More than 25 million Americans have become first-time gun owners since the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. The majority of first-time gun buyers purchased semi-automatic handguns for personal protection. These new gun owners come from all walks of life, different age groups, backgrounds, abilities, and incomes.

Just because someone purchased a firearm doesn’t mean they are actively participating in activities like hunting or recreational target shooting. In fact, the majority of new gun owners are not active participants. To help those involved involved in the outdoor, hunting, target shooting industry convert new gun owners in to active participants, Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation along with Southwick Associates and DJ Case & Associates conducting comprehensive research to provide research insights and recommendations on how to welcome these new gun owners.

OSCF Welcome New Shooters! Summary Report Final 3-31-25

OCSF Welcome New Shooters – detailed results – Final 3-31-25

This project was funded by a Multistate conservation grant (F24AP00304) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and jointly administered with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Include attached ‘Grant required logos’ image.