firearms statistics
Creator: USA Arms
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How many guns South Dakota 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 South Dakota compares · U.S. statistics · South Dakota directory

1,896firearms made in South Dakota in 2024, 43rd of 50 states and <0.1% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
646federal firearms license records, 40th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
222,875paid hunting-license holders, 32nd of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
69,679FBI background checks in 2025, 12.4% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
80private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $49,414 on averageBLS · 2025
$14,329,482Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 31st of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
$364,764of firearms and ammunition exported from South Dakota in 2025, all in one product groupCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in South Dakota?

Plants in South Dakota reported making 1,896 firearms in 2024, up 3.1% from 2023. That is <0.1% of U.S. production, 43rd among the states. The high was 185,257 in 2016. [1] See gun manufacturers in South Dakota for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in South Dakota, 2004–2024 firearms

Hatched: withheld

2024: 1,896 · 2023: 1,839 · 3.1% more

2022 withheld1,8962,8482,040185,2571,8962,8482,040185,257185,257

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

1,896firearms reported by plants in South Dakota for 2024, <0.1% of U.S. production; 1,839 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · South DakotaCite

What South Dakota makes

Rifles were 29.9% of South Dakota production in 2024.

Rifles566 29.9%
Pistols107 5.6%
Shotguns11 0.6%
Revolvers10 0.5%

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

Largest filings in South Dakota, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. South Dakota had 33 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#	Filing	Plant city	Firearms, 2024	Share of South Dakota
1	West River Rifle Company LLCSturgis · 56.1%	Sturgis	1,064	56.1%
2	TS Customs LLCMiller · 13.5%	Miller	256	13.5%
3	Rabland, LLCSturgis · 9.7%	Sturgis	184	9.7%
4	H S Precision Inc.Rapid City · 4.5%	Rapid City	86	4.5%
5	Powder River Precision Inc.Clark · 3.6%	Clark	68	3.6%
6	Jaeden Guns and Ammo, LLCYankton · 2.4%	Yankton	45	2.4%
7	Individual licenseeEagle Butte · 1.1%	Eagle Butte	21	1.1%
8	Tacticool Solutions LLCSioux Falls · 1.0%	Sioux Falls	19	1.0%
9	Satterlee Arms LLCDeadwood · 0.8%	Deadwood	16	0.8%
10	Kilo Arms LLCSturgis · 0.8%	Sturgis	15	0.8%

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

Production by city

Each city’s figure adds up what the plants there reported.

Sturgis1,267 4 filings
Miller256 1 filing
Rapid City96 4 filings
Clark68 1 filing
Yankton45 1 filing
Sioux Falls32 3 filings
Eagle Butte21 1 filing
Deadwood16 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.

Who makes America's guns?South Dakota’s largest filings each year · compare South Dakota with another state or year

Show all 21 years

Firearms made in South Dakota, in all and by type
Year	Firearms made	Rifles	Pistols	Shotguns	Revolvers
2024	Firearms made1,896	Rifles566Sum of 33 filings	Pistols107Sum of 33 filings	Shotguns11Sum of 33 filings	Revolvers10Sum of 33 filings
2023	Firearms made1,839	Rifles600Sum of 24 filings	Pistols71Sum of 24 filings	Shotguns4Sum of 24 filings	Revolvers9Sum of 24 filings
2022	Firearms madeWithheld	RiflesNot reported	PistolsNot reported	ShotgunsNot reported	RevolversNot reported
2021	Firearms made906	Rifles465Sum of 20 filings	Pistols75Sum of 20 filings	Shotguns2Sum of 20 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 20 filings
2020	Firearms made785	Rifles444Sum of 18 filings	Pistols65Sum of 18 filings	Shotguns0Sum of 18 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 18 filings
2019	Firearms made1,143	Rifles978Sum of 17 filings	Pistols23Sum of 17 filings	Shotguns3Sum of 17 filings	Revolvers1Sum of 17 filings
2018	Firearms made931	Rifles759Sum of 13 filings	Pistols100Sum of 13 filings	Shotguns9Sum of 13 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 13 filings
2017	Firearms made1,233	Rifles1,010Sum of 9 filings	Pistols57Sum of 9 filings	Shotguns0Sum of 9 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 9 filings
2016	Firearms made185,257	Rifles185,150Sum of 8 filings	Pistols9Sum of 8 filings	Shotguns0Sum of 8 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 8 filings
2015	Firearms made1,802	Rifles1,130	Pistols520	Shotguns0	Revolvers0
2014	Firearms made1,253	Rifles1,225Sum of 7 filings	Pistols14Sum of 7 filings	Shotguns1Sum of 7 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 7 filings
2013	Firearms made1,294	Rifles1,286	Pistols0	Shotguns0	Revolvers0

Earlier years, 2004–2012

Firearms made in South Dakota, in all and by type, 2004–2012
Year	Firearms made	Rifles	Pistols	Shotguns	Revolvers
2012	Firearms made1,856	Rifles891Sum of 12 filings	Pistols864Sum of 12 filings	Shotguns3Sum of 12 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 12 filings
2011	Firearms made2,848	Rifles1,145Sum of 15 filings	Pistols1,587Sum of 15 filings	Shotguns8Sum of 15 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 15 filings
2010	Firearms made1,498	Rifles1,212Sum of 13 filings	Pistols3Sum of 13 filings	Shotguns3Sum of 13 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 13 filings
2009	Firearms made773	Rifles757Sum of 9 filings	Pistols11Sum of 9 filings	Shotguns5Sum of 9 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 9 filings
2008	Firearms made1,487	Rifles1,274Sum of 8 filings	Pistols1Sum of 8 filings	Shotguns29Sum of 8 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 8 filings
2007	Firearms made1,984	Rifles1,646Sum of 9 filings	Pistols19Sum of 9 filings	Shotguns48Sum of 9 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 9 filings
2006	Firearms made2,040	Rifles1,552Sum of 5 filings	Pistols23Sum of 5 filings	Shotguns132Sum of 5 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 5 filings
2005	Firearms made1,902	Rifles1,306Sum of 6 filings	Pistols22Sum of 6 filings	Shotguns114Sum of 6 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 6 filings
2004	Firearms made1,817	Rifles1,178Sum of 5 filings	Pistols11Sum of 5 filings	Shotguns79Sum of 5 filings	Revolvers0Sum of 5 filings

Cite a figure from this section (24)

