With a rising global interest in gun-related products, the gun industry continues to thrive and expand. This presents an ideal opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts, shooting sports enthusiasts, and bloggers to earn commissions.

We’ve curated 19 top gun affiliate programs, highlighting commission rates, cookie durations, and unique benefits. Explore our list to find the perfect program that aligns with your audience and interests!

Quick Comparison

Program Name Commission (%) Cookie Duration (Days) Niche Suitable Affiliate’s Rating
Sig Sauer 3–5% 30 Firearms, optics, suppressors, ammo, tactical training ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Smith & Wesson 7–10% 30 Firearms, revolvers, pistols, tools, knives ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Faxon Firearms 7% 45 AR-15/AR-10 parts, barrels, uppers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
AmmoSquared 3% 180 Ammunition, ammo subscription ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Galco Holster 15% 60 Holsters, belts, leather gear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Rock Your Glock 5% 30 Glock parts, custom Glock components ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
AirGun Depot 6% 30 Airguns, airsoft, paintball ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Beretta 4–8% 30 Pistols, shotguns, rifles, apparel ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Gorilla Ammunition 2–5% 30 Precision ammo for hunting & competitive shooting ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Cash for Arms 4% 30 Firearms reselling & trade-in ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Disclaimer
Affiliate program terms can change frequently. The figures below are based on general information and may vary based on specific campaigns or affiliate tiers.

19 Must-Join Gun Affiliate Programs to Elevate Your Earnings

1. Sig Sauer

gun affiliate program 1

Sig Sauer produces a wide range of firearms, including rifles, pistols, suppressors, optics, ammunition, and airguns. They also offer elite firearms instruction and tactical training through the SIG Sauer Academy.

You can get a 3-5% commission on every item purchased via your link with the Sig Sauer gun affiliate program. The cookie duration remains valid for 30 days after the customer’s first click on your unique link.

You can leverage their ready-to-use banners to enhance your promotions and boost audience engagement. Additionally, highlighting their free shipping on orders over $100 on your site is a great way to grab attention and drive more sales.

  • Commission rate: 3-5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC
  • Promotional materials: Banners

2. Smith and Wesson

gun affiliate program 2

Smith and Wesson is an American firearm manufacturer with over 173 years of expertise. In addition to pistols, revolvers, and rifles, they also sell firearm accessories, safes, apparel, watches, collectibles, knives, axes, tools, and air guns.

The Smith and Wesson gun affiliate program offers a 7% commission for each order through your unique link. This rate may increase to 10% based on your performance. You have a month from the customer’s first click to earn money on successful sales.

Managed via the AvantLink network, their affiliate program gives you access to a custom tracking link to monitor your promotions. Besides, their dedicated affiliate manager will provide tailored advice and strategies to boost your earnings.

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC

3. Faxon Firearms

gun affiliate program 3

Faxon Firearms designs precision parts for firearms, including rifle barrels, upper receivers, handguards, and muzzle devices. They’re best known for their AR-15 and AR-10 platform components.

You can get a 7% commission rate for all sales when joining the Faxon Firearms gun affiliate program. That means you’ll earn about $14 with an average order value of $200. The company gives you a 45-day referral window to earn money on sales from the customer’s first click.

Affiliates will receive exclusive deals weekly from the brand to share with their audience and drive engagement. You can also ask their affiliate manager for personalized tips and recommendations to boost your sales.

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 45 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC

4. AmmoSquared

gun affiliate program 4

AmmoSquared helps people automate the stockpiling ammunition process. Users can simply select the calibers and amounts to stockpile each month, along with a budget and frequency for automatic orders.

Their gun affiliate program provides a 3% commission on completed orders. The cookie window will remain active for up to 180 days after the visitor’s initial click on your link.

You can receive commissions via AHC or paper check, based on your preference. However, you must reach a minimum balance of $50 before you can withdraw your earnings.

