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West Virginia firearms statistics

How many guns West Virginia 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 West Virginia compares · U.S. statistics · West Virginia directory

  1. 3,323firearms made in West Virginia in 2024, 40th of 50 states and <0.1% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 943federal firearms license records, 33rd of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 278,193paid hunting-license holders, 24th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 177,103FBI background checks in 2025, 16.6% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 26private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $41,091 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $9,827,675Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 40th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $325,321of firearms and ammunition exported from West Virginia in 2025, all in one product groupCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in West Virginia?

Plants in West Virginia reported making 3,323 firearms in 2024, down 14.0% from 2023. That is <0.1% of U.S. production, 40th among the states. The high was 6,926 in 2021. [1] See gun manufacturers in West Virginia for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in West Virginia, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 3,323 · 2023: 3,862 · 14.0% fewer

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

  • 3,323firearms reported by plants in West Virginia for 2024, <0.1% of U.S. production; 3,862 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · West VirginiaCite

What West Virginia makes

Rifles were 23.1% of West Virginia production in 2024.

  1. Rifles767 23.1%
  2. Pistols183 5.5%
  3. Shotguns4 0.1%

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

Largest filings in West Virginia, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. West Virginia had 28 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of West Virginia
1Childers Guns LLCFairmont · 60.6%Fairmont2,01360.6%
2J W Manufacturing LLCFairmont · 14.2%Fairmont47314.2%
3Individual licenseeMartinsburg · 10.5%Martinsburg35010.5%
4Foley Defense LLCShady Spring · 4.7%Shady Spring1564.7%
5Individual licenseeMartinsburg · 3.6%Martinsburg1203.6%
6Harpers Ferry Armory Inc.Ranson · 1.1%Ranson361.1%
7Individual licenseePhilippi · 1.0%Philippi331.0%
8Individual licenseeGlen Easton · 0.8%Glen Easton260.8%
9Outkast Arms LLCGranville · 0.5%Granville180.5%
10Shanghai Guns LLCHedgesville · 0.5%Hedgesville150.5%

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.

  1. Fairmont2,498 3 filings
  2. Martinsburg471 3 filings
  3. Shady Spring156 1 filing
  4. Ranson36 1 filing
  5. Philippi33 1 filing
  6. Glen Easton26 1 filing
  7. Hedgesville19 2 filings
  8. Granville18 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 West Virginia, in all and by type
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotguns
2024Firearms made3,323Rifles767Sum of 28 filingsPistols183Sum of 28 filingsShotguns4Sum of 28 filings
2023Firearms made3,862Rifles474Sum of 22 filingsPistols69Sum of 22 filingsShotguns53Sum of 22 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldRiflesNot reportedPistolsNot reportedShotgunsNot reported
2021Firearms made6,926Rifles1,184Sum of 28 filingsPistols367Sum of 28 filingsShotguns12Sum of 28 filings
2020Firearms made5,407Rifles738Sum of 26 filingsPistols362Sum of 26 filingsShotguns4Sum of 26 filings
2019Firearms made3,725Rifles179Sum of 16 filingsPistols84Sum of 16 filingsShotguns0Sum of 16 filings
2018Firearms made1,008Rifles278Pistols100Shotguns2
2017Firearms made3,255Rifles463Pistols46Shotguns0
2016Firearms made1,927Rifles712Sum of 11 filingsPistols29Sum of 11 filingsShotguns1Sum of 11 filings
2015Firearms made1,844Rifles186Sum of 14 filingsPistols7Sum of 14 filingsShotguns0Sum of 14 filings
2014Firearms made1,350Rifles637Sum of 17 filingsPistols23Sum of 17 filingsShotguns0Sum of 17 filings
2013Firearms made1,061Rifles781Sum of 13 filingsPistols1Sum of 13 filingsShotguns0Sum of 13 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in West Virginia, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madeRiflesPistolsShotguns
2012Firearms made286Rifles211Sum of 8 filingsPistols3Sum of 8 filingsShotguns0Sum of 8 filings
2011Firearms made91Rifles90Sum of 6 filingsPistols0Sum of 6 filingsShotguns1Sum of 6 filings
2010Firearms made253Rifles234Sum of 9 filingsPistols11Sum of 9 filingsShotguns2Sum of 9 filings
2009Firearms made203Rifles201Pistols1Shotguns1
2008Firearms made170Rifles152Sum of 6 filingsPistols0Sum of 6 filingsShotguns0Sum of 6 filings
2007Firearms made9Rifles8Sum of 3 filingsPistols0Sum of 3 filingsShotguns1Sum of 3 filings
2006Firearms made175Rifles169Sum of 5 filingsPistols0Sum of 5 filingsShotguns1Sum of 5 filings
2005Firearms made199Rifles193Sum of 2 filingsPistols6Sum of 2 filingsShotguns0Sum of 2 filings
2004Firearms made97Rifles97Sum of 1 filingsPistols0Sum of 1 filingsShotguns0Sum of 1 filings
Cite a figure from this section (23)

