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Tennessee firearms statistics

How many guns Tennessee 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 Tennessee compares · U.S. statistics · Tennessee directory

  1. 1,164,239firearms made in Tennessee in 2024, 2nd of 50 states and 12.2% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 1,990federal firearms license records, 12th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 734,342paid hunting-license holders, 4th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 750,392FBI background checks in 2025, 31.4% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 1,171private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $77,496 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $24,236,720Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 6th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $31.3 millionof firearms and ammunition exported from Tennessee in 2025, across 4 product groupsCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in Tennessee?

Plants in Tennessee reported making 1,164,239 firearms in 2024, up from 522,106 in 2023. That is 12.2% of U.S. production, 2nd among the states. [1] See gun manufacturers in Tennessee for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in Tennessee, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 1,164,239 · 2023: 522,106 · 642,133 more

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

  • 1,164,239firearms reported by plants in Tennessee for 2024, 12.2% of U.S. production; 522,106 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · TennesseeCite

What Tennessee makes

Pistols were 60.8% of Tennessee production in 2024.

  1. Pistols707,945 60.8%
  2. Rifles195,439 16.8%
  3. Revolvers151,164 13.0%
  4. Shotguns101,029 8.7%

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

Largest filings in Tennessee, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. Tennessee had 124 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of Tennessee
1Smith & Wesson Inc.Maryville · 83.1%Maryville967,81283.1%
2Beretta USA CorpGallatin · 15.4%Gallatin179,24715.4%
3Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.Murfreesboro · 0.6%Murfreesboro6,5300.6%
4Omni Holding CompanyDyersburg · 0.2%Dyersburg1,8460.2%
5Troy Industries, Inc.Clarksville · 0.1%Clarksville1,6710.1%
6Cleveland Shooting Sports LLCCleveland · 0.1%Cleveland1,5050.1%
7Czechpoint Inc.Knoxville · 0.1%Knoxville1,0250.1%
8Veterans Tactical Solutions LLCMillington · 0.1%Millington8790.1%
9Firearms 4 U 2 LLCJohnson City · 0.1%Johnson City7250.1%
10GS Performance, LLCNashville · <0.1%Nashville379<0.1%

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

Production by city

Clarksville has the most filings (8), and Maryville reported the most firearms.

  1. Maryville967,824 3 filings
  2. Gallatin179,283 5 filings
  3. Murfreesboro6,547 4 filings
  4. Dyersburg1,846 1 filing
  5. Clarksville1,813 8 filings
  6. Cleveland1,515 3 filings
  7. Knoxville1,058 5 filings
  8. Millington879 1 filing

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

Show all 21 years
Firearms made in Tennessee, in all and by type
YearFirearms madePistolsRiflesRevolversShotguns
2024Firearms made1,164,239Pistols707,945Sum of 124 filingsRifles195,439Sum of 124 filingsRevolvers151,164Sum of 124 filingsShotguns101,029Sum of 124 filings
2023Firearms made522,106Pistols306,681Sum of 110 filingsRifles91,091Sum of 110 filingsRevolvers70,475Sum of 110 filingsShotguns50,240Sum of 110 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldPistolsNot reportedRiflesNot reportedRevolversNot reportedShotgunsNot reported
2021Firearms made185,720Pistols134,503Sum of 82 filingsRifles13,129Sum of 82 filingsRevolvers33Sum of 82 filingsShotguns24,316Sum of 82 filings
2020Firearms made133,169Pistols93,487Sum of 72 filingsRifles9,568Sum of 72 filingsRevolvers27Sum of 72 filingsShotguns16,378Sum of 72 filings
2019Firearms made87,665Pistols57,627Sum of 52 filingsRifles7,171Sum of 52 filingsRevolvers14Sum of 52 filingsShotguns17,408Sum of 52 filings
2018Firearms made122,488Pistols80,155Sum of 48 filingsRifles10,238Sum of 48 filingsRevolvers11Sum of 48 filingsShotguns25,969Sum of 48 filings
2017Firearms made91,883Pistols59,001Sum of 43 filingsRifles9,030Sum of 43 filingsRevolvers72Sum of 43 filingsShotguns17,351Sum of 43 filings
2016Firearms made27,291Pistols1,439Sum of 40 filingsRifles7,943Sum of 40 filingsRevolvers42Sum of 40 filingsShotguns10Sum of 40 filings
2015Firearms made18,966Pistols1,073Sum of 48 filingsRifles4,235Sum of 48 filingsRevolvers49Sum of 48 filingsShotguns0Sum of 48 filings
2014Firearms made18,059Pistols2,019Sum of 50 filingsRifles4,440Sum of 50 filingsRevolvers4Sum of 50 filingsShotguns100Sum of 50 filings
2013Firearms made14,550Pistols3,805Sum of 45 filingsRifles6,798Sum of 45 filingsRevolvers45Sum of 45 filingsShotguns102Sum of 45 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in Tennessee, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madePistolsRiflesRevolversShotguns
2012Firearms made9,726Pistols2,162Sum of 32 filingsRifles5,612Sum of 32 filingsRevolvers18Sum of 32 filingsShotguns102Sum of 32 filings
2011Firearms made5,024Pistols2,336Sum of 24 filingsRifles2,371Sum of 24 filingsRevolvers37Sum of 24 filingsShotguns147Sum of 24 filings
2010Firearms made5,702Pistols2,358Sum of 23 filingsRifles3,073Sum of 23 filingsRevolvers165Sum of 23 filingsShotguns27Sum of 23 filings
2009Firearms made40,502Pistols4,256Sum of 21 filingsRifles35,719Sum of 21 filingsRevolvers103Sum of 21 filingsShotguns100Sum of 21 filings
2008Firearms made17,698Pistols4,570Sum of 14 filingsRifles13,004Sum of 14 filingsRevolvers101Sum of 14 filingsShotguns4Sum of 14 filings
2007Firearms made12,200Pistols2,807Sum of 16 filingsRifles9,365Sum of 16 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 16 filingsShotguns0Sum of 16 filings
2006Firearms made8,319Pistols2,695Sum of 12 filingsRifles5,305Sum of 12 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 12 filingsShotguns300Sum of 12 filings
2005Firearms made4,087Pistols7Sum of 8 filingsRifles3,886Sum of 8 filingsRevolvers194Sum of 8 filingsShotguns0Sum of 8 filings
2004Firearms made2,300Pistols0Sum of 4 filingsRifles2,110Sum of 4 filingsRevolvers190Sum of 4 filingsShotguns0Sum of 4 filings
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in Tennessee?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in Tennessee had 1,171 jobs at 36 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $77,496 a year. The most since 2022 was 1,171 in 2024. [5]

