America has been and continues to be the powerhouse of global firearms manufacturing. It may not always feel this way in the sporting market as some of the most popular shotguns are made in Italy and Türkiye. Remington rifles have almost disappeared, while Browning and Winchester rifles are made overseas. The most common pistol in the US is Austria’s Glock (although some Glock models are made in Georgia).
On the other hand, an infinite number of small, high-quality gun manufacturers have emerged across the country over the past several decades (think guys like Staccato and Proof Research). And there are still plenty of classic guns that are made here on American soil. So as a way to celebrate 250 years of American firearms manufacturing, here is our list of classics made in the United States 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 typically chambered in .30/30 Win. and .35 Rem., and a favorite of those who hit hardwood for big bucks. It remained in production for 72 years until the collapse of the company’s then-owner, Remington.
Marlin 336 Classic in .30/30 Win.
Ruger raised the Marlin from the ashes, and has once again begun production of the Model 336 in .30/30 – in both the Classic and Dark series. We have loved this rifle for decades, and new production samples have done justice to this classic platform. No matter how far rifle and bullet technology has advanced, 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 series of new 110 rifles with adjustable stocks, carbon barrels, ARCA rails, and modern chamberings. While these upgrades may breathe some new life into the 110 platform, the action will remain the same, which traditional Savage fans will appreciate. The 110 was introduced in 1958 and Savage says it is “the longest produced 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 110s still offer excellent accuracy for the price. It’s just that there are higher-end versions available now. You can still find the most basic version of the rifle for around $600, while the highest upgrades go for $3,500 or more. —AR
Weatherby Mark V
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The Weatherby Mark V is one of the oldest continuously produced sporting bolt actions in the United States. The Mark V was introduced in 1958, designed to handle Roy Weatherby’s fast line of Magnum cartridges. It remains one of our most steadfast premium hunting activities and has stood the test of time.
The unique nine-lug bolt head locks securely into the receiver, and the Mark V has maintained the standard of accuracy and strength while many other actions have come and gone. You can still get the brand new Mark V chambered in classic cartridges like the .300 Weatherby Magnum – which buried the .300 H&H and inspired new magnums like the .300 Win. Mag., or you can opt for the updated 6-lug Mark V in smooth, high-performance modern cartridges like the 25 WBY rpm. Grades and prices vary, but you can get Weatherby Mark V Hunter For about $1,300. –T.F
Read Next: 10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own
Classic American Shotgun
ruger red label iii
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Red Label was first introduced in 1977 as a “working man” over/under shotgun. It served this purpose well and grew steadily in popularity before being derailed by quality control issues and rising production costs. But Ruger reintroduced the gun’s third iteration last fall with much anticipation. It is the only affordably priced/low priced brand manufactured in the US today, at least from a domestic brand. Importantly, this gun is being made for Ruger by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing. Like the early Red Label, it is initially chambered only in 20 gauge. It comes with a 28-inch or 30-inch barrel. Other than that, it doesn’t have much in common with its predecessors. The Red Label III is sleeker and lighter (6.59 pounds) than older models. It’s a good gun all around. The test model I have has a pleasing, dark wood stock, I have also seen other versions with much plainer wood. I have hunted pheasants and ducks with my test gun and also run about 125 target loads through it. Happily I didn’t have any problems. In fact, the more I shot it, the more I liked it. Read and see my full review of the Ruger Red Label III here Introduction video here. —AR
Mossberg 500 and 835
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With the Remington 870 Fieldmaster on life support, the Mossberg 500 and 835 stand alone as the last great pump shotguns made in America at this time. This platform has proven invincible since it was introduced in 1961, and today there are over 500 variations, including several different tactical and turkey versions. The 835 designation is simply the 3.5-inch version of the gun. If you’re looking for that “classic” aesthetic, the Field 500 Retrograde is where you should start. One can be yours for a little over $600. And while it’s certainly not a fancy shotgun, those old Mossberg 500s weren’t fancy either. —AR
classic american handgun
ruger mark iv
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When it comes to American .22 LR pistols, there is the Ruger Mark series and then there is everything else. Bill Ruger launched his, now famous, brand in 1949 with the Ruger Standard 22 pistol. The slim little autoloader is supposed to resemble the 1908 Luger, but is actually modeled after the Japanese Nambu pistol and features a direct blowback action.
Although it has been updated in Mark II, Mark III, and now Mark IV iterations, their function and reliability have remained largely unchanged over the decades. The line has now expanded to 22/45 variants, featuring 1911-style grips, various target models, and multiple threaded barrels. You can find this classic pistol in every gun store, and if you’re looking for a .22, you can’t go wrong. –T.F
smith and 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 you can still buy today. It 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 has 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 world’s most famous revolvers, the Colt Python, was almost lost. Its production began in 1955 and it became one of the most popular and arguably best looking revolvers in America. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it was accurate, reliable and displayed an unmatched level of craftsmanship. However, after nearly 50 years of production, Colt was unable to maintain the Python and production ceased.
In 2020, Colt brought back the Python in various barrel lengths. He refreshed the lineup and also strengthened the top strap of the revolver’s frame to make it stronger. Today you can find a variety of configurations, from nickel-polished and walnut-dressed models to less attractive models with matte finishes and synthetic stocks. This is an American revolver that we hope will never die. –T.F
final thoughts
Along with these undisputed classics, there are a group of American-made guns that will be considered classics in the near future (like Henry’s Golden Boy), as well as some of us who are hoping that Remington, or RemArms, might one day make a comeback.
And while you’ll probably pay less for a gun made in Türkiye, keeping a gun safe loaded with American-made firearms is still a point of pride.