How many people make firearms in West Virginia?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in West Virginia had 26 jobs at 8 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $41,091 a year. Jobs were highest in 2022, at 39, the first year BLS counted other ordnance makers too. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, West Virginia, 2001–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 26 · 2024: 24 · 8.3% more

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

  • 26private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in West Virginia at 8 establishments, paying $41,091 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · West VirginiaCite
  • 0.23job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is a smaller share of West Virginia jobs than of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $5,663,000shipped by 6 small arms plants and a $1,240,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Jefferson County2 establishments
  2. Marion County1 establishment
  3. Taylor County1 establishment
  4. Braxton County1 establishment
  5. Jackson County1 establishment
  6. Kanawha County1 establishment
  7. Raleigh 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 25 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)26Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$41,091Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$1,068,365Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)8Ammunition (332992)1

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

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)6
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)Withheld
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)$5,663,000
Value addedSmall arms (332994)$3,423,000
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$1,240,000

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

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, West Virginia
YearJobs
2025Jobs26
2024Jobs24
2023Jobs29
2022Jobs39
2021Jobs47
2020Jobs30
2019Jobs27
2018Jobs24
2017Jobs25
2016Jobs24
2015Jobs18
2014Jobs19
Earlier years, 2001–2013
Private small arms, ordnance and accessories jobs by year, West Virginia, 2001–2013
YearJobs
2013Jobs20
2012Jobs23
2011Jobs20
2010Jobs9
2009Jobs10
2008Jobs14
2007Jobs28
2006Jobs23
2005Jobs20
2004Jobs20
2003Jobs23
2002Jobs24
2001Jobs23
Cite a figure from this section (14)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in West Virginia?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 943 license records in West Virginia, 32 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 587 are dealers and 177 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 West Virginia.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in West Virginia, 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.

