The Most Popular Firearm in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the firearm you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:37
Identifying the most popular firearm in America provides key insights into consumer trends and preferences within the country's nuanced gun culture. By ranking these items based on public opinion, enthusiasts and first-time buyers alike can gain an understanding of market dynamics and the reliability and popularity of different models. This approach helps clarify the landscape in an area characterized by both wide-ranging choices and passionate discussions.
This live ranking serves as a dynamic reflection of current user preferences, updated in real time as votes are cast. It not only fosters a community of informed participants but also enhances transparency about what is currently trending in the firearm industry in America. Everyone from seasoned experts to newcomers is encouraged to contribute their views and help shape the ongoing conversation.
What Is the Most Popular Firearm in America?
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137votesThe AR-15 is one of the most popular firearms in America due to its versatility, customization options, and widespread use by law enforcement and military personnel.The AR-15 is a highly popular carbine rifle known for its versatility and widespread use. It is a lightweight, magazine-fed firearm that has become a symbol of American gun culture.
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Direct impingement gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Barrel length: 16 inches
- Overall length: 32.5 - 36.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 - 7.5 pounds
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252votes
Shotgun · CC BY-SA 3.0Glock 19
Glock Ges.m.b.H.The Glock 19 is a popular handgun due to its reliability, ease of use, and widespread use by law enforcement and military personnel.The Glock 19 is a compact semi-automatic pistol widely regarded as one of the most popular firearms in America. It is appreciated for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility in both self-defense and concealed carry applications.- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Action: Striker-fired
- Capacity: 15+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.01 inches
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
Glock 19 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Glock to buy
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314votes
US Air Force from USA · Public domainRemington 870
Remington Arms CompanyThe Remington 870 is a popular shotgun due to its reliability, affordability, and versatility for hunting, home defense, and law enforcement use.The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun, widely regarded as one of the most popular firearms in America. It is renowned for its reliability, versatility, and solid construction, making it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement personnel.- Action: Pump-action
- Gauge: 12, 20, 28, and .410 bore
- Capacity: Varies (typically 4-8 rounds)
- Barrel Length: 18.5 to 30 inches
- Choke System: Interchangeable
Remington 870 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Remington shotgun
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular shotgun in the U.S.
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular gun in the world
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410votes
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
Smith & WessonThe Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a popular handgun due to its affordability, reliability, and concealability for personal protection.The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a compact and lightweight semi-automatic pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. It offers users a comfortable shooting experience without sacrificing firepower or reliability.- Caliber: 9mm or .40 S&W
- Capacity: 8+1 or 7+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.6 inches
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522votesThe Ruger 10/22 is a popular rifle due to its affordability, accuracy, and versatility for hunting and target shooting.The Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic carbine rifle known for its reliability, versatility, and popularity among gun enthusiasts. It has become one of the most widely used .22 caliber rifles in the world, appealing to both beginners and experienced shooters.
- Caliber: .22
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: 37 inches
Ruger 10/22 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable semi-automatic .22
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613votes
Rouven74 · CC BY-SA 4.0Sig Sauer P320
Sig SauerThe Sig Sauer P320 is a popular handgun due to its modularity, reliability, and widespread use by law enforcement and military personnel.The Sig Sauer P320 is a popular 9mm handgun known for its modular design and reliability. It was created by Sig Sauer, a renowned firearms manufacturer based in Germany and Switzerland. The P320 is widely used by both law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters.- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Striker-fired
- Capacity: varies (typically between 10-17 rounds)
- Barrel Length: varies (typically between 3.9-4.7 inches)
- Overall Length: varies (typically between 7.2-8 inches)
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79votes
Tekogi · CC BY-SA 3.0Mossberg 500
O.F. Mossberg & SonsThe Mossberg 500 is a popular shotgun due to its reliability, affordability, and versatility for hunting, home defense, and law enforcement use.The Mossberg 500 is a popular 20-gauge shotgun known for its versatility and reliability. It is widely used for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting.- Gauge: 20
- Action: Pump-action
- Capacity: 4 + 1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
- Overall Length: 39.5 inches
Mossberg 500 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular tactical shotgun
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular shotgun in the U.S.
