RetailBI has released its Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report, offering a data-driven look at retail sales, inventory and pricing trends across the shooting sports industry. Drawing on data from a nationwide network of more than 2,000 retailers, the report shows new firearm unit sales declined 7.8% year over year in Q3 2026, while revenue declined just 0.8% and average selling prices increased 7.6%.
Despite softer overall firearm sales, several categories demonstrated meaningful growth. Rifles were the only major firearm category to increase in unit sales, led by a 21.8% increase in lever-action rifles. Premium handguns also showed strength, with units priced above $1,500 growing 33.6%, while suppressors continued their significant upward trajectory with 178.6% unit growth year over year. Rifle and rimfire ammunition also posted gains, highlighting evolving consumer preferences and opportunities across specific product segments.
The report also examines retailer inventory levels, pricing trends and the relationship between retail transactions and national background-check data, providing additional context for manufacturers, distributors and retailers navigating changing market conditions.
Businesses looking to gain a deeper understanding of where consumer demand is heading are encouraged to download the complimentary Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report.
The full Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report is available now.
Download the full Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report to access in-depth, category-level analysis across handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, optics and suppressors on the RetailBI website.
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For manufacturers and distributors looking to stay ahead of evolving consumer demand, RetailBI provides the retail-level intelligence needed to inform forecasting, inventory planning and product strategy. From identifying growth opportunities within specific price segments to analyzing product life cycles and adjusting go-to-market strategies, RetailBI's real-world transaction data and powerful analytics help decision-makers respond to changing market dynamics with greater confidence and precision.
About RetailBI: RetailBI is the shooting sports industry's most comprehensive business intelligence platform, offering data and insights to help manufacturers, distributors, and retailers make informed business decisions. Powered by transaction data from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, RetailBI delivers unmatched visibility into market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive performance. For more information, visit gogearfire.com/solutions/retailbi/.