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Americans kept buying guns in August, even as concerns about the economy continued hanging over consumers.
The August 2026 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System figure reached 1,115,410. That represents a 2.2 percent increase over the 1,091,342 adjusted checks recorded in August 2025.
The FBI’s unadjusted numbers showed an even larger jump. The agency processed 1,917,379 NICS checks during August, up 10 percent from 1,743,509 one year earlier.
Those numbers suggest the firearm market remains remarkably steady.
“August’s NSSF Adjusted NICS figures show that firearm sales are still strong, despite the economic concerns,” NSSF Managing Director of Public Affairs Mark Oliva told GunsAmerica.
“The fact that over 1.1 million times Americans purchased a firearm at retail to invest in their Second Amendment freedoms indicates that exercising lawful firearm ownership matters in America.”
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NFA Checks Jump More Than 200 Percent
The biggest number in NSSF’s August report came from National Firearms Act activity.
NFA checks associated with Form 1 and Form 4 applications reached 185,744 during August. That marked a 201.6 percent increase over the 61,594 checks recorded in August 2025.
Texas led the nation with 28,030 NFA checks. Florida followed with 12,808.
The remaining top-five states were Georgia with 8,512, North Carolina with 8,269 and Pennsylvania with 5,463.
Oliva said the massive increase shows that gun owners continue to invest in NFA-regulated products, particularly suppressors.
“The meteoric growth of over 200 percent of National Firearms Act items is especially telling that Americans continue to invest in suppressors and understand and appreciate the value of using a simple device that not only preserves hearing but makes recreational shooting more enjoyable,” Oliva said.
“Gun owners demonstrate through these purchases that Second Amendment freedoms are fundamental to preserving personal safety and liberty.”
Texas Leads Adjusted Checks
GunBroker’s July NICS reporting also provided a state-by-state look at firearm market activity.
Texas, Colorado, Florida, California and Pennsylvania recorded the highest adjusted NICS figures. Texas also led FBI handgun checks, followed by Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado and California.
Colorado recorded the most long-gun checks. Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and California completed the top five.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
As always, NICS figures require some explanation.
The adjusted number does not include permit checks or permit rechecks related to concealed carry applications and active permit databases. NSSF removes those checks to provide a clearer look at firearm market activity.
However, an adjusted NICS check does not necessarily equal one firearm sold.
A buyer may purchase multiple firearms during one transaction. A denied or canceled transaction may still generate a check. Used firearm transfers conducted through licensed dealers also appear in the data.
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Another 28 states allow at least one qualifying permit to serve as an alternative to an additional NICS check. Legal firearm transfers completed through those permits do not appear in the monthly figures, and NSSF does not attempt to estimate them.
That means the report offers a useful market indicator, but it cannot provide an exact firearm sales total or dollar figure.
Even with those limitations, August delivered a clear message. More than 1.1 million adjusted checks and a triple-digit surge in NFA activity point to continued demand across the American firearm market.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.