  • Commission rate: 3%
  • Cookie duration: 180 days
  • Payment methods: AHC, Paper check
  • Payment threshold: $50

5. Galco Holster

gun affiliate program 5

Galco Holsters is a well-known American manufacturer of gun holsters, belts, and accessories. Their durable and high-performing holsters are made from steer hide, horsehide, and Kydex, and luxurious exotic leathers like alligator, shark, stingray, and ostrich.

You’ll receive a 15% commission on each sale when joining their gun affiliate program. The cookie remains active for 60 days from the customer’s initial click.

Your payouts will be processed through PayPal or AHC when your commission balance reaches a minimum of $100. You can use their pre-made banners, text links, and coupon codes to create engaging promotions.

  • Commission rate: 15%
  • Cookie duration: 60 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC
  • Payment threshold: $100
  • Promotional materials: Banners, text links, coupons

6. Rock Your Glock

gun affiliate program 6

Rock Your Glock sells various Glock parts and accessories, including barrels, slides, grips, magazine extensions, and trigger components. Consumers can also customize their Glocks with unique designs and features.

You will get a 5% commission rate on successful sales via your link with the Glock gun affiliate program. You can get earnings on purchases made within 30 days of the visitor’s initial click.

The brand uses the Goaffpro affiliate marketing software to run their affiliate program. You can access the software and track your promotional results instantly through a personal dashboard.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, Store discount coupons
  • Payment threshold: $50

7. AirGun Depot

gun affiliate program 7

AirGun Depot is a US-based retailer specializing in airguns, airsoft, paintball, blank guns, crossbows, and shooting accessories. They also provide consumers with expert services for airgun repairs and tuning.

You will earn a 6% commission rate for each successful purchase you generate. That means you may get $9 with an average order value of $150. You have 30 days to get earnings if customers buy products via your link.

The brand runs their gun affiliate program through the AvantLink network. That means you’ll first need to sign up for an AvantLink account to become an AirGun Depot affiliate.

  • Commission rate: 6%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC

8. Beretta

gun affiliate program 8

Beretta is the oldest active firearm manufacturer in the world. Their product line includes shotguns, rifles, and handguns, along with shooting accessories and clothing.

Their gun affiliate program offers a commission rate of 4-8% for every purchase via your unique link. The average order value is $115, so you may earn about $4 per sale. The cookie period will remain valid for 30 days from the visitor’s first click on affiliate links.

Affiliates will gain access to their collection of appealing creatives to create captivating content. The brand also gives you exclusive offers to make your promotions stand out. Moreover, you can ask their management team if you have any promotional concerns.

  • Commission rate: 4-8%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: AHC, bank transfer, PayPal, wire transfer
  • Promotional materials: Creatives

9. Gorilla Ammunition

gun affiliate program 9

Gorilla Ammunition produces high-quality, precision-engineered ammunition. Their items are suitable for various shooting disciplines, including hunting, self-defense, and competitive shooting.

Publishers may earn a 2-5% commission on verified sales by becoming a part of their gun affiliate program. You may enjoy $4 with an average order size of $150. You have a full month to earn money from the customer’s first click on your link.

The brand provides various visually appealing ad materials to support your promotions. Their affiliate marketing coordinator will also send you the latest product information and promotional materials.

  • Commission rate: 2-5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC
  • Promotional materials: Creatives

10. Cash for Arms

gun affiliate program 10

Cash for Arms helps individuals to sell their firearms from home through an easy online process. They buy various handguns, rifles, shotguns, NFA Class III items, antique and collectible firearms, black powder guns, muzzleloaders, ammo, and accessories.

Affiliates can enjoy a 4% commission rate on every successful sale they make. The cookie period lasts 30 days from the customer’s initial click.

The brand manages their gun affiliate program through AvantLink. You can log into your account to check your referrals, sales, and commissions via a personal dashboard.

