Small Arm Trends and Forecast
The future of the global small arm market looks promising with opportunities in the defense and civil & commercial markets. The global small arm market is expected to reach an estimated $11.2 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. The major drivers for this market are increase in criminal violence across globe and rising preference for 3D printing based guns.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, refile is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its rising usage in sporting and hunting activities.
• Within end use category, civil & commercial will remain a larger segment due to growing number of people using shotguns for self-defense, hunting, and sports.
• In terms os region, North America will remain the largest region over the forecast period due to growing popularity of sporting and hunting activities among population and presence of key players in the region
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Emerging Trends in the Small Arm Market
There are several emerging trends shaping the small arms market, including advancements in technology, changing military requirements, and evolving consumer preferences. These trends are revolutionizing the industry and influencing the development and adoption of new firearms.
• Integration of Smart Technology: New directions have seen the incorporation of smart technology into small arms, with optics and fire control systems becoming commonplace. These technologies provide real-time data coupled with targeting aids, thereby increasing accuracy and operational efficiency. This brings a significant level of innovation while boosting the functionalities of modern firearms.
• Modular Weapon Systems: Due to the advantages of flexibility and adaptability, modularity is becoming popular. It allows users to build firearms that are customized with attachments, accessories, or components for increased versatility and performance in different applications. This trend is driven by the need for multifunctional and adjustable weapons.
• Increased Focus on Lightweight Materials: Increasingly, lightweight materials like polymers and advanced alloys are being used in small arms design. The intention behind this move is to decrease the overall weight of firearms, thus improving user comfort and reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Lighter materials also enhance handling and maneuverability.
• Enhanced Precision and Accuracy: There is a significant emphasis on improving precision and accuracy in small arms. Developments in barrel technology, ammunition, and fire control systems are contributing to better shooting accuracy. The driving force behind this trend is the need for more effective and reliable firearms for use by both the military and civilians.
• Growing Civilian Market: The civilian market for small arms has been expanding due to increased interest in recreational shooting activities and personal defense needs. This trend has led to new firearm models designed for civilian use, including safety improvements and ergonomic designs. The growth of the civilian market influences manufacturers to diversify and innovate their products.
Emerging trends such as the integration of smart technology, modular weapon systems, lightweight materials, enhanced precision, and a growing civilian market are reshaping the small arms industry. These trends drive innovation, improve firearm performance, and influence market dynamics.
Recent Developments in the Small Arm Market
The most recent key developments within the small arms market demonstrate technological advancements, changes in defense strategies, and alterations made concerning production capabilities, thereby reflecting how industries reckon with evolving demands amidst opportunities.
• Introduction of Advanced Modular Rifles: Manufacturers have started producing customizable modular rifle systems that can be extensively modified according to specific requirements. These rifles have interchangeable components and accessories that allow users to adapt them for different situations. This development improves flexibility and operational effectiveness.
• Advancements in Smart Optics and Fire Control Systems: The integration of smart optics and advanced fire control systems improves the accuracy and efficiency of small arms. These technologies offer real-time data, target assistance, and enhanced visibility, leading to better performance under diverse conditions.
• Expansion of Domestic Manufacturing in Emerging Markets: Countries such as Indian and Chinese are increasingly investing in domestic small arms manufacturing. This expansion aims to reduce import dependency, improve production capabilities, support local defense industries, and cater to the growing demand for sophisticated firearms.
• Development of Lightweight Materials: Advances in the use of lightweight materials in small arms design incorporate new polymers along with alloys. These materials decrease firearm weight, thus enhancing user comfort during operation while maintaining durability and performance.
• Focus on Precision Engineering: Manufacturers now focus on precision engineering for improved reliability and accuracy in small arms. Innovations in barrel technology, ammunition, and firearm design improve shooting performance, resulting in more effective guns for both military use and civilian applications.
The small arms market is impacted by recent developments such as sophisticated modular rifles, intelligent optics, domestic manufacturing expansion, the use of lightweight materials, and precision engineering. These improvements promote innovation, enhance firearm performance, and address the changing needs of the industry.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Small Arm Market
The growth of strategic opportunities in the small arms market is driven by technological advancements, changing defense requirements, and evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Discovering and capitalizing on these opportunities has the potential to drive market growth and increase its size.
