The economic impact the firearms industry has had on the United States has more than doubled since 2008, according to an industry report.
The Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report, compiled by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), shows the industry has grown from $19.1 billion in 2008 to more than $42.9 billion last year.
The report also says the industry is responsible for more than 34,000 "new, well-paying jobs over the past two years" for U.S. workers.
"The economic growth America's firearms and ammunition industry has experienced over the years has been nothing short of remarkable," the report reads.
"Over the past few years, the industry's growth has been driven by an unprecedented number of Americans choosing to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and purchase a firearm and ammunition."
According to the report, there are 263,223 jobs in and related to the firearms and ammunition industry, while the average compensation (wages and benefits) is $52,220 per year. The amount of wages and benefits for which the industry is responsible increased from $2.4 billion to $6 billion, according to the data.
Last year, the firearms and ammunition industry contributed as much as $42.96 billion to the economy, according to the NSSF, and paid $5.79 billion in tax revenue.
"United States companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell sporting firearms, ammunition, and suppliers are an important part of the country's economy," the report reads. "Manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and supplies, along with companies that sell and distribute these products, provide well-paying jobs in America and pay significant amounts in tax to the state and federal governments."
On Monday, Republican presidential candidate and Texas Sen.
Ted Cruz said members of the military should be allowed to carry their personal concealed firearms on bases.
During a campaign stop in Litchfield, N.H., Cruz told pro-gun advocates that he would like to see Congress address the issue — particularly in the wake of several mass shootings at military bases.
The current law allows only law enforcement and security personnel to carry firearms on military bases.
"I think it's very important to have a public discussion about why we're denying our soldiers the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights," Cruz said.
In related news, Republican Sen.
Chuck Grassley slammed the Department of Veterans Affairs after saying the agency is unfairly denying tens of thousands of veterans access to guns.
"It's disturbing to think that the men and women who dedicated themselves to defending our freedom and values face undue threats to their fundamental Second Amendment rights from the very agency established to serve them," Grassley said.
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