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

2025: 1,171 · 2024: 1,171 · no change

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

  • 1,171private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in Tennessee at 36 establishments, paying $77,496 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · TennesseeCite
  • 2.24job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 2.2 times as large a share of Tennessee jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Rutherford County4 establishments
  2. Sumner County3 establishments
  3. Davidson County3 establishments
  4. Knox County2 establishments
  5. Blount County2 establishments
  6. Loudon County2 establishments
  7. Wilson County2 establishments
  8. Carroll County2 establishments

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

Show all 36 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)1,171Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$77,496Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$90,728,922Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)36Ammunition (332992)3

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

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)15Ammunition (332992)Withheld
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)WithheldAmmunition (332992)Withheld
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)WithheldAmmunition (332992)Withheld
Value addedSmall arms (332994)WithheldAmmunition (332992)$624,000
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$51,536,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld

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

Private firearm industry jobs by year, Tennessee
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2025Small arms jobs1,171Ammunition jobsNot published
2024Small arms jobs1,171Ammunition jobsNot published
2023Small arms jobs888Ammunition jobsNot published
2022Small arms jobs730Ammunition jobsNot published
2021Small arms jobs624Ammunition jobsNot published
2020Small arms jobs511Ammunition jobsNot published
2019Small arms jobs440Ammunition jobsNot published
2018Small arms jobs410Ammunition jobsNot published
2017Small arms jobs427Ammunition jobsNot published
2016Small arms jobs392Ammunition jobsNot published
2015Small arms jobs278Ammunition jobsNot published
2014Small arms jobs255Ammunition jobs31
Earlier years, 1990–2013
Private firearm industry jobs by year, Tennessee, 1990–2013
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2013Small arms jobs239Ammunition jobsNot published
2012Small arms jobs219Ammunition jobsNot published
2011Small arms jobs221Ammunition jobsNot published
2010Small arms jobs108Ammunition jobs122
2009Small arms jobs146Ammunition jobs144
2008Small arms jobs121Ammunition jobs113
2007Small arms jobs131Ammunition jobsNot published
2006Small arms jobs110Ammunition jobs278
2005Small arms jobs96Ammunition jobs231
2004Small arms jobs84Ammunition jobsNot published
2003Small arms jobs69Ammunition jobs23
2002Small arms jobs70Ammunition jobs49
2001Small arms jobs71Ammunition jobs36
2000Small arms jobs80Ammunition jobsNot published
1999Small arms jobs70Ammunition jobsNot published
1998Small arms jobs62Ammunition jobs35
1997Small arms jobs64Ammunition jobs42
1996Small arms jobs60Ammunition jobs29
1995Small arms jobs63Ammunition jobs33
1994Small arms jobs66Ammunition jobsNot published
1993Small arms jobs33Ammunition jobsNot published
1992Small arms jobs25Ammunition jobsNot published
1991Small arms jobs28Ammunition jobsNot published
1990Small arms jobs31Ammunition jobsNot published
Cite a figure from this section (19)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in Tennessee?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 1,990 license records in Tennessee, 34 more than a year earlier. Of those, 1,076 are dealers and 620 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 Tennessee.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in Tennessee, 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.