  • 943federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 975 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · West VirginiaCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)587 62.2%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)177 18.8%
  3. Pawnbrokers (type 02)146 15.5%
  4. Importers (type 08)14 1.5%
  5. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)12 1.3%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)3 0.3%
  7. Destructive-device importers (type 11)3 0.3%
  8. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)1 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 West Virginia 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 types943Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)587Manufacturer (07)177Pawnbroker (02)146Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2026All types950Dealer (01)591Manufacturer (07)179Pawnbroker (02)147Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2026All types954Dealer (01)593Manufacturer (07)180Pawnbroker (02)147Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2026All types960Dealer (01)599Manufacturer (07)179Pawnbroker (02)148Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2026All types969Dealer (01)601Manufacturer (07)181Pawnbroker (02)152Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2026All types970Dealer (01)599Manufacturer (07)182Pawnbroker (02)152Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2026All types969Dealer (01)602Manufacturer (07)178Pawnbroker (02)153Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2026All types966Dealer (01)602Manufacturer (07)175Pawnbroker (02)153Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2025All types968Dealer (01)604Manufacturer (07)173Pawnbroker (02)154Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2025All types912Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)568Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)166Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)145Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)15Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)13Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)3Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)1Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)1Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types871Sum of 7 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)546Manufacturer (07)161Pawnbroker (02)134Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)1Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
September 2025All types971Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)606Manufacturer (07)172Pawnbroker (02)156Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2025All types975Dealer (01)607Manufacturer (07)174Pawnbroker (02)156Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2025All types974Dealer (01)605Manufacturer (07)173Pawnbroker (02)158Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2025All types977Dealer (01)609Manufacturer (07)170Pawnbroker (02)161Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2025All types976Dealer (01)612Manufacturer (07)167Pawnbroker (02)161Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
April 2025All types972Dealer (01)614Manufacturer (07)162Pawnbroker (02)162Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
March 2025All types978Dealer (01)616Manufacturer (07)162Pawnbroker (02)164Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)4Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2025All types981Dealer (01)620Manufacturer (07)164Pawnbroker (02)164Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2025All types980Dealer (01)620Manufacturer (07)165Pawnbroker (02)162Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2024All types980Dealer (01)619Manufacturer (07)166Pawnbroker (02)162Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)2Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2024All types990Dealer (01)621Manufacturer (07)168Pawnbroker (02)164Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2024All types994Dealer (01)624Manufacturer (07)169Pawnbroker (02)164Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2024All types991Dealer (01)621Manufacturer (07)169Pawnbroker (02)164Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in West Virginia 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 types1,000Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)623Manufacturer (07)169Pawnbroker (02)169Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2024All types1,003Dealer (01)624Manufacturer (07)168Pawnbroker (02)172Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2024All types996Dealer (01)622Manufacturer (07)165Pawnbroker (02)170Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2024All types992Dealer (01)623Manufacturer (07)161Pawnbroker (02)169Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2024All types1,002Dealer (01)628Manufacturer (07)160Pawnbroker (02)172Importer (08)17Ammunition manufacturer (06)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2024All types1,006Dealer (01)631Manufacturer (07)160Pawnbroker (02)172Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2024All types1,019Dealer (01)635Manufacturer (07)162Pawnbroker (02)178Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2024All types1,013Dealer (01)635Manufacturer (07)158Pawnbroker (02)177Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2023All types1,020Dealer (01)641Manufacturer (07)158Pawnbroker (02)177Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2023All types1,017Dealer (01)639Manufacturer (07)156Pawnbroker (02)178Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2023All types1,017Dealer (01)638Manufacturer (07)157Pawnbroker (02)178Importer (08)15Ammunition manufacturer (06)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)2Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)2
