January sees 94.4% increase in firearms sales checks over same month last year; 32nd straight month over month increase

The January 2013 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,790,154 is an increase of 94.4 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 920,840 in January 2012. For comparison, the unadjusted January 2013 NICS figure of 2,483,230 reflects an 81.4 percent increase from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,368,816 in January 2012.

This marks the 32nd straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures have increased when compared to the same period the previous year. The number reported for January 2013 is the second highest monthly figure ever reported for NICS, surpassed only by the previous high in December 2012.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Michigan for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.