  • Commission rate: 4%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, AHC

11. Palmetto State Armory

  • Commission rate: 3%
  • Cookie duration: 7 days

Palmetto State Armory is an American firearms retailer supplying AR-15 rifles, AR-10 rifles, handguns, and build kits. In addition to firearms, they offer a range of gun-related products, including magazines, optics, shooting accessories, and outdoor gear.

12. Remington

  • Commission rate: 3%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Remington is one of the oldest and most well-known firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the United States. They produce high-quality ammunition used for hunting, sport shooting, and law enforcement.

13. Guns.com

  • Commission rate: 5.5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Guns.com launches an online platform for buying and selling guns, ammo, and related accessories. They publish product and industry news, Second Amendment issues, gun and gear reviews, and political commentary.

14. GritrSports

  • Commission rate: 6%
  • Cookie duration: 60 days

Gritr Sports is an omni-channel retailer that sells firearms, ammunition, outdoor accessories, and sporting goods. Consumers can explore the brand’s products through their online store, physical stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com.

15. Stag Arms

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Stag Arms is a firearms manufacturer specializing in AR-15-type rifles. They are best known for their left-handed models, which feature a mirror-imaged upper receiver and a reversed ejection port for left-handed shooters.

16. WMD Guns

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 45 days

WMD Guns manufactures high-quality custom firearms and parts, particularly focusing on AR-15 and AR-10-style rifles. Their items are often coated with Nickel Boron on key parts like bolts and bolt carriers to boost performance, reduce friction, and increase the components’ durability.

Affiliate marketing allows brands to expand their reach while optimizing their marketing budget. With UpPromote affiliate software, you can set up an affiliate program in under 5 minutes. You can also easily recruit, manage affiliates and encourage them to drive sales.

17. GunMag Warehouse

  • Commission rate: 3%
  • Cookie duration: 14 days

GunMag Warehouse sells firearms magazines and accessories to individual sport shooters, law enforcement officers, departments, the military, and private agencies. Additionally, they sell gun parts, holsters, optics, range gear, and ammunition.

18. Original Gun Oil

  • Commission rate: 20%
  • Cookie duration: Not mentioned

Original Gun Oil offers high-quality firearms lubricants and cleaning solutions. Their premium gun oils and cleaning products help improve firearms’ performance, extend their lifespan, reduce friction, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation.

19. GunSafes

  • Commission rate: 5-7%
  • Cookie duration: Not mentioned

GunSafes sells various gun safes and premium secure storage solutions. Their items come from popular brands like Hollon, Remington, and Liberty Safe, including options with different fire ratings, locking mechanisms, and sizes.

What Requirements Do Gun Affiliate Programs Have?

Applying for a gun affiliate program isn’t like joining an Amazon or fashion program. Because this industry has so many rules, brands are very protective of their image.

About 80% of firearms programs review every application by hand. This process usually takes 2 to 7 business days. They aren’t just looking for traffic; they are looking for legal safety and a professional history.

If you don’t meet the basic requirements, your application will likely be rejected before a human even sees it.

Age and Legal Status Requirements

The first and most important rule is your legal status. Because the federal age to buy a handgun is 21, almost every firearms affiliate program has a strict 21+ age requirement.

gun affiliate program guide

If you are under 21, you will be rejected immediately. This helps the brand stay safe under federal marketing laws.

Beyond age, you must meet several legal standards:

📍 Where You Live:

Most programs require you to be a U.S. resident or have a registered U.S. business (with a valid tax ID). International affiliates without a U.S. business are almost always rejected because of complex tax and arms-trade laws (like ITAR).

📝 A Clean Record:

You must agree to promote only legal sales through licensed dealers (FFLs). Any history of felony convictions or restraining orders that stop you from owning a gun will cause an immediate rejection.

🧠 Industry Knowledge:

While not required by everyone, about 15–20% of high-end brands (like SIG Sauer) may ask for proof of your expertise. This could be a concealed carry permit (CCW) or a firearms safety certificate.

Check your status before you apply. If you don’t have a U.S. business or you are under 21, wait until you meet these basic rules.