September 2023All types1,022Dealer (01)638Manufacturer (07)158Pawnbroker (02)178Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
August 2023All types1,022Dealer (01)637Manufacturer (07)157Pawnbroker (02)179Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
July 2023All types1,024Dealer (01)641Manufacturer (07)155Pawnbroker (02)179Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
June 2023All types1,033Dealer (01)646Manufacturer (07)158Pawnbroker (02)180Importer (08)16Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
May 2023All types1,026Dealer (01)645Manufacturer (07)154Pawnbroker (02)181Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
April 2023All types1,026Dealer (01)647Manufacturer (07)153Pawnbroker (02)180Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
March 2023All types1,034Dealer (01)655Manufacturer (07)152Pawnbroker (02)181Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
February 2023All types1,036Dealer (01)656Manufacturer (07)152Pawnbroker (02)181Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
January 2023All types1,032Dealer (01)656Manufacturer (07)151Pawnbroker (02)179Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
December 2022All types1,036Dealer (01)660Manufacturer (07)150Pawnbroker (02)180Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
November 2022All types1,035Dealer (01)662Manufacturer (07)148Pawnbroker (02)180Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)2
October 2022All types1,027Dealer (01)659Manufacturer (07)144Pawnbroker (02)180Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
September 2022All types1,030Dealer (01)661Manufacturer (07)143Pawnbroker (02)182Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
August 2022All types1,023Dealer (01)662Manufacturer (07)137Pawnbroker (02)179Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
July 2022All types1,026Dealer (01)662Manufacturer (07)139Pawnbroker (02)181Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
June 2022All types1,022Dealer (01)659Manufacturer (07)136Pawnbroker (02)182Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
May 2022All types1,022Dealer (01)663Manufacturer (07)132Pawnbroker (02)183Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
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 types1,031Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)670Manufacturer (07)131Pawnbroker (02)185Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
February 2022All types1,036Dealer (01)675Manufacturer (07)130Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
January 2022All types1,038Dealer (01)678Manufacturer (07)129Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
December 2021All types1,037Dealer (01)680Manufacturer (07)126Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
November 2021All types1,036Dealer (01)679Manufacturer (07)125Pawnbroker (02)186Importer (08)14Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)4Destructive-device dealer (09)1
October 2021All types1,028Sum of 7 reported license typesDealer (01)678Manufacturer (07)119Pawnbroker (02)188Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
September 2021All types1,026Dealer (01)679Manufacturer (07)117Pawnbroker (02)187Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
August 2021All types1,027Dealer (01)683Manufacturer (07)114Pawnbroker (02)187Importer (08)13Ammunition manufacturer (06)24Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
July 2021All types1,034Dealer (01)692Manufacturer (07)112Pawnbroker (02)191Importer (08)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
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 types1,035Sum of 7 reported license typesDealer (01)696Manufacturer (07)105Pawnbroker (02)193Importer (08)10Ammunition manufacturer (06)25Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
April 2021All types1,039Dealer (01)696Manufacturer (07)107Pawnbroker (02)194Importer (08)11Ammunition manufacturer (06)25Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
March 2021All types1,037Dealer (01)699Manufacturer (07)104Pawnbroker (02)194Importer (08)11Ammunition manufacturer (06)23Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
February 2021All types1,033Dealer (01)701Manufacturer (07)102Pawnbroker (02)193Importer (08)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
January 2021All types1,035Dealer (01)702Manufacturer (07)101Pawnbroker (02)195Importer (08)9Ammunition manufacturer (06)22Destructive-device manufacturer (10)3Destructive-device importer (11)3Destructive-device dealer (09)Not reported
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does West Virginia run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 177,103 checks in West Virginia in 2025, down 2.0% from 2024. Permit checks were 16.6% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 112,272, against 105,668 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in West Virginia per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 177,103 · 2024: 180,730 · 2.0% fewer

