Firearm Industry Declared Essential During COVID-19 Pandemic

by
posted on March 31, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
firearm-companies-essential.jpg

The firearm industry is included in the list of businesses considered essential during the COVID-19 outbreak, according “Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” issued on March 28, 2020, by Christopher C. Krebs, director of the Federal Government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The listing falls under the Law Enforcement section and states jobs that can continue include, “Workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges.”

“We are deeply appreciative to the Trump Administration and Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the vital role our industry fulfills in our nation,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

It’s a recognition of the need for law enforcement to have access to supplies and the right to self-defense during the crisis, but it does not guarantee those FFLs, ranges and manufacturers that are currently open will not close. Cities, counties and states can still impose more stringent guidelines as conditions dictate. “This list is advisory in nature,” the guidance statement explains.

“It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions. Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion.”

Many indoor shooting ranges, in particular, have already closed their doors to honor the so-called social distancing rules and minimize exposure risk to their customers and staff—despite cutting-edge ventilation systems capable of ferreting out the smallest airborne particles. Owners and prospective owners are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the store or range is still open and adhere to all shelter-in-place orders in effect in their region.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.