332992 - Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing
When it comes to the precise and critical field of ammunition manufacturing, NAICS code 332992 stands out as a key industry classification. This code specifically covers establishments engaged in the production of small arms ammunition—a vital component for civilian, law enforcement, and military applications. Understanding NAICS 332992 is essential for businesses, contractors, and investors interested in this manufacturing sector.
What is NAICS Code 332992?
NAICS code 332992 corresponds to Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing, which includes companies primarily involved in producing cartridges and shells for small arms such as handguns, rifles, and shotguns. This manufacturing sector handles various ammunition components, including bullet jackets, cores, and cartridge cases, adhering to defined size limits.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
This NAICS code falls under the Manufacturing sector, focusing on the precision crafting of small arms ammunition components and finished products. Companies in this industry typically engage in:
- Manufacturing handgun cartridges
- Producing rifle ammunition
- Manufacturing shotgun shells
- Producing bullet jackets and cores
- Manufacturing cartridge cases
- Producing BB shot and pellets for air rifles and pistols
These activities support diverse markets including civilian recreational shooters, law enforcement agencies, and military organizations worldwide.
Size Standards - Employee Threshold
To qualify as a small business under NAICS code 332992, establishments must have no more than 1,300 employees. This size standard is critical for federal contracting opportunities and small business certifications.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 332992
- Handgun Ammunition Manufacturers: Specialized in producing cartridges for various handgun calibers.
- Rifle Ammunition Producers: Focused on manufacturing rifle cartridges for hunting, sports shooting, and defense.
- Shotgun Shell Manufacturers: Engaged in producing shotgun shells for hunting, sport shooting, and tactical uses.
Detailed NAICS 332992 Code Components Table
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Ammunition, small arms (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Manufacturing small arms cartridges and shells |
| BB shot manufacturing | Production of BB-sized shot used in air rifles and pistols |
| Blank cartridges (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Manufacturing blank ammunition cartridges |
| Bullet jackets and cores (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Production of jackets and cores for bullets |
| Cartridge cases for ammunition (≤30 mm) | Manufacturing brass or metal cartridge cases |
| Cartridge manufacturing (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Complete cartridges manufacturing |
| Cores, bullet (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Production of bullet cores |
| Jackets, bullet (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Manufacturing bullet jackets |
| Paper shells (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Production of paper shells for ammunition |
| Pellets, air rifle and pistol, manufacturing | Manufacturing small pellets for air rifles and pistols |
| Percussion caps (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Making percussion caps for small arms ammunition |
| Shells, small arms (≤30 mm or 1.18 inch) | Manufacturing small arms shells |
| Shot, BB manufacturing | Production of BB shot |
| Shot, lead manufacturing | Manufacturing lead shot for ammunition |
| Shot, pellet manufacturing | Production of pellets for ammunition |
| Shot, steel manufacturing | Manufacturing steel shot |
| Shotgun shells manufacturing | Manufacturing shells specifically for shotguns |
| Wads, ammunition manufacturing | Production of wads used in ammunition |
FAQ About NAICS Code 332992
What types of ammunition are covered by NAICS 332992?
NAICS 332992 covers small arms ammunition components and finished products, including cartridges, shells, BB shot, shotgun shells, and related items sized 30 mm or less.
Who typically uses products from this industry?
Products serve civilian markets (recreational shooting and hunting), law enforcement agencies, and military branches globally.
Can small businesses qualify under NAICS 332992?
Yes, businesses with 1,300 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under this code for government contracting and other programs.
Is this industry limited to complete ammunition?
No, it includes both complete cartridges and individual components such as jackets, cores, wads, and percussion caps.
How does this industry fit within the manufacturing sector?
NAICS 332992 is a specialized manufacturing category focusing exclusively on the production of small arms ammunition and components.
Conclusion
Understanding NAICS code 332992—Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing—is crucial for businesses targeting this specialized manufacturing niche. Whether your company produces cartridges for handguns, rifle ammunition, or shotgun shells, this code provides clear classification and size standards to help navigate federal contracts and industry regulations. With a focus on precision and quality, the small arms ammunition manufacturing industry remains an important part of the manufacturing sector with diverse applications across civilian, law enforcement, and military markets.
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