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

  • 177,103firearm background checks in West Virginia in 2025, 29,468 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Long gun67,408 38.1%
  2. Handgun58,371 33.0%
  3. Permit27,891 15.7%
  4. Redemption handgun7,455 4.2%
  5. Redemption long gun6,363 3.6%
  6. Multiple firearms4,554 2.6%
  7. All other types5,061 2.9%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, West Virginia counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 177,103 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in West Virginia by year
YearChecks
2025Checks177,103
2024Checks180,730
2023Checks191,353
2022Checks192,868
2021Checks224,240
2020Checks265,705
2019Checks206,196
2018Checks241,678
2017Checks222,768
2016Checks242,350
2015Checks249,014
2014Checks221,847
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in West Virginia by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks248,952
2012Checks225,580
2011Checks185,491
2010Checks159,550
2009Checks156,831
2008Checks147,689
2007Checks132,396
2006Checks137,925
2005Checks133,667
2004Checks132,846
2003Checks131,777
2002Checks134,846
2001Checks138,421
2000Checks128,258
1999Checks134,471
FBI NICS background checks in West Virginia by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks12,848
July 2026Checks12,198
June 2026Checks12,361
May 2026Checks12,812
April 2026Checks14,474
March 2026Checks17,515
February 2026Checks16,313
January 2026Checks13,751
December 2025Checks19,923
November 2025Checks18,169
October 2025Checks18,212
September 2025Checks15,131
August 2025Checks13,328
July 2025Checks11,661
June 2025Checks11,432
May 2025Checks12,829
April 2025Checks13,327
March 2025Checks16,436
February 2025Checks14,383
January 2025Checks12,272
December 2024Checks19,991
November 2024Checks19,184
October 2024Checks15,331
September 2024Checks13,082
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in West Virginia by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks13,830
July 2024Checks12,150
June 2024Checks11,628
May 2024Checks12,663
April 2024Checks14,657
March 2024Checks18,451
February 2024Checks16,713
January 2024Checks13,050
December 2023Checks21,891
November 2023Checks20,603
October 2023Checks16,207
September 2023Checks13,273
August 2023Checks12,900
July 2023Checks12,004
June 2023Checks12,955
May 2023Checks13,747
April 2023Checks15,068
March 2023Checks19,818
February 2023Checks17,498
January 2023Checks15,389
December 2022Checks22,152
November 2022Checks19,756
October 2022Checks15,952
September 2022Checks14,483
August 2022Checks14,241
July 2022Checks13,743
June 2022Checks14,473
May 2022Checks13,069
April 2022Checks15,280
March 2022Checks19,951
February 2022Checks16,718
January 2022Checks13,050
December 2021Checks23,083
November 2021Checks20,461
October 2021Checks16,759
September 2021Checks15,034
August 2021Checks14,672
July 2021Checks14,625
June 2021Checks13,096
May 2021Checks14,022
April 2021Checks20,522
March 2021Checks27,426
February 2021Checks17,914
January 2021Checks26,626
December 2020Checks24,557
November 2020Checks25,147
October 2020Checks21,199
September 2020Checks19,251
August 2020Checks19,728
July 2020Checks22,194
June 2020Checks24,389
May 2020Checks21,549
April 2020Checks22,429
March 2020Checks26,346
February 2020Checks20,942
January 2020Checks17,974
December 2019Checks22,990
November 2019Checks20,851
October 2019Checks18,239
September 2019Checks17,740
August 2019Checks16,501
July 2019Checks12,289
June 2019Checks12,841
May 2019Checks13,173
April 2019Checks15,583
March 2019Checks21,859
February 2019Checks18,810
January 2019Checks15,320
December 2018Checks24,786
November 2018Checks22,695
October 2018Checks17,523
September 2018Checks15,411
August 2018Checks15,366
July 2018Checks13,136
June 2018Checks14,127
May 2018Checks17,108
April 2018Checks22,379
March 2018Checks40,701
February 2018Checks23,344
January 2018Checks15,102
December 2017Checks27,273
November 2017Checks24,455
October 2017Checks18,256
September 2017Checks16,723
August 2017Checks14,770
July 2017Checks13,970
June 2017Checks14,498
May 2017Checks15,085
April 2017Checks16,988
March 2017Checks22,529
February 2017Checks22,449
January 2017Checks15,772
December 2016Checks27,242
November 2016Checks25,378
October 2016Checks20,035
September 2016Checks18,079
August 2016Checks17,315
July 2016Checks16,791
June 2016Checks16,423
May 2016Checks14,918
April 2016Checks17,825
March 2016Checks22,143
February 2016Checks27,216
January 2016Checks18,985
December 2015Checks36,037
November 2015Checks25,063
October 2015Checks21,388
September 2015Checks17,801
August 2015Checks16,720
July 2015Checks15,607
June 2015Checks14,695
May 2015Checks15,288
April 2015Checks18,739
March 2015Checks25,804
February 2015Checks24,248
January 2015Checks17,624
December 2014Checks26,935
November 2014Checks24,050
October 2014Checks20,922
