PA: Record-Breaking Gun Sales In 2017

posted on January 28, 2017

2016 was a record-breaking year for firearm background checks in Pennsylvania, according to statistics recently released by state police.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) processed almost 1.14 million requests to purchase a firearm, privately transfer a firearm or obtain a carry license. This represented a 15 percent increase over 2015, itself a banner year for PICS checks, ranking below only 2013 and 2012.

 However, the bump in sales isn’t the only positive trend apparent from the data. At first glance, the fact that PICS denials dropped roughly 13.4 percent from 2015 may seem worrisome. However, these failed checks led to nearly 6,500 referrals to law enforcement agencies—a 38.9 percent increase over the number of law enforcement referrals in 2015. This means that not only are sales rising in Pennsylvania, the state is also getting more serious about investigating those attempting to make illegal purchases. 

Latest

map of the U.S.
map of the U.S.

Update From The States

Anti-gun bills negatively affect law-abiding gun owners by violating privacy, revictimizing victims, increasing costs and preventing self-defense options, while doing nothing to deter criminals.

The Armed Citizen® May 16, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms

David Kopel Talks About What’s Really Behind Mexico’s Lawsuit

Mexico all but extinguished the constitutional right to arms for its citizens and now it is seeking to do the same to America’s.

Gun Skills | Training Grip Strength

It is imperative to balance the strengthening of your hands to best embrace this constitutional freedom and to avoid any injuries in the process.

Gun Review | Beretta 92XI

Fans of both the 1911 and the iconic Beretta 92 are going to find a friend in this introduction.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.