In a recent report, it appears that the decline in gun sales may have halted, as there was an increase in background checks in October, with over 1.3 million adjusted checks. This figure is up more than 8% from the previous year, indicating that the demand for firearms may have found a new post-pandemic baseline.
Several factors may have contributed to this upturn, including international conflicts and concerns about violence in the United States. The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Mark Oliva commented on the significance of this increase in background checks, emphasizing the value Americans place on their Second Amendment rights. He highlighted the importance of the Second Amendment in protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms for self-defense in light of recent events.
The rise in background checks in October is part of an ongoing trend, with over 1 million background checks conducted each month for 51 consecutive months. This trend demonstrates that Americans are actively exercising their Second Amendment rights and obtaining firearms for various reasons, including self-defense.
The NSSF provided adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures for October 2023, showing a year-over-year increase of 8.3%. This surge contrasts with the unadjusted NICS figures from the FBI, which reflect an 11.4% decrease compared to the previous year. October 2023 stands as the third-highest October on record for background checks.
The NSSF acknowledges that some states have alternative permits under the Brady Act, which allow permit-holders to purchase firearms from licensed dealers without additional background checks. The adjusted NICS data do not account for these transfers, and NSSF has been subtracting permit rechecks from their data since February 2016.
It’s important to note that while the NICS data provide insights into current market conditions, they do not directly correlate with firearm sales. These statistics represent the number of background checks initiated through the NICS but do not account for the actual number of firearms sold or the corresponding sales revenue. The relationship between background checks and firearm sales is affected by various factors, including state laws, local market conditions, and purchase scenarios, making a one-to-one correlation challenging to establish.
In summary, the recent increase in background checks for firearms in October may suggest a resurgence in demand for firearms. Americans’ continued exercise of their Second Amendment rights, coupled with concerns about personal safety and the global landscape, may have contributed to this trend. However, it’s important to remember that background checks do not directly equate to actual firearm sales.