September 2014Checks16,952
August 2014Checks15,799
July 2014Checks13,298
June 2014Checks12,646
May 2014Checks14,682
April 2014Checks16,702
March 2014Checks20,942
February 2014Checks23,569
January 2014Checks15,350
December 2013Checks26,265
November 2013Checks24,919
October 2013Checks19,865
September 2013Checks17,038
August 2013Checks16,506
July 2013Checks13,839
June 2013Checks13,796
May 2013Checks15,908
April 2013Checks18,761
March 2013Checks25,848
February 2013Checks29,414
January 2013Checks26,793
December 2012Checks34,030
November 2012Checks26,830
October 2012Checks19,662
September 2012Checks17,549
August 2012Checks17,075
July 2012Checks12,858
June 2012Checks12,880
May 2012Checks13,060
April 2012Checks14,643
March 2012Checks19,085
February 2012Checks23,043
January 2012Checks14,865
December 2011Checks24,967
November 2011Checks21,995
October 2011Checks17,195
September 2011Checks15,704
August 2011Checks13,269
July 2011Checks11,387
June 2011Checks10,610
May 2011Checks10,691
April 2011Checks13,548
March 2011Checks15,674
February 2011Checks18,145
January 2011Checks12,306
December 2010Checks18,577
November 2010Checks19,482
October 2010Checks16,499
September 2010Checks13,298
August 2010Checks11,116
July 2010Checks10,050
June 2010Checks9,774
May 2010Checks9,350
April 2010Checks11,180
March 2010Checks13,794
February 2010Checks14,737
January 2010Checks11,693
December 2009Checks17,719
November 2009Checks17,419
October 2009Checks15,987
September 2009Checks12,343
August 2009Checks10,435
July 2009Checks9,628
June 2009Checks9,232
May 2009Checks10,016
April 2009Checks12,237
March 2009Checks13,698
February 2009Checks15,097
January 2009Checks13,020
December 2008Checks19,330
November 2008Checks19,848
October 2008Checks15,608
September 2008Checks10,770
August 2008Checks10,281
July 2008Checks8,932
June 2008Checks8,448
May 2008Checks9,549
April 2008Checks9,691
March 2008Checks11,339
February 2008Checks13,159
January 2008Checks10,734
December 2007Checks15,750
November 2007Checks16,175
October 2007Checks13,245
September 2007Checks10,916
August 2007Checks10,169
July 2007Checks8,144
June 2007Checks8,040
May 2007Checks7,754
April 2007Checks9,170
March 2007Checks11,331
February 2007Checks11,339
January 2007Checks10,363
December 2006Checks18,049
November 2006Checks17,319
October 2006Checks13,915
September 2006Checks12,569
August 2006Checks8,732
July 2006Checks7,632
June 2006Checks8,047
May 2006Checks7,988
April 2006Checks9,084
March 2006Checks11,814
February 2006Checks12,131
January 2006Checks10,645
December 2005Checks17,176
November 2005Checks17,108
October 2005Checks13,536
September 2005Checks11,364
August 2005Checks9,286
July 2005Checks7,650
June 2005Checks7,172
May 2005Checks7,282
April 2005Checks9,691
March 2005Checks11,682
February 2005Checks11,980
January 2005Checks9,740
December 2004Checks15,987
November 2004Checks17,384
October 2004Checks15,018
September 2004Checks10,877
August 2004Checks9,503
July 2004Checks7,897
June 2004Checks7,174
May 2004Checks6,867
April 2004Checks9,383
March 2004Checks10,544
February 2004Checks11,403
January 2004Checks10,809
December 2003Checks15,309
November 2003Checks16,434
October 2003Checks15,458
September 2003Checks10,656
August 2003Checks9,555
July 2003Checks7,573
June 2003Checks7,133
May 2003Checks8,467
April 2003Checks9,584
March 2003Checks10,598
February 2003Checks11,277
January 2003Checks9,733
December 2002Checks15,226
November 2002Checks18,015
October 2002Checks15,209
September 2002Checks11,584
August 2002Checks9,931
July 2002Checks7,825
June 2002Checks6,953
May 2002Checks8,140
April 2002Checks9,510
March 2002Checks11,248
February 2002Checks11,808
January 2002Checks9,397
December 2001Checks16,578
November 2001Checks19,121
October 2001Checks17,649
September 2001Checks12,520
August 2001Checks10,176
July 2001Checks7,603
June 2001Checks7,652
May 2001Checks7,406
April 2001Checks8,399
March 2001Checks11,306
February 2001Checks10,844
January 2001Checks9,167
December 2000Checks14,371
November 2000Checks16,591
October 2000Checks13,650
September 2000Checks12,058
August 2000Checks9,060
July 2000Checks7,743
June 2000Checks7,397
May 2000Checks7,143
April 2000Checks9,255
March 2000Checks10,855
February 2000Checks11,546
January 2000Checks8,589
December 1999Checks15,911
November 1999Checks17,481
October 1999Checks16,359
September 1999Checks11,904
August 1999Checks9,226
July 1999Checks8,507
June 1999Checks7,481
May 1999Checks7,361
April 1999Checks9,908
March 1999Checks10,867
February 1999Checks11,206
January 1999Checks8,260
December 1998Checks13,786
November 1998Checks408Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does West Virginia export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in West Virginia came to $325,321 in 2025, all of it shotgun shells and parts. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from West Virginia, 2011–2025 current dollars