  • 1,990federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 1,956 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · TennesseeCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)1,076 54.1%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)620 31.2%
  3. Pawnbrokers (type 02)185 9.3%
  4. Importers (type 08)52 2.6%
  5. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)30 1.5%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)19 1.0%
  7. Destructive-device importers (type 11)6 0.3%
  8. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)2 0.1%

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 Tennessee by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Importer (08)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device importer (11)Destructive-device dealer (09)
August 2026All types1,990Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,076Manufacturer (07)620Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)52Ammunition manufacturer (06)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2026All types2,001Dealer (01)1,085Manufacturer (07)620Pawnbroker (02)184Importer (08)52Ammunition manufacturer (06)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2026All types1,995Dealer (01)1,082Manufacturer (07)617Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)51Ammunition manufacturer (06)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2026All types1,993Dealer (01)1,091Manufacturer (07)609Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)50Ammunition manufacturer (06)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2026All types1,978Dealer (01)1,076Manufacturer (07)609Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)49Ammunition manufacturer (06)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2026All types1,961Dealer (01)1,069Manufacturer (07)600Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2026All types1,958Dealer (01)1,071Manufacturer (07)598Pawnbroker (02)184Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2026All types1,948Dealer (01)1,068Manufacturer (07)593Pawnbroker (02)184Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2025All types1,955Dealer (01)1,073Manufacturer (07)593Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)31Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2025All types1,822Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)1,009Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)549Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)166Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)43Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)30Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)19Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)4Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)2Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types1,769Dealer (01)979Manufacturer (07)531Pawnbroker (02)162Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)30Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2025All types1,947Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,082Manufacturer (07)576Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)32Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)2
August 2025All types1,956Dealer (01)1,082Manufacturer (07)576Pawnbroker (02)189Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)35Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2025All types1,967Dealer (01)1,087Manufacturer (07)582Pawnbroker (02)190Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)35Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2025All types1,972Dealer (01)1,095Manufacturer (07)579Pawnbroker (02)191Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)36Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2025All types1,957Dealer (01)1,089Manufacturer (07)569Pawnbroker (02)191Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)37Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2025All types1,951Dealer (01)1,090Manufacturer (07)564Pawnbroker (02)189Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)39Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)6Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2025All types1,949Dealer (01)1,093Manufacturer (07)562Pawnbroker (02)190Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)37Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2025All types1,948Dealer (01)1,095Manufacturer (07)559Pawnbroker (02)190Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)37Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2025All types1,952Dealer (01)1,099Manufacturer (07)557Pawnbroker (02)191Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)37Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2024All types1,946Dealer (01)1,098Manufacturer (07)552Pawnbroker (02)191Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)37Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2024All types1,967Dealer (01)1,106Manufacturer (07)557Pawnbroker (02)195Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)39Destructive-device manufacturer (10)20Destructive-device importer (11)5Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2024All types1,972Dealer (01)1,113Manufacturer (07)554Pawnbroker (02)195Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2024All types1,957Dealer (01)1,110Manufacturer (07)546Pawnbroker (02)195Importer (08)41Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in Tennessee by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Pawnbroker (02)Importer (08)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device importer (11)Destructive-device dealer (09)
August 2024All types1,953Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,116Manufacturer (07)534Pawnbroker (02)196Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2024All types1,957Dealer (01)1,116Manufacturer (07)532Pawnbroker (02)199Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2024All types1,944Dealer (01)1,116Manufacturer (07)521Pawnbroker (02)197Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2024All types1,948Dealer (01)1,119Manufacturer (07)520Pawnbroker (02)198Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2024All types1,966Dealer (01)1,132Manufacturer (07)522Pawnbroker (02)200Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)19Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2024All types1,965Dealer (01)1,133Manufacturer (07)517Pawnbroker (02)200Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2024All types1,967Dealer (01)1,139Manufacturer (07)511Pawnbroker (02)201Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)18Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2024All types1,968Dealer (01)1,145Manufacturer (07)504Pawnbroker (02)204Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2023All types1,970Dealer (01)1,146Manufacturer (07)504Pawnbroker (02)204Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2023All types1,976Dealer (01)1,152Manufacturer (07)503Pawnbroker (02)205Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2023All types1,987Dealer (01)1,161Manufacturer (07)503Pawnbroker (02)205Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2023All types1,989Dealer (01)1,160Manufacturer (07)502Pawnbroker (02)208Importer (08)47Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
August 2023All types1,991Dealer (01)1,164Manufacturer (07)501Pawnbroker (02)208Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2023All types1,985Dealer (01)1,163Manufacturer (07)494Pawnbroker (02)210Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2023All types1,989Dealer (01)1,166Manufacturer (07)491Pawnbroker (02)215Importer (08)46Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2023All types1,976Dealer (01)1,164Manufacturer (07)481Pawnbroker (02)216Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2023All types1,975Dealer (01)1,166Manufacturer (07)478Pawnbroker (02)216Importer (08)45Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2023All types1,959Dealer (01)1,159Manufacturer (07)472Pawnbroker (02)216Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2023All types1,955Dealer (01)1,159Manufacturer (07)468Pawnbroker (02)217Importer (08)44Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2023All types1,939Dealer (01)1,154Manufacturer (07)460Pawnbroker (02)217Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2022All types1,940Dealer (01)1,162Manufacturer (07)454Pawnbroker (02)217Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)43Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2022All types1,937Dealer (01)1,157Manufacturer (07)449Pawnbroker (02)222Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2022All types1,937Dealer (01)1,157Manufacturer (07)448Pawnbroker (02)223Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2022All types1,949Dealer (01)1,164Manufacturer (07)445Pawnbroker (02)229Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
August 2022All types1,942Dealer (01)1,161Manufacturer (07)440Pawnbroker (02)229Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2022All types1,938Dealer (01)1,166Manufacturer (07)430Pawnbroker (02)230Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2022All types1,939Dealer (01)1,165Manufacturer (07)422Pawnbroker (02)242Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2022All types1,918Dealer (01)1,162Manufacturer (07)416Pawnbroker (02)230Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2022All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not available
March 2022All types1,899Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,164Manufacturer (07)395Pawnbroker (02)232Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)44Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2022All types1,903Dealer (01)1,167Manufacturer (07)396Pawnbroker (02)234Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2022All types1,902Dealer (01)1,169Manufacturer (07)392Pawnbroker (02)235Importer (08)43Ammunition manufacturer (06)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2021All types1,898Dealer (01)1,167Manufacturer (07)388Pawnbroker (02)238Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2021All types1,900Dealer (01)1,168Manufacturer (07)386Pawnbroker (02)241Importer (08)42Ammunition manufacturer (06)42Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2021All types1,892Dealer (01)1,166Manufacturer (07)382Pawnbroker (02)242Importer (08)41Ammunition manufacturer (06)40Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2021All types1,882Dealer (01)1,168Manufacturer (07)370Pawnbroker (02)242Importer (08)41Ammunition manufacturer (06)41Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
August 2021All types1,865Dealer (01)1,164Manufacturer (07)362Pawnbroker (02)241Importer (08)39Ammunition manufacturer (06)39Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2021All types1,869Dealer (01)1,177Manufacturer (07)357Pawnbroker (02)241Importer (08)34Ammunition manufacturer (06)40Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2021All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not available
May 2021All types1,836Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,168Manufacturer (07)340Pawnbroker (02)239Importer (08)30Ammunition manufacturer (06)38Destructive-device manufacturer (10)15Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2021All types1,845Dealer (01)1,182Manufacturer (07)333Pawnbroker (02)239Importer (08)30Ammunition manufacturer (06)38Destructive-device manufacturer (10)17Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2021All types1,830Dealer (01)1,178Manufacturer (07)321Pawnbroker (02)241Importer (08)30Ammunition manufacturer (06)38Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2021All types1,820Dealer (01)1,174Manufacturer (07)317Pawnbroker (02)239Importer (08)30Ammunition manufacturer (06)38Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2021All types1,815Dealer (01)1,176Manufacturer (07)311Pawnbroker (02)241Importer (08)29Ammunition manufacturer (06)36Destructive-device manufacturer (10)16Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does Tennessee run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 750,392 checks in Tennessee in 2025, up 5.4% from 2024. Permit checks were 31.4% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 454,048, against 479,509 a year earlier. [4]

