Firearm Sales Remain Strong, Defying Economic Trends

by
posted on March 14, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
NICS February 2023

At least one million citizens purchased a firearm in February 2023, the 43rd month in a row it has broken the six-figure mark. The number represents a low estimate, too, reflecting only those transactions that resulted in processing of the buyer’s name through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and subsequent approval as a lawful purchaser.

The figure—roughly 1,343,593 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) calculation—is not an accurate reflection of overall sales, although it’s widely considered a relative barometer of industry health. Carry permits in 24 states are recognized as an alternative NICS-check method, and those who have one are not required to undergo the redundant and system-clogging process to buy a gun. More than 22.01 million people across the United States have a concealed-carry license, according to the Crime Prevention Research Center. The sales number also does not reflect private transfers in many regions of the country.

The last time NICS checks for firearm purchases were below the one million mark was July 2019, when it came in at 858,342. The next month, it left six figures behind and could be approaching a four-year anniversary this July.

COVID-19, social unrest and efforts to defund law enforcement fueled a record-setting pace in gun sales during 2020 and 2021, particularly among first-time buyers concerned about protecting themselves and their loved ones. Purchases have normalized since that two-year height, a fact reflected by the figures calculated off NICS for February 2023. It came in at 0.6 percent below the same month in 2022.

The firearm industry supported, and generated, 375,810 full-time jobs in 2021, according to the latest figures available from NSSF, and it accounted for $70 billion in economic activity that year. Its stability stands in stark contrast to others sectors suffering in this trying economic times.

Latest

Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1
Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record—Again

The fall season is underway for the USA Clay Target League, and the number of student athletes participating speaks volumes about the growing popularity of shooting sports among high school- and college-age students.

Hunting For The Perfect Partner: Ruger/Dead Air’s Centerfire RXD

The result of a joint venture between two giants of their respective industries, the new RXD30Ti exemplifies just how beneficial a well-designed hunting suppressor can be in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.