  • Hatched: not reported

2025: $325,321 · 2024: Not reported

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. Shotgun shells and parts$325,321

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

Where the exports went, 2025

  1. Canada$325,321

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from West Virginia, 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 4 years
Firearm and ammunition exports from West Virginia, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$325,3211 product family
2020Exports$31,000
2013Exports$998,845
2011Exports$899,146
Cite a figure from this section (3)

How many hunting licenses does West Virginia certify?

West Virginia certified 278,193 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 553,757 resident and 171,525 nonresident licenses, for $9,408,148 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in West Virginia, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 278,193 · 2023: 265,969 · 4.6% more

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

  • 278,193paid hunting-license holders West Virginia certified for license year 2024; the high was 336,676 in 1981USFWS certifications · 2024 · West VirginiaCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by West Virginia
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders278,193Resident licenses553,757Nonresident licenses171,525Gross cost$9,408,148
2023Paid license holders265,969Resident licenses540,022Nonresident licenses163,837Gross cost$9,175,238
2022Paid license holders265,103Resident licenses559,152Nonresident licenses169,407Gross cost$9,348,550
2021Paid license holders253,955Resident licenses535,903Nonresident licenses150,752Gross cost$8,933,132
2020Paid license holders206,935Resident licenses487,537Nonresident licenses147,363Gross cost$8,681,556
2019Paid license holders205,447Resident licenses484,447Nonresident licenses143,966Gross cost$8,682,137
2018Paid license holders210,101Resident licenses503,368Nonresident licenses143,140Gross cost$8,831,815
2017Paid license holders213,656Resident licenses519,105Nonresident licenses142,397Gross cost$9,024,756
2016Paid license holders217,123Resident licenses537,767Nonresident licenses139,943Gross cost$9,222,900
2015Paid license holders219,990Resident licenses563,247Nonresident licenses141,825Gross cost$9,488,300
2014Paid license holders222,686Resident licenses574,973Nonresident licenses144,132Gross cost$9,757,128
2013Paid license holders220,811Resident licenses565,393Nonresident licenses138,662Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by West Virginia, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders214,286Resident licenses547,063Nonresident licenses137,675Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders221,806Resident licenses562,501Nonresident licenses147,673Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders233,349Resident licenses611,983Nonresident licenses166,374Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders234,192Resident licenses607,435Nonresident licenses160,564Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders229,115Resident licenses579,073Nonresident licenses157,310Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders237,343Resident licenses590,074Nonresident licenses163,375Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders237,343Resident licenses590,074Nonresident licenses163,375Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders238,355Resident licenses567,060Nonresident licenses170,989Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders254,222Resident licenses741,278Nonresident licenses208,006Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders262,835Resident licenses729,189Nonresident licenses196,988Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders288,098Resident licenses656,091Nonresident licenses174,657Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders262,835Resident licenses729,189Nonresident licenses196,988Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders288,098Resident licenses656,091Nonresident licenses174,657Gross cost$11,058,550
1999Paid license holders276,242Resident licenses623,197Nonresident licenses188,236Gross cost$10,759,575
1998Paid license holders276,566Resident licenses233,243Nonresident licenses43,323Gross cost$10,426,126
1997Paid license holders282,195Resident licenses238,434Nonresident licenses43,761Gross cost$10,533,628
1996Paid license holders276,053Resident licenses233,909Nonresident licenses42,144Gross cost$10,597,323
1995Paid license holders279,245Resident licenses236,331Nonresident licenses42,914Gross cost$8,719,070
1994Paid license holders277,978Resident licenses234,314Nonresident licenses43,664Gross cost$8,656,379
1993Paid license holders279,891Resident licenses609,937Nonresident licenses172,697Gross cost$8,777,245
1992Paid license holders282,507Resident licenses645,298Nonresident licenses179,632Gross cost$9,321,691
1991Paid license holders282,507Resident licenses645,298Nonresident licenses179,632Gross cost$9,321,691
1990Paid license holders281,506Resident licenses656,712Nonresident licenses184,313Gross cost$9,530,208
1989Paid license holders265,122Resident licenses717,710Nonresident licenses165,637Gross cost$7,912,385
1988Paid license holders272,985Resident licenses608,649Nonresident licenses161,909Gross cost$8,782,372
1987Paid license holders306,463Resident licenses507,066Nonresident licenses84,020Gross cost$6,626,549
1986Paid license holders306,486Resident licenses494,197Nonresident licenses80,995Gross cost$6,472,798
1985Paid license holders317,404Resident licenses482,280Nonresident licenses88,178Gross cost$5,601,194
1984Paid license holders311,696Resident licenses468,200Nonresident licenses79,540Gross cost$5,162,347
1983Paid license holders319,659Resident licenses486,136Nonresident licenses75,030Gross cost$5,179,180
1982Paid license holders328,432Resident licenses461,303Nonresident licenses69,599Gross cost$4,629,644
1981Paid license holders336,676Resident licenses457,127Nonresident licenses69,677Gross cost$4,524,615
1980Paid license holders331,182Resident licenses450,878Nonresident licenses65,166Gross cost$3,741,280
1979Paid license holders321,890Resident licenses433,353Nonresident licenses65,323Gross cost$3,355,075
1978Paid license holders314,664Resident licenses426,121Nonresident licenses61,440Gross cost$3,246,820
1977Paid license holders310,434Resident licenses412,629Nonresident licenses58,649Gross cost$3,110,902
1976Paid license holders316,665Resident licenses422,838Nonresident licenses58,911Gross cost$2,568,118
1975Paid license holders308,130Resident licenses420,003Nonresident licenses53,233Gross cost$2,473,044
1974Paid license holders301,319Resident licenses399,139Nonresident licenses49,189Gross cost$2,348,801
1973Paid license holders288,521Resident licenses386,728Nonresident licenses44,595Gross cost$2,240,629
1972Paid license holders275,918Resident licenses247,815Nonresident licenses28,756Gross cost$2,061,219
1971Paid license holders256,051Resident licenses232,404Nonresident licenses23,747Gross cost$1,832,399
1970Paid license holders259,832Resident licenses239,101Nonresident licenses20,831Gross cost$1,240,121
1969Paid license holders258,279Resident licenses234,277Nonresident licenses24,102Gross cost$1,108,037
1968Paid license holders247,531Resident licenses226,873Nonresident licenses20,758Gross cost$1,027,759
1967Paid license holders239,935Resident licenses222,065Nonresident licenses17,970Gross cost$959,863
1966Paid license holders227,968Resident licenses210,978Nonresident licenses17,090Gross cost$907,372
1965Paid license holders238,889Resident licenses222,890Nonresident licenses16,099Gross cost$923,680
1964Paid license holders232,657Resident licenses219,746Nonresident licenses12,911Gross cost$861,815
1963Paid license holders218,536Resident licenses209,185Nonresident licenses9,351Gross cost$768,865
1962Paid license holders197,966Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders204,589Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders207,943Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders210,860Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders221,071Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders274,424Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders271,687Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does West Virginia receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $9,827,675 to West Virginia for fiscal 2026, 6.1% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $13,177,495 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to West Virginia, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $9,827,675 · FY 2025: $10,464,985 · 6.1% less