Platform and Content Maturity Standards

Even if you meet the legal rules, you still have to prove your platform is a serious business. Brands want to see a site with a history—not something you launched yesterday.

Rejection often happens because a site looks like a “ghost town” or doesn’t have a clear focus.

To get accepted into major stores like Palmetto State Armory or GrabAGun, your site should be at least 3 months old.

You need at least 10–20 high-quality articles or over 50 consistent social media posts. Your content must also be focused.

Brands usually look for at least 60–70% of your content to be directly about guns, hunting, or shooting sports.

This is a technical point that many beginners miss. Many common “shared” website hosts have fine print that bans gun-related content.

If your host shuts you down, your affiliate links die too. I recommend using “firearms-friendly” hosting.

Many successful affiliates use SiteGround’s Business tier or a private server (VPS) to make sure they aren’t kicked off the web.

Pre-Application Checklist:

  • Check Your Host: Make sure your hosting company allows gun content.
  • Check Your Volume: Make sure you have at least 15 articles published.
  • Check Your Traffic: If you are applying to top brands like Vortex or SIG Sauer, be ready to show screenshots of 1,000–5,000+ monthly visitors.
  • Check Your Focus: Make sure at least 60% of your content is relevant to the niche.

Required Content Standards and Safety Guidelines

Having a professional site is a great start, but what you actually say on that site matters even more.

Because of the high legal risk in the gun industry, brands act like a “digital range officer” for your content.

They don’t just want you to sell; they want to make sure you aren’t a legal problem for them.

Most programs conduct quarterly checks on your content. If they find you are promoting unsafe habits or illegal activities, they won’t just send a warning.

They might hold your pay or shut down your account entirely.

Your photos and videos must follow basic safety rules. You will be flagged or rejected if your content shows:

  • A finger on the trigger when not aiming.
  • A muzzle pointed toward the camera lens.
  • Shooters without proper eye or ear protection.
  • Illegal modifications, such as “full-auto” conversions.

The way you word your reviews is just as important as the photos. Brands look for a balance of marketing and responsibility.

✅ GOOD: “This 9mm carbine is ideal for home defense because the recoil is easy to manage. Just remember to store your guns safely and check your local laws.”

❌ BAD: “Arm yourself against any threat—this weapon is a beast and will stop any attacker. No registration or paperwork is required.”

gun affiliate program guide

Always include a safety disclaimer at the bottom of every review. Remind your readers to follow the four basic rules of gun safety.

This small detail shows affiliate managers that you are a professional who takes safety seriously.

Required Paperwork and Proof of Identity

Once your content is in order, the final step is proving you are a real business.

Gathering your paperwork ahead of time can speed up the approval process from 7–10 days down to just 2–3 days.

Most programs require a “proof package” to make sure they follow tax and age laws.

Tax Forms: A completed W-9 form (for U.S. residents). This is required so the company can report your income to the IRS.

Age Proof: A scan of a government photo ID to prove you are 21 or older.

Ownership Proof: You may need to prove you own the website. You can usually do this with a screenshot of your Google Search Console.

Signed Agreements: You must sign a contract agreeing to follow FTC rules. This means you must tell readers that you get a commission if they buy through your link.

f you apply to high-end manufacturers, they may ask for insurance proof. This usually requires a policy with $1M+ in coverage, which costs roughly $300–$800 per year.

While this is an extra cost, it is a “barrier to entry” that keeps out the amateurs.

Preparation walkthrough:

Scan your ID and save it as a high-quality PDF. Complete a new W-9 form.

Take a screenshot of your website traffic from the last 30 days. Pick your 5 best articles to show as a portfolio.

Get an insurance quote if you want to work with top-tier brands.

By having these documents ready the moment you hit “Apply,” you show a level of professionalism that makes it much easier for a brand to say yes.

How Do You Choose the Right Gun Affiliate Programs for Your Audience?