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

2025: 750,392 · 2024: 711,739 · 5.4% more

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

  • 750,392firearm background checks in Tennessee in 2025, 235,561 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Handgun295,138 39.3%
  2. Long gun184,796 24.6%
  3. Permit133,275 17.8%
  4. Permit recheck102,286 13.6%
  5. Other firearm18,181 2.4%
  6. Redemption handgun10,746 1.4%
  7. All other types5,970 0.8%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Tennessee counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 750,392 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in Tennessee by year
YearChecks
2025Checks750,392
2024Checks711,739
2023Checks742,222
2022Checks836,953
2021Checks964,512
2020Checks984,760
2019Checks635,313
2018Checks694,101
2017Checks767,953
2016Checks714,774
2015Checks654,192
2014Checks533,394
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in Tennessee by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks600,869
2012Checks524,122
2011Checks451,107
2010Checks411,024
2009Checks408,991
2008Checks282,819
2007Checks241,741
2006Checks258,500
2005Checks253,450
2004Checks229,401
2003Checks219,783
2002Checks223,048
2001Checks230,779
2000Checks234,673
1999Checks264,214
FBI NICS background checks in Tennessee by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks56,781
July 2026Checks53,503
June 2026Checks52,166
May 2026Checks43,297
April 2026Checks55,967
March 2026Checks66,628
February 2026Checks64,587
January 2026Checks61,119
December 2025Checks81,708
November 2025Checks68,908
October 2025Checks62,761
September 2025Checks57,506
August 2025Checks57,842
July 2025Checks53,116
June 2025Checks53,694
May 2025Checks55,127
April 2025Checks59,006
March 2025Checks70,218
February 2025Checks64,474
January 2025Checks66,032
December 2024Checks83,950
November 2024Checks71,998
October 2024Checks59,618
September 2024Checks54,071
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in Tennessee by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks56,973
July 2024Checks51,949
June 2024Checks49,713
May 2024Checks47,686
April 2024Checks57,365
March 2024Checks62,504
February 2024Checks61,233
January 2024Checks54,679
December 2023Checks82,148
November 2023Checks71,012
October 2023Checks60,069
September 2023Checks50,338
August 2023Checks53,005
July 2023Checks50,235
June 2023Checks51,845
May 2023Checks54,444
April 2023Checks62,843
March 2023Checks72,008
February 2023Checks67,898
January 2023Checks66,377
December 2022Checks86,109
November 2022Checks73,566
October 2022Checks64,371
September 2022Checks63,911
August 2022Checks65,344
July 2022Checks63,453
June 2022Checks67,036
May 2022Checks61,194
April 2022Checks67,877
March 2022Checks85,646
February 2022Checks76,335
January 2022Checks62,111
December 2021Checks92,922
November 2021Checks78,252
October 2021Checks69,638
September 2021Checks64,531
August 2021Checks68,672
July 2021Checks89,125
June 2021Checks109,743
May 2021Checks63,517
April 2021Checks77,525
March 2021Checks93,979
February 2021Checks62,346
January 2021Checks94,262
December 2020Checks90,064
November 2020Checks86,872
October 2020Checks79,718
September 2020Checks73,612
August 2020Checks77,894
July 2020Checks99,943
June 2020Checks103,807
May 2020Checks95,314
April 2020Checks77,829
March 2020Checks88,458
February 2020Checks57,867
January 2020Checks53,382
December 2019Checks75,036
November 2019Checks58,890
October 2019Checks45,015
September 2019Checks40,468
August 2019Checks46,533
July 2019Checks43,647
June 2019Checks44,802
May 2019Checks44,913
April 2019Checks48,624
March 2019Checks66,433
February 2019Checks62,785
January 2019Checks58,167
December 2018Checks76,042
November 2018Checks71,786
October 2018Checks54,302
September 2018Checks46,134
August 2018Checks52,483
July 2018Checks48,261
June 2018Checks47,938
May 2018Checks50,613
April 2018Checks53,166
March 2018Checks71,458
February 2018Checks66,667
January 2018Checks55,251
December 2017Checks87,983
November 2017Checks74,800
October 2017Checks55,531
September 2017Checks50,945
August 2017Checks49,945
July 2017Checks52,643
June 2017Checks52,959
May 2017Checks57,763
April 2017Checks57,852
March 2017Checks74,655
February 2017Checks69,264
January 2017Checks83,613
December 2016Checks74,884
November 2016Checks74,722
October 2016Checks56,652
September 2016Checks48,546
August 2016Checks60,971
July 2016Checks57,653
June 2016Checks56,218
May 2016Checks44,044
April 2016Checks57,837
March 2016Checks51,955
February 2016Checks68,503
January 2016Checks62,789
December 2015Checks100,586
November 2015Checks63,670
October 2015Checks51,134
September 2015Checks52,313
August 2015Checks49,128
July 2015Checks57,873
June 2015Checks42,558
May 2015Checks40,597
April 2015Checks44,972
March 2015Checks40,064
February 2015Checks53,761
January 2015Checks57,536
December 2014Checks72,934