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

  • $9,827,675apportioned to West Virginia for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $13,177,495 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · West VirginiaCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to West Virginia
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$9,827,675
FY 2025Apportioned$10,464,985
FY 2024Apportioned$11,176,512
FY 2023Apportioned$13,177,495
FY 2022Apportioned$11,257,979
FY 2021Apportioned$6,875,412
FY 2020Apportioned$6,173,284
FY 2019Apportioned$6,898,259
FY 2018Apportioned$8,209,596
FY 2017Apportioned$8,126,275
FY 2016Apportioned$7,314,107
FY 2015Apportioned$8,622,897
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to West Virginia, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$8,058,451
FY 2013Apportioned$5,635,116
FY 2012Apportioned$4,056,683
FY 2011Apportioned$4,219,117
FY 2010Apportioned$5,236,855
FY 2009Apportioned$3,782,560
FY 2008Apportioned$3,454,244
FY 2007Apportioned$2,991,044
FY 2006Apportioned$2,724,268
FY 2005Apportioned$2,831,168
FY 2004Apportioned$2,537,373
FY 2003Apportioned$2,569,388
FY 2002Apportioned$2,275,728
FY 2001Apportioned$2,466,988
FY 2000Apportioned$2,360,616
FY 1999Apportioned$2,025,640
FY 1998Apportioned$1,872,331
FY 1997Apportioned$2,005,835
FY 1996Apportioned$2,433,753
FY 1995Apportioned$2,524,937
FY 1994Apportioned$2,151,184
FY 1993Apportioned$1,799,784
FY 1992Apportioned$1,758,944
FY 1991Apportioned$1,955,158
FY 1990Apportioned$1,463,782
FY 1989Apportioned$1,525,418
FY 1988Apportioned$1,399,563
FY 1987Apportioned$1,379,160
FY 1986Apportioned$1,393,936
FY 1985Apportioned$1,017,643
FY 1984Apportioned$1,111,670
FY 1983Apportioned$1,323,946
FY 1982Apportioned$1,457,906
FY 1981Apportioned$1,046,798
FY 1980Apportioned$1,143,244
FY 1979Apportioned$1,040,366
FY 1978Apportioned$782,152
FY 1977Apportioned$1,011,342
FY 1976Apportioned$687,129
FY 1975Apportioned$609,913
FY 1974Apportioned$549,655
FY 1973Apportioned$461,155
FY 1972Apportioned$385,466
FY 1971Apportioned$345,198
FY 1970Apportioned$347,842
FY 1969Apportioned$346,547
FY 1968Apportioned$299,485
FY 1967Apportioned$257,116
FY 1966Apportioned$198,787
FY 1965Apportioned$177,383
FY 1964Apportioned$189,282
FY 1963Apportioned$146,665
FY 1962Apportioned$152,147
FY 1961Apportioned$181,549
FY 1960Apportioned$194,397
FY 1959Apportioned$219,197
FY 1958Apportioned$228,451
FY 1957Apportioned$213,518
FY 1956Apportioned$179,966
FY 1955Apportioned$126,455
FY 1954Apportioned$164,840
FY 1953Apportioned$143,526
FY 1952Apportioned$252,497
FY 1951Apportioned$141,760
FY 1950Apportioned$162,404
FY 1949Apportioned$160,939
FY 1948Apportioned$139,329
FY 1947Apportioned$33,793
FY 1946Apportioned$13,453
FY 1945Apportioned$11,421
FY 1944Apportioned$13,525
FY 1943Apportioned$17,036
FY 1942Apportioned$35,658
FY 1941Apportioned$34,014
FY 1940Apportioned$23,458
FY 1939Apportioned$14,913
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does West Virginia compare?

West Virginia ranks 40th for firearms made, 33rd for license records, 34th for small arms jobs, 30th for job concentration, 24th for hunting license holders and 40th 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$14.3MTennesseeTN1.16M1.99K1.17K2.24734K$24.2MTexasTX666K8.34K1.12K0.501.12M$38.9MUtahUT135K1.37K7002.51283K$16.4MVirginiaVA12K1.99K2210.33251K$14.3MVermontWashingtonWA177K1.17K4820.84164K$15.4MWisconsinWI205K1.77K1.02K2.16652K$23.5MWyomingWY12.9K8243678.13119K$14.4MWest VirginiaWV3.32K943260.23278K$9.83M
  • 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 West Virginia

Research with West Virginia figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: West Virginia’s largest filings each year · compare West Virginia 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: West Virginia’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: West Virginia’s license mix against the U.S. · compare West Virginia with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: West Virginia’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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  1. [1] ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reportcalendar years 2004–2024www.atf.gov
  2. [2] ATF Federal Firearms Listingsmonthly lists by license type, January 2021 – August 2026www.atf.gov
  3. [3] USFWS Wildlife Restoration apportionments and hunting-license certificationshunting licenses, license years 1956–2024; apportionments, fiscal years 1939–2026www.fws.gov
  4. [4] FBI NICS firearm checksmonthly state counts, November 1998 – August 2026; checks by type, 2025www.fbi.gov
  5. [5] BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wagesprivate employers by industry, 2001–2025www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, West Virginiawww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeWest Virginia-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.