NAICS 332994

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) groups establishments for consistent economic measurement across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is developed under the Office of Management and Budget and updated every five years; the current vintage is 2022, and federal statistical programs have transitioned from 2017 to 2022 per the Census Bureau’s timeline. ¹

Under 2022 NAICS, industry 332994 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing small firearms that are carried and fired by an individual. Activities for other ordnance and accessories that were previously grouped with this industry were reclassified to 332995 in 2022. ²

See also on G2X:

• G2X — NAICS 332994 overview
• G2X — NAICS 332995
• G2X — NAICS 332992

What this NAICS covers

• Small firearms manufacturing (i.e., weapons carried and fired by an individual). ²
• Prior to 2022: ordnance manufacturing (other than small arms) when included within the legacy title. ³
• Prior to 2022: manufacturing of ordnance accessories included within the legacy title. ³
• Establishments whose primary activity is small firearms production within Manufacturing, Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing. ²
• Classification is based on the establishment’s primary production activity, not solely on the end customer or market. ⁵

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Frequently asked questions

• What does 332994 include under the 2022 vintage?
  It includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing small firearms that are carried and fired by an individual. Ordnance other than small arms and related accessories were moved out to 332995 as of the 2022 revision to better distinguish production categories. ²

• How did 332994 change from 2017 to 2022?
  In 2017, small arms, ordnance, and ordnance accessories were combined. The 2022 update retained small arms in 332994 and created 332995 for other ordnance and accessories, aligning industry structure with modern manufacturing patterns. ¹

• Are ammunition activities part of 332994?
  No. Small arms ammunition is classified under 332992. Ammunition (except small arms) is classified under 332993. Firearm manufacturing, not ammunition production, is the defining activity for 332994. ²

• Which PSCs commonly align with small arms and related accessories?
  Common PSCs include 1005 for guns through 30mm, 1240 for optical sighting and ranging equipment, and 5855 for night vision equipment. Always confirm definitions and scope in the current PSC Manual. ⁴

• How are establishments classified if they make both small arms and optics or accessories?
  NAICS classifies by the primary activity of the establishment, as indicated by products produced and reported to statistical programs. Secondary activities (e.g., optics or accessories) do not control classification if small arms manufacturing is primary. ⁵

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 332994 overview
• U.S. Census Bureau — Implementation of the 2022 NAICS (overview, timeline, and changes). ¹
• U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS Sector 31–33 reference entries for 332994, 332995, 332992, 332993. ²
• GSA — Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual (current edition). ⁴

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau — The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) https://www.census.gov/library/reference/code-lists/naics/2022/implementation-timeline.html
2. U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS Sector 31–33 reference entries (includes 332992, 332993, 332994, 332995) https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect31-33.html
3. U.S. Census Bureau — Legacy 332994 description (Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing) https://www2.census.gov/econ2012/Reference_materials/htm%20files/33299400.htm
4. General Services Administration — Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual (April 2025) https://www.acquisition.gov/content/psc-manual-april-2025.pdf
5. U.S. Census Bureau — Industry Classification of Establishments (Economic Census methodology) https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census/year/2012/technical-documentation/methodology/classification.html