Handgun Showdown: Sales, Safety, and Scandals – A 2020-2025 Comparison

The handgun market from 2020 to 2025 has been a rollercoaster of growth, challenges, and innovation. Fueled by social unrest, political shifts, and the global pandemic, handgun sales surged, peaking in 2020 with an estimated 21.8 million guns sold in the U.S., according to The Trace. However, the market has since cooled, with 15.3 million guns sold in 2024, reflecting a normalization after the pandemic-driven boom. This article explores the key players, safety controversies, consumer preferences, legal battles, and future trends shaping the handgun industry over this period, drawing on data from the ATF, industry reports, and market analyses.

The Sales Race

The handgun market has been dominated by major manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Glock, and Canik. According to the ATF’s 2022 Annual Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report (AFMER), 9.87 million handguns were made available for the U.S. market in 2022, a slight decline from the 2021 peak of 23.4 million total firearms produced. While specific handgun production figures for 2023 and 2024 are not yet available due to the absence of the 2024 AFMER report, industry insights provide a clearer picture.

Smith & Wesson: This American stalwart reported a 9.9% increase in net sales for Q4 2024 and an 11.8% rise for the full fiscal year, as noted by Shooting Industry Magazine. Their focus on reliable, American-made handguns like the M&P series has solidified their market leadership.
SIG Sauer: Known for models like the P320 and P365, SIG Sauer has captured significant market share. The P365, a compact 9mm pistol, was among the top five best-selling handguns in 2023, per The Mag Life, due to its concealability and high capacity.
Glock: A perennial favorite, Glock’s consistent reliability and widespread use in law enforcement have maintained its strong market position. Models like the Glock 19 remain top sellers, as reported by Guns.com for August 2023.
Canik: This Turkish manufacturer has gained traction for offering high-quality handguns at budget-friendly prices, appealing to cost-conscious consumers without sacrificing performance.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported 15.9 million total firearm sales in 2023, a slight decline from 16.4 million in 2022, with Q4 2023 showing a 4.6% increase over Q4 2022. Handgun sales, while not isolated in these figures, likely followed a similar trend, with a softening market in 2023 and 2024. State-level data from SafeHome.org indicates sales increases in Iowa (7.7%) and South Carolina (6.9%) from 2023 to 2024, potentially driven by relaxed concealed carry laws.

Manufacturer	Key Models	Market Strength	2024 Performance
Smith & Wesson	M&P Series	Strong brand loyalty, U.S. manufacturing	9.9% Q4 sales increase
SIG Sauer	P320, P365	Innovative designs, law enforcement contracts	P365 among top sellers in 2023
Glock	Glock 19, 17	Reliability, widespread adoption	Consistent market leader
Canik	TP9 Series	Affordable, high-quality imports	Growing market share

Safety Under Scrutiny

Safety concerns have cast a shadow over the handgun industry, particularly with the SIG Sauer P320. Reports of negligent discharges, where the firearm allegedly fired without trigger activation, have led to over 100 lawsuits by 2023. These incidents, involving both civilians and law enforcement, have raised questions about potential design flaws. SIG Sauer has maintained that the P320 is safe when used properly, but the controversy has sparked debates about drop-safety standards and user training.

Other manufacturers, such as Smith & Wesson and Glock, have faced fewer safety-related controversies, largely due to their established track records and rigorous testing protocols. The industry as a whole has responded by emphasizing drop-safe designs and enhanced trigger safety mechanisms. However, the P320 issue underscores the delicate balance between innovation and reliability, with consumer trust at stake.

Consumer Preferences and Trends

Consumer preferences have evolved significantly from 2020 to 2025, driven by practical needs and technological advancements. Key trends include:

Reliability and Affordability: Buyers prioritize handguns that offer dependable performance at reasonable prices. Canik’s rise reflects this demand, as does the popularity of budget-friendly models from established brands.
Concealability: Compact and subcompact handguns, such as the SIG Sauer P365 and Glock 43, have surged in popularity for concealed carry. The P365’s high capacity in a small frame has made it a standout, as noted by The Mag Life.
Customization: Optics-ready slides, modular grips, and accessory rails are increasingly sought after, allowing users to tailor their firearms to specific needs.
Demographic Shifts: New gun owners, including women and urban dwellers, have driven demand for user-friendly, lightweight handguns, per industry reports.

These preferences reflect a market that values versatility and accessibility, with manufacturers adapting to meet these demands through innovative designs.

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

The handgun industry operates in a complex legal environment, with manufacturers facing lawsuits and regulatory changes. The SIG Sauer P320 lawsuits highlight the legal risks of alleged design defects, with plaintiffs seeking damages for injuries caused by negligent discharges. Beyond product-specific issues, state and federal regulations continue to shape the market. For example, Iowa and South Carolina’s sales increases in 2024 correlate with legislative changes easing concealed carry restrictions, according to SafeHome.org.

Federally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforces strict reporting requirements, such as the AFMER, to track firearm production and distribution. The Justice Department’s 2025 National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment emphasizes efforts to curb illegal gun trafficking, which could lead to tighter regulations. Manufacturers must navigate these challenges while maintaining profitability and consumer trust.

Legal/Regulatory Factor	Impact on Industry	Example
Lawsuits	Financial and reputational risks	SIG Sauer P320 lawsuits
State Legislation	Influences sales trends	Iowa, South Carolina sales increases
Federal Oversight	Increased compliance costs	ATF’s AFMER reporting requirements

The Future of Handgun Manufacturing

Looking ahead, the handgun industry is poised for innovation, with a focus on safety and technology. Manufacturers are investing in:

Enhanced Safety Features: Improved drop-safe mechanisms and trigger safeties aim to prevent negligent discharges, addressing concerns raised by incidents like those involving the P320.
Smart Gun Technology: Biometric locks and RFID-enabled firearms are being explored, though high costs and reliability concerns may limit adoption, per industry analyses.
Sustainability: Some manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly production methods, responding to consumer demand for sustainable practices.

The global handgun market is projected to grow from $3.41 billion in 2023 to $5.35 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%, according to Fortune Business Insights. This growth will likely be driven by technological advancements and expanding markets in regions with rising demand for personal defense.

Conclusion

The handgun market from 2020 to 2025 reflects a dynamic interplay of sales growth, safety challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. While manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Glock, and Canik have driven sales, safety controversies, particularly with the P320, highlight the need for rigorous design standards. Consumers’ focus on reliability, affordability, and concealability has shaped market trends, while legal and regulatory pressures continue to challenge the industry. As manufacturers innovate to address these issues, the future promises safer, more advanced handguns, though adoption of technologies like smart guns remains uncertain. The industry’s ability to balance innovation, safety, and compliance will determine its trajectory in the years ahead.

Sources: