The firearms industry may soon face a seismic shift—and it’s coming in the form of new tariffs.
If these tariffs go into effect, they could range from 10% to 37% on imported firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
The ripple effects would be felt across nearly every aspect of retail operations, from pricing to supply chains—even impacting U.S.-manufactured products that rely on foreign materials.

While the potential disruption is significant, it also opens the door for proactive retailers to soften the impact, strengthen customer relationships, and turn a looming challenge into a strategic advantage.

Let’s break down what’s coming, how it may affect your inventory and pricing strategy, and what you can do right now to stay ahead of the curve.

What’s on the Horizon: A Breakdown of the New Tariffs

Tariffs are being imposed on imports from several key countries in the firearms supply chain:

• European Union: 20% on firearms, optics, and parts

• Turkey & Brazil: 10% on pistols and shotguns

• China: 34% on optics, accessories, and magazines

• South Korea: 25% on ammunition

• Serbia & Bosnia: 36–37% on popular bulk ammunition

And it’s not just foreign-made goods that will get more expensive. U.S. manufacturers will also feel the sting. With 25% tariffs on imported steel and 10% on aluminum, American-made firearms built with global materials will likely see cost hikes passed down to the retailer and consumer.

What Products Will Be Hit the Hardest?

1. Imported Firearms

Retailers that rely on European and Turkish imports will be hit first and hardest. Expect noticeable price increases on:

• Beretta: Italian-made models like the 92X and 1301 Tactical

• Glock: Austrian-made Gen5 and Slimline pistols

• Heckler & Koch: Germany’s VP9, SP5

• FN Herstal: Belgian-made FN 509 and FN 15 rifles

• Springfield Armory (Croatia): Hellcat and XD series

• Canik: Turkish-made TP9 series

• Taurus: Brazilian G3 and G4 pistols, TX22 rifles

2. Ammunition

Ammo is shaping up to be the sleeper crisis of this tariff shift:

• PMC (South Korea): 5.56mm, 9mm—tariffs could add $100 per 1,000 rounds

• Prvi Partizan (Serbia) & Igman (Bosnia): 7.62x39, .223, .308—37% tariff

• Sellier & Bellot (Czech Republic): 9mm, .45 ACP—20% tariff

3. Optics and Accessories

Chinese-made accessories and optics face some of the steepest tariffs:

• Holosun: 507C, 510C—already fan favorites, but about to cost more

• Vortex (some models): Crossfire II and other budget optics

• Magazines: Some imported PMAGs may be affected

4. Even Domestic Production Isn’t Safe

Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and other domestic manufacturers have already announced that raw material increases will push firearm prices up 3–8% over the next year. That means even your “Made in the USA” staples won’t be immune.

From Reaction to Action: How Firearms Retailers Can Hedge Now

Tariffs don’t just present risk—they also present an opportunity to evolve and lead.
Here are strategies to help you protect your margins, better serve your customers, and even grow your business.

1. Stockpile Before the Storm

Get ahead by investing in tariff-impacted inventory now—before prices spike or availability dries up.

Top Priority SKUs to Buy Now:

• Turkish shotguns (Canik, Stoeger, ATA Arms)

• South Korean and Serbian ammunition (PMC, Prvi Partizan)

• Holosun red dots and other Chinese optics

• Popular EU imports (Beretta 92X, FN 509, Glock 19 Gen5)

Coordinate with your distributors immediately. Many suppliers—like SGAmmo and Classic Firearms—have begun raising prices preemptively due to anticipated demand spikes.

Pro tip: If space is tight, focus on SKUs with the highest velocity and margins. Short-term pain for long-term gain.

2. Promote Domestic Alternatives (Without Sacrificing Performance)

Help your customers make smooth transitions to domestic options that offer comparable quality and performance.

Create in-store comparison boards and social media content that walks customers through the differences and highlights patriotic purchasing decisions.

3. Launch Tariff Awareness Campaigns

You don’t need to wait for sticker shock at the counter. Take the narrative into your own hands and educate your customers now.