In 2024, 1,896 firearms were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report.Cite
In 2024, 566 rifles were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2024, 107 pistols were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2024, 11 shotguns were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2024, 10 revolvers were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2023, 1,839 firearms were manufactured in South Dakota, as reported to ATF in the Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (WEST RIVER RIFLE COMPANY LLC, Sturgis) reported 1,064 firearms made in Sturgis, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (TS CUSTOMS LLC, Miller) reported 256 firearms made in Miller, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (RABLAND, LLC, Sturgis) reported 184 firearms made in Sturgis, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (H S PRECISION INC, Rapid City) reported 86 firearms made in Rapid City, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (POWDER RIVER PRECISION INC, Clark) reported 68 firearms made in Clark, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (JAEDEN GUNS AND AMMO, LLC, Yankton) reported 45 firearms made in Yankton, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (one licensee) reported 21 firearms made in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (TACTICOOL SOLUTIONS LLC, Sioux Falls) reported 19 firearms made in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (SATTERLEE ARMS LLC, Deadwood) reported 16 firearms made in Deadwood, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, one ATF manufacturing filing (KILO ARMS LLC, Sturgis) reported 15 firearms made in Sturgis, South Dakota.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Sturgis, South Dakota reported 1,267 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Miller, South Dakota reported 256 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Rapid City, South Dakota reported 96 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Clark, South Dakota reported 68 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Yankton, South Dakota reported 45 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Sioux Falls, South Dakota reported 32 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Eagle Butte, South Dakota reported 21 firearms made.Cite
In 2024, ATF manufacturing filings in Deadwood, South Dakota reported 16 firearms made.Cite

How many people make firearms in South Dakota?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in South Dakota had 80 jobs at 7 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $49,414 a year. Jobs were highest in 2022, at 95, the first year BLS counted other ordnance makers too. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, South Dakota, 1999–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 80 · 2024: 82 · 2.4% fewer

From 2022, includes other ordnance808080

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

80private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in South Dakota at 7 establishments, paying $49,414 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · South DakotaCite
1.09job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 1.1 times as large a share of South Dakota jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
$69,712,000shipped by 7 small arms plants with 177 employees and a $10,964,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

Meade County3 establishments
Pennington County2 establishments
Brown County1 establishment
Clark 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 27 years · jobs, pay and plants

Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
Measure	Small arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)	Ammunition (332992)
Jobs	Small arms (332994)80	Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual pay	Small arms (332994)$49,414	Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wages	Small arms (332994)$3,969,575	Ammunition (332992)Not published
Establishments	Small arms (332994)7	Ammunition (332992)2

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

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
Measure	Small arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)	Ammunition (332992)
Establishments	Small arms (332994)7	Ammunition (332992)4
Employees	Small arms (332994)177	Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value of shipments	Small arms (332994)$69,712,000	Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value added	Small arms (332994)$44,437,000	Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Annual payroll	Small arms (332994)$10,964,000	Ammunition (332992)Withheld

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

Private firearm industry jobs by year, South Dakota
Year	Small arms jobs	Ammunition jobs
2025	Small arms jobs80	Ammunition jobsNot published
2024	Small arms jobs82	Ammunition jobsNot published
2023	Small arms jobs87	Ammunition jobsNot published
2022	Small arms jobs95	Ammunition jobsNot published
2021	Small arms jobs84	Ammunition jobsNot published
2020	Small arms jobs100	Ammunition jobsNot published
2019	Small arms jobs115	Ammunition jobsNot published
2018	Small arms jobs103	Ammunition jobsNot published
2017	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published
2016	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published
2015	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published
2014	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published

Earlier years, 1990–2013

Private firearm industry jobs by year, South Dakota, 1990–2013
Year	Small arms jobs	Ammunition jobs
2013	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published
2012	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs135
2011	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs140
2010	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs171
2009	Small arms jobs100	Ammunition jobs179
2008	Small arms jobs120	Ammunition jobs152
2007	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobsNot published
2006	Small arms jobs124	Ammunition jobs151
2005	Small arms jobs148	Ammunition jobsNot published
2004	Small arms jobs141	Ammunition jobs124
2003	Small arms jobs120	Ammunition jobsNot published
2002	Small arms jobs114	Ammunition jobs109
2001	Small arms jobs134	Ammunition jobs94
2000	Small arms jobs139	Ammunition jobs112
1999	Small arms jobs118	Ammunition jobs121
1998	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs109
1997	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs95
1996	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs89
1995	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs84
1992	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs68
1991	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs63
1990	Small arms jobsNot published	Ammunition jobs48

Cite a figure from this section (19)

In 2025, private employers in South Dakota had 80 jobs in small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2025, private small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing in South Dakota had an employment location quotient of 1.09, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Above 1, the industry’s share of jobs there is larger than its share nationally.Cite
In 2025, private employers in South Dakota paid $3,969,575 in total wages for small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing jobs, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2022, small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturers in South Dakota shipped products worth $69,712,000, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
BLS did not publish the 2025 job count for private ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota in its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2025, average annual pay for private small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing jobs in South Dakota was $49,414, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
BLS did not publish the 2025 average annual pay for private ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota in its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
BLS did not publish the 2025 total wages for private ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota in its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2025, South Dakota had 7 private small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing establishments, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2025, South Dakota had 2 private ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing establishments, according to the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.Cite
In 2022, South Dakota had 7 small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing establishments, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
In 2022, South Dakota had 4 ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing establishments, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
In 2022, small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturers in South Dakota had 177 employees, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
The 2022 Economic Census withheld the employee count for ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota.Cite
The 2022 Economic Census withheld the value of shipments for ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota.Cite
In 2022, small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturing in South Dakota added $44,437,000 in value, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
The 2022 Economic Census withheld the value added for ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota.Cite
In 2022, small arms, ordnance and accessories (NAICS 332994) manufacturers in South Dakota had an annual payroll of $10,964,000, according to the 2022 Economic Census.Cite
The 2022 Economic Census withheld the annual payroll for ammunition (NAICS 332992) manufacturing in South Dakota.Cite

How many federal firearms licenses are there in South Dakota?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 646 license records in South Dakota, 7 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 440 are dealers and 151 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 South Dakota.

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

Dealers (type 01)
Manufacturers (type 07)

440151440151440151

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.

646federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 7 listed types together; 653 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · South DakotaCite

License types, August 2026

Dealers (type 01)440 68.1%
Manufacturers (type 07)151 23.4%
Pawnbrokers (type 02)29 4.5%
Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)15 2.3%
Importers (type 08)5 0.8%
Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)5 0.8%
Destructive-device importers (type 11)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 destructive-device dealer (type 09) records for South Dakota. They are left out, not counted as zero.

