What is the most stolen gun?

Asked by: Miss Madie Hintz  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

The most stolen guns are typically handguns, especially popular semi-automatic pistols from brands like Glock and Smith & Wesson, because they are common, easily concealable, and often found in thefts from vehicles and homes, making up a large majority (around 60-70%) of all stolen firearms, according to ATF and Bureau of Justice Statistics reports. While specific models vary, popular best-selling pistols are stolen most frequently, along with rifles and shotguns, often from easily accessible places like parked cars.

Where are most guns stolen?

Residences were the most common location. Guns were stolen from residences in about two-thirds of incidents (63%) from 2018 to 2022, but the share of all reported gun thefts that were from residences declined over time. Rates of gun theft from residences declined from 54.6 to 46.2 per 100,000 people over the period.

What is the most sold gun in the US?

The most sold gun in the U.S. varies by category, but popular choices consistently include the SIG Sauer P365 (handgun), Glock 19 (handgun), and Ruger 10/22 (rifle), while AR-15 style rifles are the best-selling rifles, led by brands like Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Palmetto State Armory. Handguns, especially 9mm pistols like the P365 and G19, dominate overall sales, but the AR-15 platform is incredibly popular for rifles.
 

What is the most stolen item in America?

The most commonly stolen items depend on where the theft happens—such as stores, homes, or cars—but they usually share two traits: they are valuable and easy to resell. These include electronics, jewelry, designer clothing, and perfumes.

Who steals the most in the USA?

The odds of shoplifting were significantly higher in men than in women. Native Americans had higher odds than whites, although blacks, Hispanics, and Asian Americans had lower odds of shoplifting than non-Hispanic whites.

Stolen guns

23 related questions found

Which state is #1 in crime?

Alaska often ranks #1 for violent crime rates per capita, followed closely by New Mexico, while Louisiana frequently tops lists for overall danger or homicide rates, though figures vary slightly by source and specific metrics (violent vs. property crime) for 2024/2025 data. 

What is the #1 most stolen vehicle?

The #1 most stolen vehicle depends on how you measure it: by total thefts (often Hyundai Elantra/Sonata or Ford/Chevy pickups), or by theft rate (Dodge Charger/Camaro models), but recent data points to the Hyundai Elantra as the most stolen by sheer number in 2023, while the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 had the highest rate (39x average) for newer models (2022-2024) due to high horsepower.
 

What's the most stolen thing at Walmart?

The most stolen items from Walmart are typically high-value, easy-to-conceal, and resellable goods like cosmetics (makeup, hair dye), over-the-counter medications, infant formula, small electronics (headphones, chargers), and popular toys (Pokémon cards, Hot Wheels), with packaged meat, alcohol, and certain hygiene products also frequently targeted. These items offer good resale value for minimal risk compared to larger electronics, although those are also stolen.
 

What gets robbed the most?

The items most frequently stolen during residential break-ins include:

  • Cash.
  • Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets, game consoles, speakers)
  • Jewelry & watches.
  • Designer clothing & accessories.

What is the #1 most stolen book?

The Guinness Book of Records records its own issues as the most stolen book from public libraries in the United States. It is followed in the ranking by the Christian Bible in its different languages and editions.

What is the no. 1 gun?

The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot rifle introduced and manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. since 1967.

What hits harder, 357 or 45?

357 Mag. usually produces more energy and offers a better trajectory. These 125-grain pills from Sig Sauer, for example, produce 583 foot-pounds (ft. -lbs.)

Why do Mexicans like .38 super?

Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the . 38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in Latin America due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and . 45 ACP.

Which US state is the most heavily armed?

Texas consistently has the most guns by total number, often exceeding a million registered firearms, followed by Florida, Virginia, and California, largely due to their large populations; however, states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead in gun ownership rates (percentage of households owning guns). Data varies slightly by year and source (e.g., registered firearms vs. sales vs. household ownership), but Texas remains the top state for total gun numbers.
 

Can a pawn shop tell if a gun is stolen?

Unlike 30 years ago, when technology was limited, law enforcement and pawn shops now work together to check items brought into businesses. Valdez said pawn shops are required to put every item they purchase into a database, especially guns. “That database is vast,” Valdez said.

What do thieves do with stolen guns?

Gun thefts occur in staggering numbers. Hundreds of thousands of guns are stolen every year, taken from houses, vehicles, and stores. Gun thefts often divert guns into an underground market where people with dangerous histories are easily able to obtain firearms without restriction.

What state is #1 in crime?

Alaska often ranks #1 for violent crime rates per capita, followed closely by New Mexico, while Louisiana frequently tops lists for overall danger or homicide rates, though figures vary slightly by source and specific metrics (violent vs. property crime) for 2024/2025 data. 

Where do thieves look first?

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars, so near these entry points is often the first place they look for any valuables. Burglars also know many homeowners hide their house key near the front door, making it easier for them to break in within minutes or even seconds.

Which race gets robbed the most?

Robbery. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey in 2002, robberies with white victims and black offenders were more than 12 times more common than the opposite.

What is the 10 80 10 theft rule?

The 10-80-10 rule in theft prevention suggests that 10% of people will never steal, 10% will steal at any opportunity, and the crucial 80% in the middle might steal depending on the situation, opportunity, and perceived risk; businesses focus on controlling this middle group by increasing detection, removing opportunities (like weak internal controls), and creating strong ethical cultures, often using the Fraud Triangle (Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalization) as a framework to understand why people steal.
 

Which state is #1 in retail theft?

Washington state consistently ranks #1 for retail theft, particularly in recent studies (2024-2025) from sources like Forbes and the National Retail Federation, due to high rates per capita and significant financial losses, with New Mexico and Nevada also frequently appearing at the top. While specific metrics vary, Washington faces issues with organized crime, "smash-and-grab" incidents, and repeat offenders impacting businesses. 

Will Walmart track you down for stealing?

Walmart's loss prevention department uses a variety of sophisticated methods to catch shoplifters, like surveillance cameras and anti-theft tags, as well as security guards that patrol the store. If personnel discover missing inventory, they would likely review video recordings for footage of the crime.

What car is hardest to steal?

The Hardest Car Brands to Steal (and Why)

  • BMW. BMW enhances the security of its cars via encrypted key fobs and motion-sensing alarm system features. ...
  • Audi. ...
  • Mercedes-Benz. ...
  • Subaru. ...
  • Hyundai Sonata (2022 and Newer)

What car brands do thieves avoid?

Tesla, Volvo, and Subaru consistently rank as some of the hardest car brands to steal, thanks to advanced tech like GPS, Sentry Mode (Tesla), and robust factory security, alongside luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Lexus (e.g., XC90, A6, RX), with some GM models (GMC Acadia) also showing low theft rates due to sophisticated immobilizers and tracking. Generally, modern EVs and well-equipped luxury SUVs are tough targets.
 

What color car gets stolen the most?

When it comes to stolen cars, color does seem to matter. According to studies, the most commonly jacked color car is silver!