Gunmakers made $1 billion selling AR-15s to civilians, study finds

Major U.S. gunmakers marketing a weapon used in a number of mass shootings have tallied more than $1 billion in revenue from selling the firearms to civilians during the past 10 years, according to a report released on Wednesday. 

Five manufacturers — Daniel Defense, Smith & Wesson, Sturm Ruger, Sig Sauer and Bushmaster Firearms — collectively sell thousands of military-style semiautomatic rifles to civilians every year, according to the findings of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

The marketing of AR-15s has come under scrutiny from lawmakers and gun safety advocates following several mass shootings that involved the firearm, including the Uvalde shooting that left 19 children and 2 teachers dead. The shootings have renewed calls for regulations that would either ban or restrict sales of AR-15s, with a recent complaint alleging the firearms are marketed to teens and young men "who are attracted to violence and military fantasies."