How do federal firearms license counts and types differ by state?South Dakota’s license mix against the U.S. · compare South Dakota with another state

Show all 68 months by type

License records in South Dakota by type, by month
Month	All listed types	Dealer (01)	Manufacturer (07)	Pawnbroker (02)	Ammunition manufacturer (06)	Importer (08)	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)	Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2026	All types646Sum of 7 reported license types	Dealer (01)440	Manufacturer (07)151	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5	Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2026	All types649	Dealer (01)444	Manufacturer (07)150	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5	Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2026	All types653	Dealer (01)449	Manufacturer (07)149	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)5	Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2026	All types649	Dealer (01)449	Manufacturer (07)147	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)14	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4	Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2026	All types646Sum of 6 reported license types	Dealer (01)449	Manufacturer (07)147	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)14	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
March 2026	All types644	Dealer (01)451	Manufacturer (07)142	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
February 2026	All types643	Dealer (01)451	Manufacturer (07)141	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
January 2026	All types643	Dealer (01)451	Manufacturer (07)141	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
December 2025	All types646	Dealer (01)452	Manufacturer (07)142	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
November 2025	All types624Sum of 6 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Dealer (01)438Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Manufacturer (07)136Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Pawnbroker (02)28Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Importer (08)4Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
October 2025	All types597	Dealer (01)421	Manufacturer (07)128	Pawnbroker (02)26	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)4	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
September 2025	All types653Sum of 7 reported license types	Dealer (01)453	Manufacturer (07)149	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)5	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2025	All types653	Dealer (01)454	Manufacturer (07)147	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2025	All types646	Dealer (01)447	Manufacturer (07)147	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2025	All types648	Dealer (01)448	Manufacturer (07)148	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)15	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2025	All types651	Dealer (01)450	Manufacturer (07)148	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2025	All types649	Dealer (01)450	Manufacturer (07)146	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2025	All types652	Dealer (01)451	Manufacturer (07)148	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2025	All types655	Dealer (01)454	Manufacturer (07)148	Pawnbroker (02)27	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2025	All types654	Dealer (01)455	Manufacturer (07)145	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2024	All types653	Dealer (01)454	Manufacturer (07)145	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2024	All types653	Dealer (01)454	Manufacturer (07)145	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2024	All types651	Dealer (01)453	Manufacturer (07)144	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2024	All types652	Dealer (01)453	Manufacturer (07)144	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1

Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024

License records in South Dakota by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
Month	All listed types	Dealer (01)	Manufacturer (07)	Pawnbroker (02)	Ammunition manufacturer (06)	Importer (08)	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)	Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2024	All types656Sum of 7 reported license types	Dealer (01)456	Manufacturer (07)145	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2024	All types659	Dealer (01)457	Manufacturer (07)146	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)18	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2024	All types654	Dealer (01)454	Manufacturer (07)145	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2024	All types649	Dealer (01)455	Manufacturer (07)139	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)18	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2024	All types654	Dealer (01)460	Manufacturer (07)140	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2024	All types649	Dealer (01)458	Manufacturer (07)137	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2024	All types652	Dealer (01)462	Manufacturer (07)135	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2024	All types651	Dealer (01)463	Manufacturer (07)134	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2023	All types651	Dealer (01)462	Manufacturer (07)135	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2023	All types649	Dealer (01)463	Manufacturer (07)133	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2023	All types648	Dealer (01)464	Manufacturer (07)131	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
September 2023	All types651	Dealer (01)467	Manufacturer (07)131	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2023	All types649	Dealer (01)467	Manufacturer (07)129	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2023	All types646	Dealer (01)468	Manufacturer (07)124	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2023	All types648	Dealer (01)470	Manufacturer (07)124	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2023	All types644	Dealer (01)467	Manufacturer (07)122	Pawnbroker (02)30	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2023	All types637	Dealer (01)466	Manufacturer (07)118	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
March 2023	All types637	Dealer (01)468	Manufacturer (07)116	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
February 2023	All types641	Dealer (01)471	Manufacturer (07)117	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
January 2023	All types641	Dealer (01)471	Manufacturer (07)117	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
December 2022	All types643	Dealer (01)473	Manufacturer (07)117	Pawnbroker (02)28	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
November 2022	All types646	Dealer (01)475	Manufacturer (07)117	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)1
October 2022	All types643Sum of 6 reported license types	Dealer (01)475	Manufacturer (07)115	Pawnbroker (02)29	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
September 2022	All types648Sum of 7 reported license types	Dealer (01)477	Manufacturer (07)113	Pawnbroker (02)32	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
August 2022	All types645	Dealer (01)476	Manufacturer (07)111	Pawnbroker (02)32	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
July 2022	All types649	Dealer (01)476	Manufacturer (07)113	Pawnbroker (02)34	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
June 2022	All types645	Dealer (01)473	Manufacturer (07)111	Pawnbroker (02)35	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
May 2022	All types644	Dealer (01)474	Manufacturer (07)109	Pawnbroker (02)35	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)1
April 2022	All typesNot available	Dealer (01)Not available	Manufacturer (07)Not available	Pawnbroker (02)Not available	Ammunition manufacturer (06)Not available	Importer (08)Not available	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Not available	Destructive-device importer (11)Not available
March 2022	All types637Sum of 6 reported license types	Dealer (01)473	Manufacturer (07)105	Pawnbroker (02)35	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
February 2022	All types637	Dealer (01)476	Manufacturer (07)102	Pawnbroker (02)35	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
January 2022	All types632	Dealer (01)473	Manufacturer (07)98	Pawnbroker (02)37	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
December 2021	All types633	Dealer (01)474	Manufacturer (07)97	Pawnbroker (02)38	Ammunition manufacturer (06)16	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
November 2021	All types634	Dealer (01)476	Manufacturer (07)95	Pawnbroker (02)38	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
October 2021	All types632	Dealer (01)478	Manufacturer (07)90	Pawnbroker (02)39	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
September 2021	All types635	Dealer (01)478	Manufacturer (07)91	Pawnbroker (02)41	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
August 2021	All types634	Dealer (01)477	Manufacturer (07)91	Pawnbroker (02)41	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
July 2021	All types632	Dealer (01)477	Manufacturer (07)87	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)19	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
June 2021	All typesNot available	Dealer (01)Not available	Manufacturer (07)Not available	Pawnbroker (02)Not available	Ammunition manufacturer (06)Not available	Importer (08)Not available	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Not available	Destructive-device importer (11)Not available
May 2021	All types626Sum of 6 reported license types	Dealer (01)477	Manufacturer (07)82	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)18	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
April 2021	All types617	Dealer (01)470	Manufacturer (07)80	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)18	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
March 2021	All types613	Dealer (01)471	Manufacturer (07)76	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
February 2021	All types612	Dealer (01)472	Manufacturer (07)75	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported
January 2021	All types610	Dealer (01)473	Manufacturer (07)72	Pawnbroker (02)40	Ammunition manufacturer (06)17	Importer (08)6	Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2	Destructive-device importer (11)Not reported

Cite a figure from this section (8)

In August 2026, South Dakota had 646 federal firearms license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 440 dealer (type 01) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 151 manufacturer (type 07) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 29 pawnbroker (type 02) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 15 ammunition manufacturer (type 06) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 5 importer (type 08) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 5 destructive device manufacturer (type 10) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite
In August 2026, South Dakota had 1 destructive device importer (type 11) license records in ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensee listings.Cite

How many background checks does South Dakota run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 69,679 checks in South Dakota in 2025, down 7.2% from 2024. Permit checks were 12.4% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 44,936, against 41,271 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in South Dakota per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 69,679 · 2024: 75,109 · 7.2% fewer

115,448115,448115,448

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

69,679firearm background checks in South Dakota in 2025, 8,671 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

Long gun34,123 49.0%
Handgun21,451 30.8%
Permit8,587 12.3%
Multiple firearms1,485 2.1%
Other firearm1,439 2.1%
Redemption handgun993 1.4%
All other types1,601 2.3%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, South Dakota counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 69,679 checks.