Campaign Ideas:

• "Tariff Tracker Tuesdays": Weekly email or social media post spotlighting one affected product and its alternative

• “Buy Now, Beat the Tariff” Sales: Create urgency around impacted SKUs

• In-Store QR Codes: Link customers to articles or quick explainer videos

• Range Events: Offer side-by-side comparison shoots of imported vs. domestic firearms

Educating the customer before the pain hits builds trust, credibility, and long-term loyalty.

4. Build a Tariff-Ready Storefront

Curate a new section in your store (and website) titled “Tariff-Safe Picks” or “Domestic Favorites.” Make it easy for customers to browse firearms, ammo, and accessories not affected by tariffs.

This could include:

• Ruger and Smith & Wesson pistols

• Hornady and Winchester ammunition

• Trijicon optics and accessories

• Magazines from U.S.-based suppliers like Amend2

This positions your business as proactive and informed—qualities that matter to discerning customers.

5. Seek Out New Supplier Relationships

Start networking with new vendors and distributors that offer U.S.-made or tariff-exempt product lines. Domestic manufacturers may begin ramping up production in response to demand.

Examples:

• Beretta USA: Tennessee facility now producing more variants

• FN America: South Carolina plant providing military-grade options

• Primary Arms: Known for domestic assembly of optics

• Aero Precision, PSA: Quality U.S.-made AR parts and complete firearms

• SIG Sauer: Has made significant investments in U.S.-based manufacturing

Don’t wait for your current vendors to run out—build relationships early.

6. Train Your Team to Speak Tariff

Frontline staff are your best asset. Equip them with talking points, product knowledge, and cheat sheets that help them guide customers through changes.

Example Script:

“This model is going up 20% due to new tariffs, but here’s an American-made alternative that performs just as well—and it’s even on sale.”

When customers see you’re looking out for their wallets, they’re more likely to return—and refer others.

7. Don’t Ignore Accessories and Consumables

Tariffs often hit harder on accessories than on headline items. Many retailers overlook this—but that’s where customer pain points will grow.

Start identifying tariff-affected consumables:

• Cleaning kits made in China

• Chinese-manufactured lights, lasers, mounts

• Imported cases or range bags

Then offer alternatives or bundled deals to ease the burden.

This is More Than a Price Hike – It’s a Business Opportunity

Retailers that plan well won’t just survive these shifts—they’ll grow stronger. Why?
Because customers crave stability, expertise, and leadership in uncertain times.

By becoming a resource that helps customers:

• Understand the changes

• Navigate alternative products

• Plan ahead for ammo or accessory purchases

...you elevate your store from vendor to trusted partner.

This is your chance to be the local authority—the place people come to not just buy, but get answers.

Long-Term Thinking: Prepare for Second-Order Effects

Keep in mind:

• U.S. manufacturers may become backlogged as demand increases

• Panic buying could cause waves of hoarding

• Ammo prices may remain elevated for 12–18 months even after initial spikes

• Accessory shortages could affect your training and range revenue

Planning for these ripple effects means creating pre-order systems, reserve clubs, or even laying out a two-tier pricing strategy for loyal customers vs. walk-ins.

Coreware: Standing With Retailers Through Every Shift

Whether you're adjusting your pricing, shifting your supply chain, or building new marketing strategies—Coreware is here to help.

Our integrated solutions give firearms retailers the tools they need to:

• Track Inventory: Stay ahead of fast-moving SKUs and supply shifts

• Run Efficient Stores: From point of sale to compliance automation

• Reach More Customers: With eCommerce tools that adapt to changing inventories

• Accept Payments Securely: With 2A-friendly merchant processing

We understand that running a firearms business is already hard.
Tariffs make it harder—but you don’t have to face it alone.

Final Thoughts: Lead the Market, Don’t Chase It

The new tariff landscape is coming fast. But with preparation, creativity, and smart strategy, you can turn what feels like a threat into a brand-defining opportunity.

Stock what you can now. Educate your customers. Train your team. Build your marketing strategy.
And keep finding ways to deliver value that goes beyond price.

Let others be caught off guard. You’ll be the one who’s ready.

And when you need help—from point of sale to inventory to online sales—Coreware stands ready to support you every step of the way.