Photo courtesy of the NSSF
Americans are exercising their Second Amendment rights in record-setting numbers for yet another consecutive month this year, according to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) numbers for August show over a 50% increase from 2019. In total, August saw almost 1.7 million firearms background checks.
“August’s adjusted NICS figures of nearly 1.7 million background checks associated with the sale of a firearm are in line with the months-long trend we’ve witnessed since March, when figures topped an all-time one-month record of 2.3 million. Each month since April, adjusted NICS figures averaged between 1.6 and 1.8 million. August’s figures are a record-high for the month over all previous years and show us that concerns for personal safety and self-defense continue to remain a priority for law-abiding Americans,” said Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the NSSF.
This continued record pace of firearm sales clearly shows that law-abiding Americans are turning out by the millions to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. Recently, NSSF estimates determined that almost 5 million citizens bought guns for the first time this year. Of those millions, further surveys indicated that roughly 40% are women and 58% of all purchases are by black Americans. Firearms retailers also noted that sales of firearms had nearly doubled, and ammunition sales were up 139% from 2019.
The NSSF analyzes background checks from NICS and factors out those likely not used to purchase a firearm to more accurately depict the number of firearms being purchased in the country.
A number of factors have likely played into Americans’ decision to arm themselves, whether it be the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of a Joe Biden presidency or a host of other factors. Whatever the case, it is encouraging to see that Americans are embracing their constitutional rights, and that they’re doing so more than ever before.
