Photo courtesy of the NSSF
Americans are embracing their constitutional right to keep and bear arms in record-setting numbers amidst uncertainty according to recent data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for firearms manufacturers.
In July, the number of background checks called into the FBI’s National Instate Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was nearly 1.85 million. This is an increase of 122.5% compared to the July 2019 figures. These numbers are the NSSF’s adjusted NICS numbers. The NSSF analyzes NICS numbers and removes background checks that are unlikely to represent those being done for the purposes of firearms sales to more accurately reflect the number of firearms being purchased.
This trend follows June’s record-setting data in which more than 2.1 million background checks were conducted, according to NSSF-adjusted data.
“These are historic figures for firearm sales that have outpaced last year’s figures each month and have set monthly records since March. July’s background checks for the sale of a firearm were more than one million higher than the same period last year. This period of sustained firearm purchases clearly shows that Americans continue to take responsibility for their personal safety, especially during times of uncertainty,” said Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the NSSF.
“Additionally, talk by political figures in a presidential election cycle of instituting strict gun control, banning entire classes of firearms and severely restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans are being seen,” said Oliva.
Joe Biden, the presumptive nominee from the Democratic Party, has made it abundantly clear that he intends to launch assaults on our Second Amendment rights if elected. Amongst Biden’s planned actions are bans on popular rifles, forced confiscations, mandatory licensing and many other freedom-infringing measures.
President Trump, in contrast, has remained a steadfast supporter of our constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms.
Clearly, Americans are not only choosing self-sufficiency and responsibility during these uncertain times, but they are also voting with their wallets ahead of this November’s election.