• Growth in Defense and Military Applications: Increasing defense budgets, together with technology modernization initiatives, offer chances for manufacturers to create advanced small arms that are suitable for military purposes. This encompasses the introduction of new gun models, such as rifles equipped with smart technology or modular systems capable of meeting shifting military demands.
• Expansion of Law Enforcement and Security Applications: There has been an increasing demand for small arms in law enforcement and security sectors. Creating firearms optimized for tactical operations, personal defense, and crowd control, with a focus on reliability and ease of use, stands as one of the most effective ways to tap into such opportunities.
• Development of Advanced Training Solutions: There is high interest in acquiring modern training solutions that can mimic real-world conditions. Opportunities may include developing virtual reality-based small arms training systems that enhance efficiency and realism.
• Growth in the Recreational Shooting Market: As recreational shooting becomes more popular, so does hunting, which provides an opportunity for gun makers to produce civilian-oriented firearms. For example, safety features have undergone innovations, while ergonomics and customization alternatives are being designed specifically for sport shooters and hunters.
• Adoption of Emerging Technologies: The integration of emerging technologies, like smart optics and advanced fire control systems, presents growth opportunities. Manufacturers can focus on making firearms using these technologies to improve accuracy, performance, and user experience.
The above include growth prospects such as defense and military applications, law enforcement and security sectors, advanced training solutions, the recreational shooting market, and the adoption of emerging technologies. These prospects underpin the growth in the market.
Small Arm Market Driver and Challenges
Different drivers and challenges influence the small arms market, impacting its growth and development. These include technological advancements, economic conditions, and regulatory environments.
The factors responsible for driving the small arms market include:
• Technological Advancements: Firearm technology has been evolving through developments like smart optics and modular systems, as well as lightweight materials, thus fueling market expansion. This is facilitated by better weapon performance in terms of accuracy and user experience, leading to increased use in military, civilian, and law enforcement sectors.
• Increased Defense Budgets: Growing defense budgets, along with modernization programs, contribute to the demand for advanced small arms. Governments invest in new weapons systems and enhancements to meet emerging threats and improve their military capabilities, resulting in market growth.
• Growing Law Enforcement and Security Needs: The need for advanced small arms in law enforcement and security applications is increasing. This demand has led to numerous new product developments and the subsequent widening of markets associated with tools meant for tactical operations, personal defense, and crowd control.
• Expansion of Civilian Markets: Manufacturers can take advantage of the growing interest in recreational shooting and hunting by producing firearms specifically designed for civilian use. Innovations in safety features, ergonomics, and customization options are being developed mainly for sport shooters and hunters.
• Investment in domestic small arms production enhances countriesÄX%$%X production capacities and reduces dependence on imports. This trend boosts local defense industries and caters to the rising demand for advanced firearms.
Challenges in the small arms market include:
• Regulatory Constraints: Strict regulations and compliance requirements can hinder the development and distribution of small arms. Manufacturers must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure product approvals and access to markets.
• High Production Costs: The development and manufacture of sophisticated small arms is expensive. For manufacturers, striking a balance between cost, performance, and innovation is difficult, especially when competing in crowded markets.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions and conflicts impact the small arms market by influencing production and distribution. Manufacturers must respond to global changes by adjusting their operations and ensuring that they do not experience interruptions in their supply chains.
Technological advancements, increases in defense budgets, growing law enforcement needs, expansion of civilian markets, and investment in domestic manufacturing are driving forces shaping the small arms market. However, addressing challenges such as regulatory constraints, high production costs, and geopolitical tensions will be necessary for sustaining growth in this area.
List of Small Arm Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies small arm companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the small arm companies profiled in this report include-
• Colt’s Manufacturing
• Sig Sauer
• Steyr Arms
• Remington Outdoor
• Smith & Wesson
• Daniel Defense
• Israel Weapons Industry
• Heckler & Koch
• GLOCK Ges
• Kalashnikov
Small Arm by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global small arm by type, firing system, technology, end use, and region.