Show every year and month

FBI NICS background checks in South Dakota by year
Year	Checks
2025	Checks69,679
2024	Checks75,109
2023	Checks77,599
2022	Checks87,589
2021	Checks106,881
2020	Checks115,448
2019	Checks85,426
2018	Checks90,693
2017	Checks98,573
2016	Checks111,921
2015	Checks100,268
2014	Checks83,659

Earlier years, 1999–2013

FBI NICS background checks in South Dakota by year, 1999–2013
Year	Checks
2013	Checks92,055
2012	Checks88,447
2011	Checks69,654
2010	Checks63,151
2009	Checks63,748
2008	Checks62,489
2007	Checks54,013
2006	Checks52,675
2005	Checks50,768
2004	Checks50,323
2003	Checks47,683
2002	Checks44,282
2001	Checks40,861
2000	Checks36,723
1999	Checks31,327

FBI NICS background checks in South Dakota by month
Month	Checks
August 2026	Checks5,580
July 2026	Checks4,620
June 2026	Checks4,673
May 2026	Checks4,943
April 2026	Checks6,034
March 2026	Checks6,759
February 2026	Checks6,198
January 2026	Checks6,129
December 2025	Checks7,305
November 2025	Checks7,226
October 2025	Checks7,625
September 2025	Checks6,252
August 2025	Checks5,156
July 2025	Checks4,575
June 2025	Checks4,281
May 2025	Checks4,498
April 2025	Checks5,207
March 2025	Checks6,334
February 2025	Checks5,431
January 2025	Checks5,789
December 2024	Checks7,500
November 2024	Checks8,278
October 2024	Checks8,045
September 2024	Checks5,831

Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024

FBI NICS background checks in South Dakota by month, November 1998 – August 2024
Month	Checks
August 2024	Checks5,713
July 2024	Checks5,032
June 2024	Checks4,566
May 2024	Checks4,973
April 2024	Checks5,931
March 2024	Checks7,049
February 2024	Checks6,415
January 2024	Checks5,776
December 2023	Checks8,532
November 2023	Checks8,355
October 2023	Checks8,328
September 2023	Checks6,148
August 2023	Checks5,559
July 2023	Checks4,620
June 2023	Checks4,821
May 2023	Checks5,052
April 2023	Checks6,374
March 2023	Checks7,671
February 2023	Checks6,277
January 2023	Checks5,862
December 2022	Checks7,816
November 2022	Checks8,577
October 2022	Checks8,737
September 2022	Checks7,293
August 2022	Checks7,158
July 2022	Checks6,236
June 2022	Checks5,999
May 2022	Checks5,639
April 2022	Checks7,373
March 2022	Checks8,903
February 2022	Checks7,322
January 2022	Checks6,536
December 2021	Checks9,034
November 2021	Checks8,717
October 2021	Checks10,049
September 2021	Checks7,924
August 2021	Checks7,440
July 2021	Checks6,744
June 2021	Checks5,973
May 2021	Checks7,275
April 2021	Checks9,516
March 2021	Checks12,430
February 2021	Checks9,208
January 2021	Checks12,571
December 2020	Checks11,737
November 2020	Checks12,543
October 2020	Checks11,563
September 2020	Checks9,707
August 2020	Checks9,280
July 2020	Checks8,612
June 2020	Checks9,844
May 2020	Checks7,379
April 2020	Checks8,487
March 2020	Checks11,332
February 2020	Checks7,962
January 2020	Checks7,002
December 2019	Checks8,999
November 2019	Checks8,510
October 2019	Checks8,783
September 2019	Checks6,932
August 2019	Checks6,971
July 2019	Checks5,323
June 2019	Checks5,566
May 2019	Checks5,792
April 2019	Checks6,581
March 2019	Checks8,174
February 2019	Checks6,992
January 2019	Checks6,803
December 2018	Checks9,052
November 2018	Checks9,456
October 2018	Checks9,023
September 2018	Checks7,305
August 2018	Checks7,156
July 2018	Checks5,385
June 2018	Checks5,779
May 2018	Checks5,720
April 2018	Checks7,040
March 2018	Checks10,135
February 2018	Checks8,086
January 2018	Checks6,556
December 2017	Checks10,507
November 2017	Checks9,908
October 2017	Checks9,244
September 2017	Checks7,457
August 2017	Checks6,686
July 2017	Checks6,068
June 2017	Checks6,704
May 2017	Checks7,004
April 2017	Checks7,857
March 2017	Checks9,770
February 2017	Checks9,754
January 2017	Checks7,614
December 2016	Checks10,739
November 2016	Checks11,622
October 2016	Checks12,670
September 2016	Checks9,284
August 2016	Checks7,873
July 2016	Checks7,406
June 2016	Checks7,519
May 2016	Checks6,403
April 2016	Checks8,275
March 2016	Checks9,178
February 2016	Checks10,732
January 2016	Checks10,220
December 2015	Checks14,660
November 2015	Checks9,727
October 2015	Checks10,920
September 2015	Checks7,949
August 2015	Checks7,369
July 2015	Checks5,914
June 2015	Checks5,645
May 2015	Checks6,436
April 2015	Checks6,951
March 2015	Checks8,923
February 2015	Checks9,065
January 2015	Checks6,709
December 2014	Checks9,645
November 2014	Checks8,620
October 2014	Checks9,445
September 2014	Checks7,166
August 2014	Checks6,261
July 2014	Checks4,984
June 2014	Checks4,781
May 2014	Checks5,167
April 2014	Checks6,054
March 2014	Checks7,538
February 2014	Checks7,897
January 2014	Checks6,101
December 2013	Checks9,118
November 2013	Checks8,416
October 2013	Checks8,534
September 2013	Checks6,812
August 2013	Checks5,998
July 2013	Checks4,719
June 2013	Checks4,820
May 2013	Checks5,772
April 2013	Checks7,058
March 2013	Checks9,506
February 2013	Checks10,060
January 2013	Checks11,242
December 2012	Checks14,789
November 2012	Checks10,114
October 2012	Checks9,893
September 2012	Checks7,029
August 2012	Checks6,525
July 2012	Checks4,742
June 2012	Checks4,553
May 2012	Checks4,777
April 2012	Checks5,538
March 2012	Checks7,242
February 2012	Checks7,261
January 2012	Checks5,984
December 2011	Checks8,560
November 2011	Checks7,157
October 2011	Checks8,405
September 2011	Checks6,092
August 2011	Checks5,338
July 2011	Checks3,759
June 2011	Checks3,871
May 2011	Checks4,300
April 2011	Checks5,359
March 2011	Checks6,115
February 2011	Checks5,636
January 2011	Checks5,062
December 2010	Checks7,178
November 2010	Checks6,566
October 2010	Checks8,232
September 2010	Checks6,051
August 2010	Checks4,761
July 2010	Checks3,810
June 2010	Checks3,696
May 2010	Checks3,889
April 2010	Checks4,561
March 2010	Checks5,388
February 2010	Checks5,010
January 2010	Checks4,009
December 2009	Checks6,356
November 2009	Checks5,742
October 2009	Checks7,578
September 2009	Checks5,738
August 2009	Checks4,757
July 2009	Checks3,652
June 2009	Checks3,786
May 2009	Checks3,769
April 2009	Checks5,533
March 2009	Checks5,776
February 2009	Checks5,614
January 2009	Checks5,447
December 2008	Checks7,786
November 2008	Checks7,566
October 2008	Checks8,299
September 2008	Checks6,193
August 2008	Checks5,261
July 2008	Checks3,146
June 2008	Checks3,171
May 2008	Checks3,673
April 2008	Checks4,117
March 2008	Checks4,634
February 2008	Checks4,593
January 2008	Checks4,050
December 2007	Checks6,087
November 2007	Checks5,738
October 2007	Checks7,768
September 2007	Checks5,961
August 2007	Checks4,538
July 2007	Checks2,901
June 2007	Checks2,920
May 2007	Checks2,942
April 2007	Checks3,547
March 2007	Checks4,246
February 2007	Checks3,737
January 2007	Checks3,628
December 2006	Checks6,014
November 2006	Checks5,777
October 2006	Checks7,123
September 2006	Checks5,783
August 2006	Checks3,871
July 2006	Checks2,875
June 2006	Checks2,807
May 2006	Checks2,727
April 2006	Checks3,470
March 2006	Checks4,217
February 2006	Checks4,173
January 2006	Checks3,838
December 2005	Checks6,027
November 2005	Checks5,338
October 2005	Checks7,305
September 2005	Checks5,096
August 2005	Checks3,804
July 2005	Checks2,866
June 2005	Checks2,693
May 2005	Checks2,845
April 2005	Checks3,678
March 2005	Checks3,878
February 2005	Checks3,970
January 2005	Checks3,268
December 2004	Checks5,833
November 2004	Checks5,218
October 2004	Checks7,385
September 2004	Checks5,341
August 2004	Checks3,976
July 2004	Checks3,020
June 2004	Checks2,879
May 2004	Checks2,884
April 2004	Checks3,250
March 2004	Checks3,650
February 2004	Checks3,685
January 2004	Checks3,202
December 2003	Checks5,317
November 2003	Checks4,911
October 2003	Checks7,271
September 2003	Checks5,165
August 2003	Checks3,919
July 2003	Checks2,652
June 2003	Checks2,601
May 2003	Checks2,720
April 2003	Checks2,889
March 2003	Checks3,650
February 2003	Checks3,417
January 2003	Checks3,171
December 2002	Checks5,011
November 2002	Checks4,888
October 2002	Checks6,422
September 2002	Checks4,579
August 2002	Checks3,898
July 2002	Checks2,267
June 2002	Checks2,206
May 2002	Checks2,547
April 2002	Checks3,040
March 2002	Checks3,466
February 2002	Checks3,115
January 2002	Checks2,843
December 2001	Checks4,858
November 2001	Checks4,623
October 2001	Checks6,613
September 2001	Checks4,961
August 2001	Checks3,341
July 2001	Checks2,238
June 2001	Checks2,174
May 2001	Checks2,030
April 2001	Checks2,292
March 2001	Checks3,066
February 2001	Checks2,359
January 2001	Checks2,306
December 2000	Checks3,958
November 2000	Checks3,717
October 2000	Checks6,187
September 2000	Checks4,695
August 2000	Checks3,181
July 2000	Checks2,094
June 2000	Checks1,905
May 2000	Checks1,901
April 2000	Checks2,300
March 2000	Checks2,500
February 2000	Checks2,288
January 2000	Checks1,997
December 1999	Checks3,964
November 1999	Checks3,713
October 1999	Checks5,524
September 1999	Checks3,959
August 1999	Checks2,730
July 1999	Checks1,773
June 1999	Checks1,464
May 1999	Checks1,491
April 1999	Checks1,783
March 1999	Checks1,852
February 1999	Checks1,685
January 1999	Checks1,389
December 1998	Checks2,677
November 1998	Checks74Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998

Cite a figure from this section (14)

In 2025, the FBI reported 69,679 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 8,671 permit and permit-recheck checks (NICS) for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A permit check is not a purchase.Cite
In 2024, the FBI reported 75,109 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A check is not a sale.Cite
In August 2026, the FBI reported 5,580 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In August 2025, the FBI reported 5,156 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
From January 2026 through August 2026, the FBI reported 44,936 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A check is not a sale.Cite
From January 2025 through August 2025, the FBI reported 41,271 firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 34,123 long gun background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 21,451 handgun background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 8,587 permit background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 1,485 multiple-firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 1,439 other-firearm background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 993 redemption handgun background checks (NICS) for South Dakota. A check is not a sale.Cite
In 2025, the FBI reported 1,601 background checks (NICS) of other types for South Dakota (USA Arms calculation). A check is not a sale.Cite

What does South Dakota export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in South Dakota came to $364,764 in 2025, all of it cartridges and parts. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from South Dakota, 2010–2025 current dollars

Hatched: not reported

2025: $364,764 · 2024: $2,640,640 · 86.2% less

2018 not reported2018 not reported2021 not reported2021 not reported2023 not reported2023 not reported$2.6 million$2.6M

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

Cartridges and parts$364,764

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from South Dakota, 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

Indonesia$280,456
Switzerland$73,169
Spain$11,139
Namibia$4,800

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from South Dakota, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination. A destination is where the goods were bound, not always where they were used.