Getting accepted into a gun affiliate program is only the beginning. The most common mistake beginners make is joining every program they see and scattering links everywhere.

This “shotgun approach” usually leads to low sales and wasted effort. To truly succeed, you need a clear plan for picking programs.

You must match the products you promote with the specific needs of your readers and the actual math of your earnings.

Step 1: Match Products to Your Types of Readers

In the gun world, an “enthusiast” is rarely just a generalist. Most shooters focus on specific areas. Your affiliate programs must reflect that.

If you write mostly for concealed carry holders but only promote long-range scopes, your sales will stay near zero.

Aligning your focus with the right programs:

Audience Primary Focus Recommended Gear & Brands Top Revenue Opportunity
CCW Readers Everyday reliability and personal protection. Safariland holsters and Federal Premium ammo. High-profit concealed carry insurance signups.
Competitive Shooters High-performance gear and match accuracy. Hornady reloading and Double Alpha gear. Expensive match-grade equipment and belts.
Hunters Equipment durability and superior lens quality. Vortex optics and Leupold scopes. Premium First Lite outdoor technical clothing.
AR-15 Builders Individual parts, tools, and custom upgrades. Palmetto State Armory and Brownells inventory. High-volume sales across massive parts catalogs.

It is much more profitable to be the “expert” for one group than to be “average” for everyone.

Promoting the wrong programs damages the trust you’ve built with your audience. Pick programs that naturally fit your top three content themes and ignore the rest.

Step 2: Figure Out Your True Earnings (Not Just Percentages)

Don’t let a high commission percentage distract you from the actual dollar amount you’ll receive.

A lower percentage on an expensive item is often much better than a high percentage on a cheap accessory. You need to find your True Earnings Per Sale.

For example:

Program A: Offers an 8% commission on accessories. If the average order is $250, you earn $20 per sale.

Program B: Offers a 5% commission on guns. If the average order is $600, you earn $30 per sale.

Despite the lower percentage, Program B makes you 50% more money for the same amount of effort.

If your audience buys high-end rifles or night vision gear, prioritize the quality of the products over the commission rate.

Managing an affiliate program takes time. You have to update links, check for out-of-stock items, and track your stats.

If a program takes 10 hours of work a month, you should aim for at least $200 in monthly commissions to make it worth your time ($20/hour).

Your time is your most valuable asset. Spend it on the programs that actually grow your bank account.

Step 3: Evaluate Cookie Duration and Tracking Systems

Once you’ve done the math on commissions, you need to look at the “research clock.”

In the gun world, people rarely see a high-end scope and buy it instantly.

Most buyers spend 4 to 8 weeks watching reviews and checking prices before they spend $500 or more.

This is where “cookie duration” becomes your best friend or your worst enemy.

A cookie is the amount of time you have to earn a commission after a reader clicks your link.

Tracking has 3 tiers

The Three Tiers of Tracking:

Type Duration Examples Best Use Case Gun Effectiveness
The Sprint 7 Days Big stores like Amazon Small buys, cleaning kits Too short for gun sales
The Marathon 30–45 Days Industry standard, Brownells Accessories, mid-range research Matches typical research periods
The Long Game 90 Days Rare, direct manufacturers Expensive, high-ticket items Perfect for months-long decisions

About 90% of programs use “Last-Click.” This means if a reader clicks your link, but then clicks a competitor’s link right before buying, the competitor gets the money.

Pro Tip: To fight this, use email marketing. An email subscriber is 4 to 8 times more likely to buy quickly. This is because they are already in the “active research” phase when they open your message.

Step 4: Verify Program Rules for Your Promotion Methods

Before you spend an hour writing, you must read the “fine print.” Not every program allows every type of promotion.

If you ignore these rules, the brand might close your account and take your unpaid commissions.

About 40% of programs ban you from using Google Ads to target their brand name. If you plan to pay for traffic, make sure it is allowed first.

Only 10-15% of gun programs allow coupon-style sites. If your plan is just to post “deals,” you will have a hard time getting into top programs.