November 2014Checks55,288
October 2014Checks44,933
September 2014Checks38,227
August 2014Checks39,800
July 2014Checks34,494
June 2014Checks32,665
May 2014Checks33,567
April 2014Checks36,861
March 2014Checks43,344
February 2014Checks55,684
January 2014Checks45,597
December 2013Checks64,784
November 2013Checks53,278
October 2013Checks42,522
September 2013Checks40,207
August 2013Checks39,133
July 2013Checks34,531
June 2013Checks36,424
May 2013Checks42,521
April 2013Checks45,767
March 2013Checks61,462
February 2013Checks70,784
January 2013Checks69,456
December 2012Checks91,922
November 2012Checks59,840
October 2012Checks40,032
September 2012Checks35,175
August 2012Checks39,107
July 2012Checks35,059
June 2012Checks33,629
May 2012Checks31,263
April 2012Checks33,338
March 2012Checks40,590
February 2012Checks49,025
January 2012Checks35,142
December 2011Checks56,878
November 2011Checks41,364
October 2011Checks39,802
September 2011Checks29,468
August 2011Checks31,215
July 2011Checks29,884
June 2011Checks26,388
May 2011Checks33,407
April 2011Checks34,499
March 2011Checks49,190
February 2011Checks41,709
January 2011Checks37,303
December 2010Checks51,102
November 2010Checks38,300
October 2010Checks34,894
September 2010Checks31,436
August 2010Checks30,419
July 2010Checks27,459
June 2010Checks26,099
May 2010Checks23,904
April 2010Checks30,453
March 2010Checks43,340
February 2010Checks47,562
January 2010Checks26,056
December 2009Checks48,145
November 2009Checks40,591
October 2009Checks35,780
September 2009Checks27,528
August 2009Checks55,766
July 2009Checks26,032
June 2009Checks23,435
May 2009Checks25,506
April 2009Checks26,003
March 2009Checks34,899
February 2009Checks33,801
January 2009Checks31,505
December 2008Checks41,576
November 2008Checks38,954
October 2008Checks24,426
September 2008Checks18,460
August 2008Checks20,940
July 2008Checks17,909
June 2008Checks16,905
May 2008Checks17,783
April 2008Checks17,915
March 2008Checks22,006
February 2008Checks25,181
January 2008Checks20,764
December 2007Checks35,126
November 2007Checks25,157
October 2007Checks20,691
September 2007Checks17,923
August 2007Checks19,077
July 2007Checks15,507
June 2007Checks15,879
May 2007Checks14,140
April 2007Checks15,480
March 2007Checks19,720
February 2007Checks22,518
January 2007Checks20,523
December 2006Checks35,319
November 2006Checks25,351
October 2006Checks19,969
September 2006Checks18,768
August 2006Checks20,437
July 2006Checks16,328
June 2006Checks18,581
May 2006Checks18,450
April 2006Checks16,863
March 2006Checks22,220
February 2006Checks23,568
January 2006Checks22,646
December 2005Checks36,650
November 2005Checks25,073
October 2005Checks19,685
September 2005Checks19,482
August 2005Checks21,483
July 2005Checks19,176
June 2005Checks15,910
May 2005Checks13,941
April 2005Checks17,726
March 2005Checks21,708
February 2005Checks22,338
January 2005Checks20,278
December 2004Checks35,089
November 2004Checks24,583
October 2004Checks21,146
September 2004Checks18,642
August 2004Checks18,110
July 2004Checks15,025
June 2004Checks13,387
May 2004Checks12,681
April 2004Checks13,966
March 2004Checks18,284
February 2004Checks19,565
January 2004Checks18,923
December 2003Checks31,093
November 2003Checks22,810
October 2003Checks18,831
September 2003Checks16,340
August 2003Checks18,585
July 2003Checks13,434
June 2003Checks13,571
May 2003Checks13,286
April 2003Checks13,387
March 2003Checks18,543
February 2003Checks21,746
January 2003Checks18,157
December 2002Checks31,800
November 2002Checks26,066
October 2002Checks19,767
September 2002Checks16,574
August 2002Checks18,777
July 2002Checks13,248
June 2002Checks12,056
May 2002Checks13,289
April 2002Checks13,784
March 2002Checks19,597
February 2002Checks20,354
January 2002Checks17,736
December 2001Checks32,906
November 2001Checks27,264
October 2001Checks24,095
September 2001Checks19,482
August 2001Checks18,714
July 2001Checks12,699
June 2001Checks12,826
May 2001Checks12,283
April 2001Checks12,402
March 2001Checks20,878
February 2001Checks19,682
January 2001Checks17,548
December 2000Checks33,316
November 2000Checks26,567
October 2000Checks20,079
September 2000Checks19,087
August 2000Checks19,449
July 2000Checks16,221
June 2000Checks12,596
May 2000Checks12,968
April 2000Checks14,344
March 2000Checks19,940
February 2000Checks21,178
January 2000Checks18,928
December 1999Checks41,637
November 1999Checks28,471
October 1999Checks23,761
September 1999Checks19,384
August 1999Checks19,662
July 1999Checks17,775
June 1999Checks16,197
May 1999Checks15,515
April 1999Checks17,000
March 1999Checks23,035
February 1999Checks23,304
January 1999Checks18,473
December 1998Checks24,666
November 1998Checks107Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does Tennessee export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in Tennessee came to $31.3 million in 2025, across 4 product groups. Rifles were 48.3% of that. [7]