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular 20-gauge shotgun
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84votes
Smith & Wesson M&P 15
Smith & WessonThe Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is a popular rifle due to its reliability, accuracy, and customization options for hunting, target shooting, and home defense use.The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 is a popular semi-automatic rifle that is widely used in America. It is known for its reliability, versatility, and performance. The rifle is designed for both civilian and law enforcement use, offering a lightweight and ergonomic platform.- Caliber: 5.56mm NATO / .223 Remington
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel Length: 16 inches
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Overall Length: 35 inches (extended), 32 inches (collapsed)
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96votes
Colt 1911
John Moses BrowningThe Colt 1911 is a popular handgun due to its history, reliability, and accuracy for personal protection and target shooting.The Colt 1911 is a semi-automatic pistol that has gained immense popularity as one of the most iconic firearms in America. It represents a classic design that has stood the test of time and continues to be widely used by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters.- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Action: Single-action, recoil-operated
- Capacity: 7 or 8 rounds
- Barrel Length: 5 inches
- Overall Length: 8.25 inches
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1013votes
DanMP5 · Public domainSpringfield XD
Springfield ArmoryThe Springfield XD is a popular handgun due to its reliability, accuracy, and customization options for personal protection and target shooting.The Springfield XD is a popular line of 9mm handguns known for its reliability and ergonomic design. It is commonly used for self-defense purposes and is well-regarded among shooting enthusiasts.- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: Varies (typically 10-16 rounds)
- Barrel Length: 3-5 inches
- Overall Length: 6-8 inches
- Weight (Unloaded): 25-30 ounces
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Ranking factors for popular firearm
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Sales figuresThe number of firearms sold or distributed by manufacturers gives an indication of the popularity of a specific model or type of firearm.
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Ownership numbersThe total number of units owned by individuals, private and public organizations, including law enforcement, military, and sporting associations.
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AvailabilityThe ease of acquiring a particular firearm, including factors such as pricing, distribution networks, and the existing legal framework for purchasing, owning, and using firearms.
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Application and versatilityThe different purposes for which a firearm is used, such as hunting, target shooting, personal defense, and competitive shooting events.
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Reliability and durabilityFirearms that are known for being well-made, long-lasting, and problem-free are more likely to be popular among users.
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Ease of useFirearms that require less training to operate, have simple designs, and are ergonomic will generally be more popular.
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Brand reputationManufacturers with a strong reputation for quality and innovation tend to have a higher level of popularity among firearm enthusiasts.
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Online presence and reviewsDiscussion forums, social media, reviews, and feedback from users help shape the popularity of a particular firearm.
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Legal statusFirearm models that comply with local, state, and federal regulations are likely to be more popular. Some firearms may be more popular in certain regions due to differences in the legal landscape.
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Nostalgia and cultural significanceFirearms with a historical connection or those featured in popular culture, books, movies, or television shows may have a heightened level of popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular firearm in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or gun is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2558 views
- 177 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each gun once every 24 hours. The rank of each gun is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular firearm in america
Firearms have been a part of American culture since the country's inception. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, and this has led to a significant number of firearms being owned by American citizens. In fact, there are estimated to be around 393 million guns in the United States, which equates to roughly one firearm for every person in the country.
When it comes to the most popular firearm in America, there are a few contenders. The AR-15 rifle is often cited as the most popular and widely owned firearm in the country. It is a semi-automatic rifle that has become synonymous with gun ownership in the United States.
However, other firearms such as handguns, shotguns, and hunting rifles also have a significant following. The Glock 19, for example, is a popular handgun that is often used for self-defense. Shotguns like the Remington 870 are also popular for hunting and home defense.
Ultimately, the most popular firearm in America is a matter of personal preference and intended use. With so many different types of firearms available, it's important for gun owners to research and choose the right one for their needs.
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