Sales of AR-15 and AK-47 Rifles Surge to 24 Million

The most popular firearm in America continues to roll out of gun stores in record numbers.

According to new data released on the day a House committee is considering a ban on the gun, the number of AR-15 and AK-47-style “modern sporting rifles” has surged to 24.4 million.

The industry trade group National Shooting Sports Foundation said that is more than all the Ford F-150s on the road. The pickup is America’s most popular.

The group said that there have been 4.5 million sold since 2020, when President Joe Biden won in part with a promise to ban the guns, which he and liberals call “assault weapons” because they look — but don’t operate — like military rifles.

The semi-automatic guns have been in the media’s eye because they have been used in recent mass shootings, and critics believe banning new sales of the guns will somehow end shootings.

However, banning sales clearly will do nothing about the millions of guns already used by people to plink, target shoot, and hunt.

“This is a truly significant figure that demonstrates – again – the popularity of this commonly-owned style of rifle,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “The firearm industry responds to market demand and this shows that during the elevated period of firearm sales that began in 2020, this particular style of rifle is the top choice for law-abiding citizens for hunting, recreational shooting and self-defense.”

According to NSSF, the gun is popular in part due to its “accuracy, reliability, modularity and low recoil.”

Some in the media have shifted their focus away from guns to the mental problems many mass shooters suffer from. Even the Associated Press has urged the media to stop calling the rifles “assault weapons,” though major outlets, including the Washington Post and USA Today, continue to use the phrase.