Show all 13 years

Firearm and ammunition exports from South Dakota, product groups added up by USA Arms
Year	Exports
2025	Exports$364,7641 product family
2024	Exports$2,640,640
2022	Exports$209,824
2020	Exports$79,823
2019	Exports$125,288
2017	Exports$94,892
2016	Exports$910,643
2015	Exports$380,741
2014	Exports$411,762
2013	Exports$1,421,8962 product families
2012	Exports$2,058,8561 product family
2011	Exports$1,737,602

Earlier years, 2010

Firearm and ammunition exports from South Dakota, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010
Year	Exports
2010	Exports$411,0511 product family

Cite a figure from this section (6)

In 2025, firearm and ammunition exports that began their trip to the border in South Dakota came to $364,764, the sum of the product groups Census reported (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2025, Census reported $364,764 of cartridges and parts (HS 9306.30) exported from South Dakota, counted in the state where the shipment began its trip to the border (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2025, firearm and ammunition exports that began their trip to the border in South Dakota and went to Indonesia came to $280,456, the sum of every month and product group Census reported (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2025, firearm and ammunition exports that began their trip to the border in South Dakota and went to Switzerland came to $73,169, the sum of every month and product group Census reported (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2025, firearm and ammunition exports that began their trip to the border in South Dakota and went to Spain came to $11,139, the sum of every month and product group Census reported (USA Arms calculation).Cite
In 2025, firearm and ammunition exports that began their trip to the border in South Dakota and went to Namibia came to $4,800, the sum of every month and product group Census reported (USA Arms calculation).Cite

How many hunting licenses does South Dakota certify?

South Dakota certified 222,875 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 248,928 resident and 132,367 nonresident licenses, for $24,192,946 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in South Dakota, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 222,875 · 2023: 221,264 · 0.7% more

222,875155,6711956259,1592008222,875155,6711956259,1592008259,1592008

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

222,875paid hunting-license holders South Dakota certified for license year 2024; the high was 259,159 in 2008USFWS certifications · 2024 · South DakotaCite

Where are hunting licenses most common?South Dakota’s license holders per 100 residents, its rank and its nonresident share

Show all 69 years

Hunting licenses certified by South Dakota
Year	Paid license holders	Resident licenses	Nonresident licenses	Gross cost
2024	Paid license holders222,875	Resident licenses248,928	Nonresident licenses132,367	Gross cost$24,192,946
2023	Paid license holders221,264	Resident licenses246,702	Nonresident licenses126,374	Gross cost$23,156,828
2022	Paid license holders227,312	Resident licenses254,136	Nonresident licenses132,728	Gross cost$23,760,897
2021	Paid license holders206,316	Resident licenses254,189	Nonresident licenses105,873	Gross cost$20,853,694
2020	Paid license holders202,972	Resident licenses236,611	Nonresident licenses107,891	Gross cost$20,003,924
2019	Paid license holders213,786	Resident licenses241,059	Nonresident licenses115,902	Gross cost$20,947,496
2018	Paid license holders212,736	Resident licenses241,443	Nonresident licenses111,896	Gross cost$20,405,234
2017	Paid license holders229,323	Resident licenses244,044	Nonresident licenses124,596	Gross cost$21,891,862
2016	Paid license holders233,215	Resident licenses245,474	Nonresident licenses128,502	Gross cost$22,061,719
2015	Paid license holders223,394	Resident licenses240,639	Nonresident licenses122,165	Gross cost$21,055,005
2014	Paid license holders221,979	Resident licenses281,236	Nonresident licenses119,468	Gross cost$20,608,230
2013	Paid license holders244,182	Resident licenses264,338	Nonresident licenses138,034	Gross costWithheld