Small Arm Market by Type [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Pistol
• Revolver
• Refile
• Shotgun
• Machine Gun
• Others
Small Arm Market by Firing System [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Gas-Operated
• Recoil-Operated
• Manual
Small Arm Market by Technology [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Guided
• Unguided
Small Arm Market by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Defense
• Civil & Commercial
• Others
Small Arm Market by Region [Shipment Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Small Arm Market
The small arms market is evolving rapidly across the globe, driven by advancements in technology and increasing defense needs. Countries such as the United States, Chinese, Germany, Indian, and Japan are making significant investments in their small arms industries to enhance performance, reliability, and adaptability.
• United States: In the U.S., there has been increased investment in the small arms market to accommodate advanced technologies such as smart optics and modular weapons systems. The aim is to improve accuracy and flexibility, along with other emerging trends, including lightweight materials based on new target systems. Integrated systems are also being explored by the military and law enforcement agencies, combining electronic enhancements with firearms to increase operational effectiveness and safety.
• Chinese: China’s small arms capability is being expanded, particularly in modernizing its armed forces. This includes the introduction of new rifle models and upgrading existing ones for better performance and accuracy. An emphasis on indigenous technology development, combined with a decrease in reliance on foreign imports, characterizes this trend. Moreover, there has been limited focus on increasing production capacities for small arms in line with domestic and international markets.
• Germany: Germany’s small arms market is characterized by innovations in design and technology, specifically focusing on advanced assault rifles and precision weaponry. Recent advances demonstrate improvements in ergonomics, durability, and modularity. Advanced fire control systems and modular components are also being incorporated by German manufacturers for enhanced versatility and adaptability of their products. The demand is influenced by an increased number of high-performance civilian firearms purchased, alongside the need for more sophisticated military hardware.
• Indian: Major changes are taking place within the Indian small arms industry as it endeavors to upgrade its defense forces. This has led to the acquisition of new rifle models, while older firearms have been upgraded to enhance their capabilities. The indigenization of production has also been emphasized in India’s efforts to bridge the import gap and encourage localized production. Various military and paramilitary units require improved reliability and performance in small arms to meet their respective operational needs.
• Japan: The Japanese small arms market is characterized by an emphasis on precision engineering and innovation. Recent progress in firearms design and manufacturing techniques has led to enhanced accuracy and reliability. Meanwhile, Japan is investing in R&D programs aimed at developing more efficient, user-friendly small arms. The need for advanced technologies capable of supporting the defense and security requirements of the country is the main driving force behind this market, which operates under strict firearm use and ownership regulations.
Features of the Global Small Arm Market
Market Size Estimates: Small arm market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2018 to 2023) and forecast (2024 to 2030) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Small arm market size by various segments, such as by type, firing system, technology, end use, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Small arm market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, firing system, technology, end use, and regions for the small arm market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the small arm market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What is the small arm market size?
Answer: The global small arm market is expected to reach an estimated $11.2 billion by 2030.
Q2. What is the growth forecast for small arm market?
Answer: The global small arm market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030.
Q3. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the small arm market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are increase in criminal violence across globe and rising preference for 3D printing based guns.
Q4. What are the major segments for small arm market?
Answer: The future of the small arm market looks promising with opportunities in the defense and civil & commercial markets.
Q5. Who are the key small arm market companies?
Answer: Some of the key small arm companies are as follows:
• Colt’s Manufacturing
• Sig Sauer
• Steyr Arms
• Remington Outdoor
• Smith & Wesson
• Daniel Defense
• Israel Weapons Industry
• Heckler & Koch
• GLOCK Ges
• Kalashnikov
Q6. Which small arm market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that refile is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its rising usage in sporting and hunting activities.
Q7. In small arm market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: North America will remain the largest region over the forecast period due to growing popularity of sporting and hunting activities among population and presence of key players in the region.
Q8. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the small arm market by type (pistol, revolver, refile, shotgun, machine gun, and others), firing system (gas-operated, recoil-operated, and manual), technology (guided and unguided), end use (defense, civil & commercial, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Small Arm Market, Small Arm Market Size, Small Arm Market Growth, Small Arm Market Analysis, Small Arm Market Report, Small Arm Market Share, Small Arm Market Trends, Small Arm Market Forecast, Small Arm Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.