March sees 26.3% increase in firearms sales checks over same month last year; 34th straight month over month increase

The March 2013 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,501,730 is an increase of 26.3 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,189,152 in March 2012. For comparison, the unadjusted March 2013 NICS figure of 2,197,116 reflects a 28.1 percent increase from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,715,125 in March 2012.

This marks the 34th straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures have increased when compared to the same period the previous year.

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.