Earlier years, 1956–2012

Hunting licenses certified by South Dakota, 1956–2012
Year	Paid license holders	Resident licenses	Nonresident licenses	Gross cost
2012	Paid license holders246,315	Resident licenses273,746	Nonresident licenses141,178	Gross costWithheld
2011	Paid license holders253,512	Resident licenses283,405	Nonresident licenses147,147	Gross costWithheld
2010	Paid license holders251,655	Resident licenses288,150	Nonresident licenses144,177	Gross costWithheld
2009	Paid license holders256,191	Resident licenses293,922	Nonresident licenses147,342	Gross costWithheld
2008	Paid license holders259,159	Resident licenses290,009	Nonresident licenses149,528	Gross costWithheld
2007	Paid license holders248,495	Resident licenses279,219	Nonresident licenses138,922	Gross costWithheld
2006	Paid license holders239,419	Resident licenses265,645	Nonresident licenses132,134	Gross costWithheld
2005	Paid license holders243,123	Resident licenses260,033	Nonresident licenses127,131	Gross costWithheld
2004	Paid license holders232,053	Resident licenses254,561	Nonresident licenses115,666	Gross costWithheld
2003	Paid license holders207,973	Resident licenses244,101	Nonresident licenses104,602	Gross costWithheld
2002	Paid license holders216,152	Resident licenses247,222	Nonresident licenses100,706	Gross costWithheld
2001	Paid license holders207,973	Resident licenses244,101	Nonresident licenses104,602	Gross costWithheld
2000	Paid license holders216,152	Resident licenses247,222	Nonresident licenses100,706	Gross cost$15,020,114
1999	Paid license holders217,007	Resident licenses242,693	Nonresident licenses97,477	Gross cost$14,357,560
1998	Paid license holders228,209	Resident licenses240,306	Nonresident licenses94,104	Gross cost$13,878,799
1997	Paid license holders204,599	Resident licenses327,535	Nonresident licenses81,522	Gross cost$10,308,607
1996	Paid license holders184,837	Resident licenses323,065	Nonresident licenses60,333	Gross cost$8,586,670
1995	Paid license holders214,133	Resident licenses348,490	Nonresident licenses86,063	Gross cost$8,760,340
1994	Paid license holders217,394	Resident licenses350,894	Nonresident licenses85,854	Gross cost$8,724,337
1993	Paid license holders210,130	Resident licenses446,471	Nonresident licenses87,761	Gross cost$9,662,167
1992	Paid license holders187,730	Resident licenses430,015	Nonresident licenses67,274	Gross cost$8,334,802
1991	Paid license holders179,870	Resident licenses417,761	Nonresident licenses59,445	Gross cost$7,567,035
1990	Paid license holders164,855	Resident licenses367,860	Nonresident licenses82,324	Gross cost$6,111,986
1989	Paid license holders147,977	Resident licenses376,387	Nonresident licenses102,862	Gross cost$5,877,769
1988	Paid license holders145,823	Resident licenses374,587	Nonresident licenses101,005	Gross cost$5,767,232
1987	Paid license holders149,713	Resident licenses391,085	Nonresident licenses108,915	Gross cost$5,329,196
1986	Paid license holders161,727	Resident licenses344,250	Nonresident licenses116,644	Gross cost$4,775,982
1985	Paid license holders145,541	Resident licenses376,582	Nonresident licenses95,082	Gross cost$4,645,383
1984	Paid license holders167,819	Resident licenses370,916	Nonresident licenses128,560	Gross cost$5,383,143
1983	Paid license holders164,347	Resident licenses363,640	Nonresident licenses124,845	Gross cost$5,162,294
1982	Paid license holders174,542	Resident licenses377,041	Nonresident licenses125,324	Gross cost$5,229,694
1981	Paid license holders167,703	Resident licenses354,090	Nonresident licenses108,845	Gross cost$4,568,522
1980	Paid license holders168,873	Resident licenses302,411	Nonresident licenses80,435	Gross cost$3,745,864
1979	Paid license holders161,524	Resident licenses346,769	Nonresident licenses66,581	Gross cost$3,525,544
1978	Paid license holders142,733	Resident licenses348,890	Nonresident licenses46,556	Gross cost$2,300,256
1977	Paid license holders139,732	Resident licenses342,318	Nonresident licenses36,340	Gross cost$2,103,389
1976	Paid license holders127,807	Resident licenses335,634	Nonresident licenses30,880	Gross cost$1,926,431
1975	Paid license holders127,953	Resident licenses296,404	Nonresident licenses29,374	Gross cost$1,704,658
1974	Paid license holders148,176	Resident licenses298,450	Nonresident licenses36,888	Gross cost$1,810,599
1973	Paid license holders176,850	Resident licenses334,559	Nonresident licenses63,874	Gross cost$1,944,372
1972	Paid license holders190,990	Resident licenses331,271	Nonresident licenses86,917	Gross cost$2,183,963
1971	Paid license holders170,696	Resident licenses309,638	Nonresident licenses64,983	Gross cost$1,791,547
1970	Paid license holders165,651	Resident licenses321,309	Nonresident licenses62,684	Gross cost$1,743,724
1969	Paid license holders151,337	Resident licenses280,455	Nonresident licenses44,976	Gross cost$1,392,976
1968	Paid license holders143,273	Resident licenses259,258	Nonresident licenses38,634	Gross cost$1,315,498
1967	Paid license holders162,233	Resident licenses294,296	Nonresident licenses44,952	Gross cost$1,216,068
1966	Paid license holders152,002	Resident licenses285,723	Nonresident licenses34,817	Gross cost$1,042,284
1965	Paid license holders118,218	Resident licenses220,217	Nonresident licenses14,863	Gross cost$639,699
1964	Paid license holders139,800	Resident licenses252,210	Nonresident licenses31,354	Gross cost$915,632
1963	Paid license holders163,477	Resident licenses273,069	Nonresident licenses48,295	Gross cost$1,135,537
1962	Paid license holders229,244	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1961	Paid license holders208,236	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1960	Paid license holders209,192	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1959	Paid license holders172,444	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1958	Paid license holders178,536	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1957	Paid license holders196,328	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld
1956	Paid license holders155,671	Resident licensesWithheld	Nonresident licensesWithheld	Gross costWithheld

Cite a figure from this section (5)

For license year 2024, South Dakota certified 222,875 paid hunting-license holders to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Cite
For license year 2008, South Dakota certified 259,159 paid hunting-license holders to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Cite
For license year 2024, South Dakota certified 248,928 resident hunting licenses to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Cite
For license year 2024, South Dakota certified 132,367 nonresident hunting licenses to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Cite
For license year 2024, hunters paid $24,192,946 for the hunting licenses South Dakota certified to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Cite

How much conservation money does South Dakota receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $14,329,482 to South Dakota for fiscal 2026, 8.6% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $19,847,483 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to South Dakota, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $14,329,482 · FY 2025: $15,670,227 · 8.6% less

$19.8MFY 2023$19.8MFY 2023

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

$14,329,482apportioned to South Dakota for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $19,847,483 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · South DakotaCite

Show all 88 fiscal years

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to South Dakota
Fiscal year	Apportioned
FY 2026	Apportioned$14,329,482
FY 2025	Apportioned$15,670,227
FY 2024	Apportioned$16,879,088
FY 2023	Apportioned$19,847,483
FY 2022	Apportioned$18,461,077
FY 2021	Apportioned$11,448,334
FY 2020	Apportioned$10,145,967
FY 2019	Apportioned$11,599,587
FY 2018	Apportioned$13,775,104
FY 2017	Apportioned$13,394,017
FY 2016	Apportioned$12,010,444
FY 2015	Apportioned$14,620,621

Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to South Dakota, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal year	Apportioned
FY 2014	Apportioned$13,854,562
FY 2013	Apportioned$9,492,071
FY 2012	Apportioned$6,628,479
FY 2011	Apportioned$6,930,149
FY 2010	Apportioned$8,793,314
FY 2009	Apportioned$6,127,816
FY 2008	Apportioned$5,521,192
FY 2007	Apportioned$4,804,833
FY 2006	Apportioned$4,195,942
FY 2005	Apportioned$4,015,800
FY 2004	Apportioned$3,440,127
FY 2003	Apportioned$3,737,508
FY 2002	Apportioned$3,272,354
FY 2001	Apportioned$3,450,120
FY 2000	Apportioned$3,242,050
FY 1999	Apportioned$2,885,558
FY 1998	Apportioned$2,683,170
FY 1997	Apportioned$2,840,590
FY 1996	Apportioned$3,287,602
FY 1995	Apportioned$3,406,078
FY 1994	Apportioned$2,839,513
FY 1993	Apportioned$2,391,486
FY 1992	Apportioned$2,301,731
FY 1991	Apportioned$2,399,773
FY 1990	Apportioned$1,847,058
FY 1989	Apportioned$1,830,197
FY 1988	Apportioned$1,768,182
FY 1987	Apportioned$1,704,454
FY 1986	Apportioned$1,744,683
FY 1985	Apportioned$1,238,136
FY 1984	Apportioned$1,386,965
FY 1983	Apportioned$1,660,642
FY 1982	Apportioned$1,795,054
FY 1981	Apportioned$1,255,042
FY 1980	Apportioned$1,343,339
FY 1979	Apportioned$1,237,562
FY 1978	Apportioned$975,472
FY 1977	Apportioned$1,371,088
FY 1976	Apportioned$985,522
FY 1975	Apportioned$892,307
FY 1974	Apportioned$786,033
FY 1973	Apportioned$655,771
FY 1972	Apportioned$545,344
FY 1971	Apportioned$531,914
FY 1970	Apportioned$540,059
FY 1969	Apportioned$486,553
FY 1968	Apportioned$442,595
FY 1967	Apportioned$413,804
FY 1966	Apportioned$380,744
FY 1965	Apportioned$320,539
FY 1964	Apportioned$316,145
FY 1963	Apportioned$247,194
FY 1962	Apportioned$251,013
FY 1961	Apportioned$270,827
FY 1960	Apportioned$270,605
FY 1959	Apportioned$295,569
FY 1958	Apportioned$312,054
FY 1957	Apportioned$303,718
FY 1956	Apportioned$263,908
FY 1955	Apportioned$180,352
FY 1954	Apportioned$217,700
FY 1953	Apportioned$172,598
FY 1952	Apportioned$334,814
FY 1951	Apportioned$177,373
FY 1950	Apportioned$192,334
FY 1949	Apportioned$230,582
FY 1948	Apportioned$189,859
FY 1947	Apportioned$47,750
FY 1946	Apportioned$16,571
FY 1945	Apportioned$15,809
FY 1944	Apportioned$17,428
FY 1943	Apportioned$20,980
FY 1942	Apportioned$44,980
FY 1941	Apportioned$37,740
FY 1940	Apportioned$21,146
FY 1939	Apportioned$13,443