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

2025: $31,335,274 · 2024: $28,262,265 · 10.9% 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. Rifles$15,138,954
  2. Pistols and revolvers$14,510,642
  3. Cartridges and parts$1,655,977
  4. Other explosive-charge firearms$29,701

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Tennessee, 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. Korea, South$6,368,577
  2. Norway$5,774,213
  3. Belgium$4,878,589
  4. Canada$2,868,575
  5. Ukraine$1,500,343
  6. Israel$1,476,016
  7. Lebanon$1,315,121
  8. South Africa$1,122,092

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Tennessee, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 38 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 Tennessee, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$31,335,2744 product families
2024Exports$28,262,2653 product families
2023Exports$5,035,9332 product families
2022Exports$2,318,3883 product families
2021Exports$7,489,7434 product families
2020Exports$17,338,7215 product families
2019Exports$29,395,6456 product families
2018Exports$30,033,5787 product families
2017Exports$33,625,9285 product families
2016Exports$40,806,7456 product families
2015Exports$42,238,206
2014Exports$58,546,651
Earlier years, 2010–2013
Firearm and ammunition exports from Tennessee, product groups added up by USA Arms, 2010–2013
YearExports
2013Exports$58,873,5657 product families
2012Exports$50,795,4746 product families
2011Exports$45,738,9925 product families
2010Exports$43,465,3737 product families
Cite a figure from this section (13)

How many hunting licenses does Tennessee certify?

Tennessee certified 734,342 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024, 1.8 times the 411,021 of 1956. Hunters bought 767,031 resident and 73,078 nonresident licenses, for $28,927,109 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