Some programs won’t pay you for sales in states with strict shipping laws, like California, New York, or New Jersey. If most of your readers live in these states, check the policy first.

Can you buy products through your own link for testing and reviews? 70% of programs allow this. They see it as a legitimate way for you to create content.

However, 30% consider this fraud and will ban you immediately. Always check the FAQ or ask the manager before you buy a new rifle through your own link.

Before picking up an affiliate program, ask yourself:

  • PPC: Do they allow Google or Facebook ads?
  • Email: Do they require proof that your list is “Double Opt-In”?
  • Content: Do they require you to post at least two new articles a month?
  • Location: Are there restrictions on high-population states?

Write these rules down in a spreadsheet. It is better to spend 10 minutes reading the fine print now than to lose thousands of dollars in commissions later.

What Are the Best Traffic Sources for Gun Affiliate Marketing?

Since Facebook, Instagram, and Google ban gun ads, you can’t just pay for your success. You have to earn your traffic.

Successful gun affiliates use organic channels that build deep trust. Here are the four best traffic sources, ranked by how well they turn readers into buyers.

Google Search Traffic (The “Gold Standard”)

Google traffic is the most valuable source because it finds people who are ready to buy. If someone types “best AR-15 under $1000” into a search bar, they aren’t just browsing—they have a credit card in their hand.

gun affiliate program guide

This source usually makes up 40–50% of all gun affiliate sales.

Focus on words that show someone is ready to spend money. Rank for terms like “best [gun type]” or “[Product A] vs [Product B] comparison.”

To beat big gun magazines, your articles must be more detailed. Aim for 2,500–4,000 words. Include comparison tables, pros and cons, and full spec charts.

Google won’t rank a single review if your site is empty. You need 50–100 high-quality articles in your specific niche (like hunting or home defense). This proves you are a real expert.

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect to wait 6 to 12 months to rank for competitive words. However, once you do, that traffic converts at a high 3–5% rate.

This makes it your best long-term asset.

YouTube Product Reviews and Demonstrations

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video of a rifle shooting at 100 yards is worth a thousand sales.

YouTube is the best place for “visual proof.” It makes up 25–35% of all sales in this niche. Video lets you build a personal bond with your audience that text alone can’t match.

🧪 Performance Testing: Don’t just show the gun; show it in action. Film actual range sessions with data on how it performed. Show how often it jammed and how accurate it was at 100 yards.

🏆 “Best of” Roundups: Videos like “Top 5 Red Dots Under $200” are huge for new shooters looking for budget gear.

📚 How-To Guides: Practical videos like “How to Zero a Rifle Scope” build massive trust. When you help someone solve a technical problem, they are more likely to buy the gear you recommend.

YouTube lets you “double dip” on your income.

You can earn affiliate commissions from the links in your description while also earning YouTube ad money.

While you need to buy some filming gear ($500–$1,000), a channel with just 10,000 subscribers can make a full-time living when combined with a smart affiliate plan.

Email Marketing to Gun Enthusiast Lists

If Google or YouTube changed their systems tomorrow, could you still reach your audience? This is why email marketing is so important. It is the only traffic source you truly “own.”

While search engines and social media can ban gun content at any time, your email list is your insurance policy. It is also your most profitable channel, often making sales at a high 5–8% conversion rate.

Don’t just ask people to “sign up for a newsletter.” You need to offer a high-value “Lead Magnet.” This is a free resource that solves a specific problem for your reader.

For Builders: A “Complete AR-15 Parts Checklist.”

For CCW Holders: A “State-by-State Concealed Carry Guide.”

For General Shooters: An “Ammunition Selection Chart for Self-Defense.”

To keep people from leaving your list, you must provide more value than sales pitches.

Aim for 80% educational content (how-to tips, news, gear care) and only 20% product recommendations.

Many common email services (like Mailchimp) have strict anti-gun policies. They will often ban your account without warning. You must use “firearms-friendly” companies.