Cite a figure from this section (2)

For fiscal year 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service apportioned $14,329,482 to South Dakota through Wildlife Restoration and Hunter Education.Cite
For fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service apportioned $15,670,227 to South Dakota through Wildlife Restoration and Hunter Education.Cite

How does South Dakota compare?

South Dakota ranks 43rd for firearms made, 40th for license records, 29th for small arms jobs, 17th for job concentration, 32nd for hunting license holders and 31st for Wildlife Restoration money. Pick a measure to see every state, or see all fifty states compared on the U.S. page.

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
Rank	State	Firearms made, 2024	License records, Aug 2026	Small arms jobs, 2025	Job concentration, 2025	Hunting license holders, 2024	Wildlife Restoration, FY 2026
1	New Hampshire	1,381,922	602	1,697	15.40	59,947	$5,027,605
2	Tennessee	1,164,239	1,990	1,171	2.24	734,342	$24,236,720
3	Georgia	796,857	2,425	1,250	1.60	815,738	$27,695,024
4	South Carolina	764,904	1,494	765	2.06	199,114	$11,071,422
5	Texas	665,832	8,343	1,120	0.50	1,117,858	$38,857,809
6	North Carolina	656,267	3,058	1,020	1.29	581,521	$22,308,487
7	Kentucky	613,225	1,442	944	2.97	315,758	$13,967,424
8	Arizona	549,989	2,580	2,234	4.32	303,298	$23,118,473
9	Massachusetts	479,681	589	Not published	Not published	60,377	$8,289,959
10	Florida	350,157	4,558	828	0.52	265,018	$16,437,305
11	Connecticut	225,530	659	1,246	4.60	25,903	$6,023,949
12	New Jersey	222,163	380	Not published	Not published	67,305	$8,289,959
13	Illinois	213,446	1,414	Not published	Not published	282,380	$16,595,276
14	Wisconsin	205,110	1,775	1,017	2.16	652,399	$23,485,531
15	Washington	176,745	1,165	482	0.84	163,801	$15,447,463
16	Alabama	150,180	1,479	Not published	Not published	497,063	$19,216,281
17	Nevada	146,524	859	249	0.99	111,210	$15,610,455
18	Utah	135,209	1,370	700	2.51	282,841	$16,350,555
19	Pennsylvania	95,610	3,237	1,197	1.24	1,031,218	$30,594,626
20	New York	88,165	1,816	299	0.19	533,479	$20,933,144
21	Missouri	55,139	2,437	238	0.51	521,787	$22,441,430
22	Ohio	53,895	2,785	237	0.27	359,811	$16,569,111
23	Arkansas	50,803	1,500	810	3.88	331,401	$14,014,316
24	California	49,971	2,030	486	0.17	251,590	$26,821,647
25	Idaho	42,677	1,341	352	2.52	300,759	$16,597,136
26	Vermont	28,628	340	Not published	Not published	55,171	$5,027,605
27	Minnesota	26,032	1,552	1,685	3.58	527,774	$23,819,471
28	Michigan	23,914	2,436	35	0.05	632,144	$23,914,949
29	Iowa	23,190	1,456	71	0.28	222,692	$12,112,654
30	Indiana	18,136	1,731	261	0.51	252,645	$13,857,865
31	Wyoming	12,946	824	367	8.13	118,896	$14,427,611
32	Oregon	12,872	1,379	Not published	Not published	330,416	$20,075,259
33	Virginia	11,959	1,994	221	0.33	251,350	$14,312,936
34	Maryland	10,756	792	123	0.28	111,027	$7,898,984
35	Montana	10,377	1,184	314	3.83	233,193	$21,957,263
36	Kansas	8,881	1,206	53	0.23	282,124	$16,080,090
37	Oklahoma	6,011	1,704	Not published	Not published	356,283	$17,533,166
38	Louisiana	4,794	1,288	Not published	Not published	451,343	$17,626,642
39	Nebraska	4,188	804	Not published	Not published	266,748	$15,218,471
40	West Virginia	3,323	943	26	0.23	278,193	$9,827,675
41	New Mexico	2,744	689	28	0.20	160,081	$17,768,168
42	Colorado	2,313	1,679	279	0.60	378,763	$22,930,115
43	South Dakota	1,896	646	80	1.09	222,875	$14,329,482
44	North Dakota	1,659	543	Not published	Not published	148,512	$12,140,115
45	Mississippi	1,038	1,053	Not published	Not published	271,751	$12,204,415
46	Maine	735	547	Not published	Not published	208,206	$9,376,640
47	Hawaii	298	105	Not published	Not published	15,296	$5,027,605
48	Rhode Island	103	115	Not published	Not published	7,378	$5,027,605
49	Alaska	102	562	Not published	Not published	87,159	$35,595,455
50	Delaware	41	135	Not published	Not published	15,399	$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.

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[1] ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reportcalendar years 2004–2024www.atf.gov
[2] ATF Federal Firearms Listingsmonthly lists by license type, January 2021 – August 2026www.atf.gov
[3] USFWS Wildlife Restoration apportionments and hunting-license certificationshunting licenses, license years 1956–2024; apportionments, fiscal years 1939–2026www.fws.gov
[4] FBI NICS firearm checksmonthly state counts, November 1998 – August 2026; checks by type, 2025www.fbi.gov
[5] BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wagesprivate employers by industry, 1999–2025www.bls.gov
[6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, South Dakotawww.census.gov
[7] Census international tradeSouth Dakota-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.