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

2024: 734,342 · 2023: 718,674 · 2.2% more

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

  • 734,342paid hunting-license holders Tennessee certified for license year 2024; the high was 844,172 in 2022USFWS certifications · 2024 · TennesseeCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by Tennessee
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders734,342Resident licenses767,031Nonresident licenses73,078Gross cost$28,927,109
2023Paid license holders718,674Resident licenses847,020Nonresident licenses86,093Gross cost$22,523,423
2022Paid license holders844,172Resident licenses919,253Nonresident licenses171,230Gross cost$37,128,114
2021Paid license holders728,759Resident licenses895,058Nonresident licenses159,023Gross cost$28,461,780
2020Paid license holders709,914Resident licenses756,603Nonresident licenses45,259Gross cost$18,877,809
2019Paid license holders694,458Resident licenses722,305Nonresident licenses66,774Gross cost$15,916,654
2018Paid license holders684,364Resident licenses646,743Nonresident licenses65,560Gross cost$20,908,618
2017Paid license holders679,038Resident licenses580,955Nonresident licenses43,710Gross cost$20,082,370
2016Paid license holders700,600Resident licenses696,906Nonresident licenses40,267Gross cost$20,720,183
2015Paid license holders717,256Resident licenses742,020Nonresident licenses43,006Gross cost$19,339,796
2014Paid license holders734,733Resident licenses744,567Nonresident licenses41,194Gross cost$17,936,537
2013Paid license holders727,229Resident licenses717,304Nonresident licenses40,055Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by Tennessee, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders566,507Resident licenses686,146Nonresident licenses34,274Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders530,547Resident licenses659,098Nonresident licenses37,920Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders698,993Resident licenses691,529Nonresident licenses39,872Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders700,621Resident licenses716,015Nonresident licenses40,221Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders671,120Resident licenses735,592Nonresident licenses47,523Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders667,606Resident licenses784,988Nonresident licenses47,956Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders780,053Resident licenses686,318Nonresident licenses38,920Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders775,511Resident licenses1,052,115Nonresident licenses41,710Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders730,495Resident licenses1,261,792Nonresident licenses40,485Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders727,525Resident licenses946,477Nonresident licenses37,513Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders725,110Resident licenses1,094,149Nonresident licenses37,301Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders727,525Resident licenses946,477Nonresident licenses37,513Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders725,110Resident licenses1,094,149Nonresident licenses37,301Gross cost$13,411,397
1999Paid license holders626,978Resident licenses1,049,981Nonresident licenses35,788Gross cost$13,275,659
1998Paid license holders631,580Resident licenses803,867Nonresident licenses39,540Gross cost$14,158,985
1997Paid license holders613,654Resident licenses805,872Nonresident licenses37,598Gross costWithheld
1996Paid license holders595,605Resident licenses855,671Nonresident licenses37,886Gross cost$12,879,975
1995Paid license holders600,117Resident licenses875,515Nonresident licenses35,265Gross cost$13,017,768
1994Paid license holders585,304Resident licenses871,085Nonresident licenses34,425Gross cost$12,310,032
1993Paid license holders599,935Resident licenses893,515Nonresident licenses34,543Gross cost$12,075,215
1992Paid license holders591,839Resident licenses876,996Nonresident licenses32,582Gross cost$11,438,264
1991Paid license holders571,756Resident licenses868,616Nonresident licenses31,369Gross cost$10,858,815
1990Paid license holders602,465Resident licenses951,923Nonresident licenses39,494Gross cost$10,854,990
1989Paid license holders587,802Resident licenses965,980Nonresident licenses43,363Gross cost$10,304,946
1988Paid license holders600,413Resident licenses918,953Nonresident licenses17,974Gross cost$8,303,054
1987Paid license holders598,616Resident licenses907,119Nonresident licenses16,443Gross cost$7,273,107
1986Paid license holders582,038Resident licenses905,568Nonresident licenses16,331Gross cost$7,242,841
1985Paid license holders603,846Resident licenses916,767Nonresident licenses15,957Gross cost$7,109,952
1984Paid license holders584,273Resident licenses960,764Nonresident licenses16,743Gross cost$8,648,909
1983Paid license holders592,693Resident licenses824,204Nonresident licenses12,137Gross cost$6,208,146
1982Paid license holders551,890Resident licenses807,569Nonresident licenses10,454Gross cost$5,844,591
1981Paid license holders541,617Resident licenses800,772Nonresident licenses11,201Gross cost$5,766,335
1980Paid license holders573,842Resident licenses779,156Nonresident licenses10,001Gross cost$5,469,586
1979Paid license holders575,818Resident licenses885,787Nonresident licenses23,542Gross cost$4,365,186
1978Paid license holders515,621Resident licenses809,753Nonresident licenses26,170Gross cost$5,902,493
1977Paid license holders509,014Resident licenses784,149Nonresident licenses31,386Gross cost$5,644,275
1976Paid license holders483,978Resident licenses753,422Nonresident licenses27,747Gross cost$2,475,455
1975Paid license holders483,539Resident licenses731,743Nonresident licenses24,195Gross cost$5,070,989
1974Paid license holders483,867Resident licenses726,693Nonresident licenses24,037Gross cost$5,127,711
1973Paid license holders519,783Resident licenses754,794Nonresident licenses19,130Gross cost$3,841,634
1972Paid license holders519,485Resident licenses725,444Nonresident licenses17,985Gross cost$3,672,477
1971Paid license holders483,434Resident licenses680,734Nonresident licenses15,660Gross cost$3,362,185
1970Paid license holders455,305Resident licenses618,311Nonresident licenses14,240Gross cost$2,012,560
1969Paid license holders441,402Resident licenses604,186Nonresident licenses12,013Gross cost$1,949,950
1968Paid license holders423,187Resident licenses572,009Nonresident licenses10,939Gross cost$1,833,310
1967Paid license holders444,983Resident licenses605,800Nonresident licenses20,740Gross cost$1,834,015
1966Paid license holders423,410Resident licenses566,467Nonresident licenses19,479Gross cost$1,637,934
1965Paid license holders393,269Resident licenses522,532Nonresident licenses8,503Gross cost$1,490,269
1964Paid license holders366,632Resident licenses493,932Nonresident licenses6,806Gross cost$1,334,136
1963Paid license holders441,813Resident licenses541,120Nonresident licenses5,463Gross cost$1,521,640
1962Paid license holders423,798Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders427,442Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders431,197Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders432,553Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders424,437Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders418,683Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders411,021Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does Tennessee receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $24,236,720 to Tennessee for fiscal 2026, 7.5% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $34,184,309 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

