12th Straight Month-Over-Month Increase for NSSF-adjusted NICS Figures

The May 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 696,947 is an increase of 11.4 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 625,763 in May 2010. For comparison, the unadjusted May 2011 NICS figure of 1,219,872 is an increase of 20.8 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,009,818 in May 2010.

This marks the 12th straight month-over-month increase in NSSF-adjusted NICS figures.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out all NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions.

Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging in to the members section of nssf.org.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.