Within the week main as much as Black Friday, the FBI’s Nationwide Immediate Felony Background Examine System (NICS) performed 613,380 firearm-related background checks, a 9.8% lower from the 680,671 checks recorded throughout the identical interval in 2023. The information, launched by the NSSF, highlights the continued demand for firearms whereas reflecting a slight cooling from report highs seen in recent times.
On Black Friday alone, NICS processed 169,906 background checks, a determine that carefully mirrors retail firearm gross sales whereas additionally together with checks for hid carry permits and different firearm-related functions. The NSSF plans to launch adjusted figures later within the week that isolate checks instantly associated to firearm purchases.
Spreading the Demand
To mitigate potential delays in background verify processing, NSSF had labored with firearm retailers to unfold particular gross sales all through the week as a substitute of concentrating them on Black Friday. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, emphasised that whereas background verify numbers have eased from current peaks, demand stays sturdy.
“Firearm gross sales have constantly surpassed a million per 30 days for over 5 years,” Bartozzi famous. “This continued development underscores the robust curiosity amongst law-abiding Individuals in lawful firearm possession, and producers are assembly that demand with high quality merchandise.”
Weekly Breakdown
The every day unadjusted NICS background verify figures for the week main as much as Black Friday had been as follows:
Saturday, Nov. 23: 86,224
Sunday, Nov. 24: 49,535
Monday, Nov. 25: 89,662
Tuesday, Nov. 26: 98,093
Wednesday, Nov. 27: 104,896
Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving): 15,074
Friday, Nov. 29 (Black Friday): 169,906
Seasonal Traits
Firearm gross sales usually see an uptick through the yr’s closing months, pushed by looking season and vacation promotions. The figures reinforce a gradual urge for food for firearms amongst Individuals, reflecting a market that, whereas not at pandemic-era highs, continues to thrive.