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

FY 2026: $24,236,720 · FY 2025: $26,203,809 · 7.5% less

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

  • $24,236,720apportioned to Tennessee for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $34,184,309 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · TennesseeCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Tennessee
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$24,236,720
FY 2025Apportioned$26,203,809
FY 2024Apportioned$30,733,509
FY 2023Apportioned$34,184,309
FY 2022Apportioned$31,952,887
FY 2021Apportioned$19,339,567
FY 2020Apportioned$17,067,040
FY 2019Apportioned$18,764,908
FY 2018Apportioned$22,544,767
FY 2017Apportioned$22,484,134
FY 2016Apportioned$20,400,396
FY 2015Apportioned$23,852,672
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Tennessee, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$19,633,243
FY 2013Apportioned$13,062,080
FY 2012Apportioned$10,726,478
FY 2011Apportioned$11,024,140
FY 2010Apportioned$13,630,058
FY 2009Apportioned$9,608,288
FY 2008Apportioned$9,652,824
FY 2007Apportioned$8,324,750
FY 2006Apportioned$7,721,967
FY 2005Apportioned$7,081,929
FY 2004Apportioned$5,988,969
FY 2003Apportioned$5,737,747
FY 2002Apportioned$5,086,100
FY 2001Apportioned$5,365,733
FY 2000Apportioned$5,009,785
FY 1999Apportioned$4,305,004
FY 1998Apportioned$3,951,382
FY 1997Apportioned$4,289,241
FY 1996Apportioned$5,196,112
FY 1995Apportioned$5,246,742
FY 1994Apportioned$4,644,043
FY 1993Apportioned$3,962,940
FY 1992Apportioned$3,832,165
FY 1991Apportioned$4,006,163
FY 1990Apportioned$2,909,037
FY 1989Apportioned$3,027,388
FY 1988Apportioned$2,734,181
FY 1987Apportioned$2,703,702
FY 1986Apportioned$2,541,161
FY 1985Apportioned$1,848,252
FY 1984Apportioned$2,103,953
FY 1983Apportioned$2,555,400
FY 1982Apportioned$2,637,220
FY 1981Apportioned$1,852,089
FY 1980Apportioned$1,913,094
FY 1979Apportioned$1,775,078
FY 1978Apportioned$1,355,401
FY 1977Apportioned$1,864,928
FY 1976Apportioned$1,293,376
FY 1975Apportioned$1,169,827
FY 1974Apportioned$1,008,803
FY 1973Apportioned$837,381
FY 1972Apportioned$705,252
FY 1971Apportioned$627,406
FY 1970Apportioned$632,561
FY 1969Apportioned$582,295
FY 1968Apportioned$489,329
FY 1967Apportioned$494,858
FY 1966Apportioned$396,328
FY 1965Apportioned$348,504
FY 1964Apportioned$365,858
FY 1963Apportioned$284,516
FY 1962Apportioned$282,798
FY 1961Apportioned$290,951
FY 1960Apportioned$308,364
FY 1959Apportioned$338,451
FY 1958Apportioned$387,679
FY 1957Apportioned$355,844
FY 1956Apportioned$319,786
FY 1955Apportioned$213,338
FY 1954Apportioned$253,156
FY 1953Apportioned$211,590
FY 1952Apportioned$350,988
FY 1951Apportioned$154,920
FY 1950Apportioned$182,970
FY 1949Apportioned$184,957
FY 1948Apportioned$128,715
FY 1947Apportioned$33,845
FY 1946Apportioned$13,144
FY 1945Apportioned$12,312
FY 1944Apportioned$13,444
FY 1943Apportioned$14,267
FY 1942Apportioned$31,905
FY 1941Apportioned$28,042
FY 1940Apportioned$16,808
FY 1939Apportioned$10,685
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does Tennessee compare?

Tennessee ranks 2nd for firearms made, 12th for license records, 7th for small arms jobs, 11th for job concentration, 4th for hunting license holders and 6th 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 CarolinaNC656K3.06K1.02K1.29582K$22.3MNorth DakotaND1.66K543149K$12.1MNebraskaNE4.19K804267K$15.2MNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNM2.74K689280.20160K$17.8MNevadaNV147K8592490.99111K$15.6MNew YorkNY88.2K1.82K2990.19533K$20.9MOhioOH53.9K2.79K2370.27360K$16.6MOklahomaOK6.01K1.7K356K$17.5MOregonOR12.9K1.38K330K$20.1MPennsylvaniaPA95.6K3.24K1.2K1.241.03M$30.6MRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSC765K1.49K7652.06199K$11.1MSouth DakotaSD1.9K646801.09223K$14.3MTexasTX666K8.34K1.12K0.501.12M$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$14.4MTennesseeTN1.16M1.99K1.17K2.24734K$24.2M
  • 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 Tennessee

Research with Tennessee figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: Tennessee’s largest filings each year · compare Tennessee 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: Tennessee’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: Tennessee’s license mix against the U.S. · compare Tennessee with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: Tennessee’s license holders per 100 residents, its rank and its nonresident share

All research

Sources, downloads and corrections

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

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

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