ConvertKit and AWeber are the industry favorites because they have a clear history of supporting gun-related businesses.

Niche Forums and Reddit Participation

While SEO and YouTube are about “broadcasting,” forums and Reddit are about “conversing.” This is where the most dedicated fans spend their time.

gun affiliate program guide

If you can build a reputation as a helpful expert on sites like AR15.com or subreddits like r/CCW, you can drive highly targeted traffic that buys at a 4–6% rate.

You cannot simply drop affiliate links into a forum and expect to stay. Most communities have a “hair-trigger” for spam.

You must spend 3 to 6 months answering questions and sharing your range data before you try to promote anything.

Since most forums ban direct affiliate links in posts, your goal is to drive people to your blog instead.

Forum Signatures: Use your bio or signature line to link to your main review site.

Be Helpful First: If someone asks about a specific scope, give them a detailed answer based on your testing.

Then say, “I did a full 2,000-round review on my blog if you want to see the long-term data—the link is in my bio.”

Where to Participate:

  • Reddit: r/guns (over 750,000 members), r/ar15, and r/longrange are the best places for traffic.
  • Forums: AR15.com, TheHighRoad.org, and the 1911Forum are essential for building authority.

Authentic participation takes about 30–60 minutes a day. However, the trust you build creates a loyal audience that will choose your advice over a random Google search every time.

FAQs

What is a gun affiliate program?

A gun affiliate program allows you to earn commission by promoting firearms, optics, accessories, or shooting gear through referral links. When a visitor purchases after clicking your link, you receive a percentage of the sale.

Are gun affiliate programs legal?

Yes — but legality depends on your country, state, and platform policies. In the U.S., most firearm affiliate programs are legal, but advertising restrictions apply on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and TikTok.

Do I need a license to promote gun affiliate products?

No license is required to be an affiliate. Licensing is only required for selling firearms directly, not for referral marketing.

Are there recurring commissions in gun affiliates?

Some optics brands and gear subscription services offer recurring or lifetime commissions, but most firearm-related programs are one-time payouts.

Can beginners join gun affiliate programs?

Yes, beginners can join, but approval may be stricter than in other niches. Many gun affiliate programs review your website content, traffic quality, and compliance language before approval. Niche authority sites perform best.

Are there gun affiliate programs for optics only?

Yes. Many optics-focused affiliate programs specialize in red dots, scopes, and mounts. These are popular because optics are less regulated than firearms and are suitable for SEO-driven review content.

Do gun affiliate programs work with SEO?

SEO works extremely well for gun affiliate marketing. Keywords like “best red dot for [gun model]”“best scope for hunting”, and “pistol optic reviews” have strong buyer intent and long-term traffic potential.

Can you promote gun affiliates on social media?

Social media promotion is limited. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok restrict firearm advertising. Most successful affiliates rely on SEO, email marketing, and content sites, rather than paid social ads.

Do gun affiliate programs allow international affiliates?

Some gun affiliate programs accept international affiliates, but sales are often restricted to specific countries, mainly the U.S. Always check shipping regions, legal disclaimers, and payout methods before joining.

Conclusion

And that’s really all there is to it.

Building a great affiliate program does take some work, but the payoff is huge. You get a marketing channel that actually works, which is a big deal when so many other advertising options are off the table.

Just remember the most important steps: put rules and safety first, use the right tools, find good partners, and keep them happy and engaged.

If you focus on those things, you won’t just be getting more sales. You’ll be building your own team of trusted fans who will help your brand grow for years to come.

Ellie Tran, a seasoned SEO content writer with three years of experience in the eCommerce world. Being a part of the UpPromote team, Ellie wants to assist Shopify merchants in achieving success through useful content & actionable insights. Ellie's commitment to learning never stops; she's always eager to gain more knowledge about SEO and content marketing to create valuable content for users. When she's not working on content, Ellie enjoys baking and exploring new places.