America has been, and still is, the powerhouse of global firearms manufacturing. It might not always feel that way in the sporting market as some of the most popular shotguns are made in Italy and Turkey. Remington rifles have all but disappeared, while Browning and Winchester rifles are made overseas. The most common pistol in the US is Austria’s Glock (though some Glock models are made in Georgia).
On the upside there’s an infinite number of smaller, high-quality gun makers that have cropped up all across the country in the last several decades (think folks like Staccato and Proof Research). And there are still plenty of classic guns that are made here on US soil. So as a way to celebrate 250 years of American firearms manufacturing, here’s our list of USA-made classics that are still on the market today.
Classic American Rifles
Marlin 336
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No list of classic American deer rifles is complete without the Marlin 336. Introduced in 1948 and based on the previous 1936 model, the 336 was commonly chambered in .30/30 Win. and .35 Rem., and the darling of those hitting the hardwoods for a big buck. It remained in production for 72 years until Remington, the company’s then owner, collapsed.
The Marlin 336 Classic in .30/30 Win.
Ruger brought Marlin from the ashes, and has once again resumed production of the Model 336 in .30/30 — in both the Classic and Dark series. We’ve loved this rifle for decades, and new production samples have done this classic platform justice. No matter how far rifle and bullet technology advances, there will always be a place for the Marlin 336 in the deer woods. –T.F.
Savage 110
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Earlier this year Savage announced its line of new 110 rifles with adjustable stocks, carbon barrels, ARCA rails, and modern chamberings. While these upgrades might breathe some new life into the 110 platform, the action remains the same, which traditional Savage fans will appreciate. The 110 was introduced in 1958 and Savage says that it’s the “longest continuously manufactured bolt action rifle in production.”
All 110 rifles are still made at the Savage factory in Westfield, Massachusetts. As they always have been, today’s 110’s still deliver excellent accuracy for the price. It’s just that now there are higher-end versions. You can still find the most basic iteration of the rifle for about $600, while the highest upgrades run $3,500 or more. —A.R.
Weatherby Mark V
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The Weatherby Mark V is one the oldest continuously-produced sporting bolt actions in the United States. The Mark V was introduced in 1958, tailored to handle Roy Weatherby’s screaming fast line of magnum cartridges. It’s remained one of our most steadfast premium hunting actions and has withstood the test of time.
The unique nine-lug bolt head locks securely into the receiver, and the Mark V has upheld a standard of accuracy and strength while many other actions have come and gone. You can still get a brand new Mark V chambered in classic cartridges like the .300 Weatherby Magnum — which buried the .300 H&H and spurred newer magnums like the .300 Win. Mag., or you can opt for an updated 6-lug Mark V in sleek, high-performance modern cartridges like the 25 WBY RPM. Grades and prices vary, but you can get a Weatherby Mark V Hunter for around $1,300. –T.F.
Read Next: 10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own
Classic American Shotguns
Ruger Red Label III
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The Red Label was first introduced in 1977 as a “working man’s” over/under shotgun. It served this purpose well and had streaks of popularity before quality control issues and rising production costs killed it. But Ruger reintroduced the third iteration of the gun last fall to much anticipation. It’s the only affordably-priced over/under that’s being made in America today, at least from a household brand. Importantly, this gun is being made for Ruger by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing. Like the initial Red Label, it’s initially chambered in only 20 gauge. It comes with either 28-inch or 30-inch barrels. Other than that, it doesn’t have much in common with its predecessors. The Red Label III is much sleeker and lighter (6.59 pounds) than the old models. It’s a nicer gun all around. The test model that I have has a pleasing, dark wood stock though, I’ve seen other versions with much more plain wood. I’ve hunted pheasants and ducks with my test gun and have also run about 125 target loads through it. Happily, I have not had any issues. In fact, the more I’ve shot it, the more I’ve grown to love it. Read my full review of the Ruger Red Label III here and watch the intro video here. —A.R.
Mossberg 500 and 835
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With the Remington 870 Fieldmaster seemingly on life support, the Mossberg 500 and 835 stand alone as the last great pump shotguns to be made in America at the moment. This platform has proven to be unstoppable since it was introduced in 1961, and today there are a ton of different 500 variations including several different tactical and turkey versions. The 835 designation is simply the 3.5-inch version of the gun. If you are looking for that “classic” aesthetic, the 500 Retrograde Field is where you should start. One could be yours for a little over $600. And while this is certainly not a fancy shotgun, those old Mossberg 500s weren’t fancy either. —A.R.
Classic American Handguns
Ruger Mark IV
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When it comes to American .22 LR pistols, there’s the Ruger Mark series and then there’s everything else. Bill Ruger launched his, now legendary, brand with the Ruger Standard 22 pistol in 1949. The slender little autoloader is thought to resemble the 1908 Luger, but was actually modeled after the Japanese Nambu pistol and features a direct blowback action.
Though it has been updated in the Mark II, Mark III, and now Mark IV iterations, the function and reliability of these has remained largely unchanged over the decades. The line has now expanded to include 22/45 variants which have a 1911-style grip, various target models, and many with threaded barrels. You’ll find this classic pistol in every gun store, and if you’re looking for a .22, you can’t go wrong. –T.F.
Smith & Wesson Model 10
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Smith & Wesson has a storied history and catalog of classic American revolvers, but the Model 10, originally the Model 1899, is one of the oldest that you can still buy today. This was the standard-issue revolver for law enforcement for decades — even after the introduction of autoloaders like the 1911.
You can still find the model 10 chambered in .38 special, and more current offerings are available without the annoying internal locks and are more true to the original. It’s got an integrated rear slot sight in the frame, walnut grips, and single/double-action operation. –T.F.
Colt Python
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One of the most famous revolvers in the world, the Colt Python, was nearly lost. It began production in 1955, and became one of the most popular, and arguably best looking, revolvers in the US. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it was accurate, reliable, and exhibited an unmatched level of craftsmanship. After around 50 years of production, however, Colt was unable to maintain the Python and production ceased.
In 2020, Colt brought the Python back in a variety of barrel lengths. They revived the lineup and also strengthened the top strap of the revolver’s frame to make it sturdier. Today you can find a variety of configurations ranging from nickel-polished and walnut-dressed models to less flashy ones with a matte finish and synthetic stocks. This is one American revolver we hope never dies. –T.F.
Final Thoughts
Along with these undeniable classics, there are a bunch of American-made guns that will be considered classics in the not so distant future (like Henry’s Golden Boy), plus some of us are holding out hope that Remington, or RemArms, could one day make a comeback.
And while you’ll likely pay less for, say, a shotgun made in Turkey, having a gun safe full of American-made firearms is still something to be proud of.
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