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More than 1.1 million adjusted NICS background checks were conducted in September 2025 for firearm sales, marking a 2% increase over last year’s figures.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the data shows that Americans’ interest in exercising their Second Amendment rights remains strong and steady.
Mark Oliva, NSSF’s managing director of public affairs, called the numbers “encouraging” and pointed out that September traditionally marks the start of many hunting seasons across the country.
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“It reflects a steady interest by law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Oliva said. “It’s a matter of pride for our industry that Americans from all walks of life trust their safety and their treasured pastimes to the products our industry provides.”
While the FBI’s unadjusted NICS data showed a 10.3% decrease from September 2024, NSSF’s adjusted figures provide a clearer view of retail firearm sales by excluding checks for permits and rechecks. The NSSF-adjusted total of 1,179,424 reflects consistent, ongoing consumer demand across the firearm marketplace.
Top States for Firearm Background Checks
- Overall Adjusted NICS: TX, FL, CA, PA, CO
- Handgun Checks: TX, FL, CA, PA, TN
- Long Gun Checks: TX, CA, PA, FL, TN
Quarterly Trends
The third quarter of 2025 logged 3,249,497 adjusted checks, down 5.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Still, that’s a solid number as hunters gear up for the fall season and firearm sales remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Twenty-eight states now operate under qualified alternative permit systems that allow approved permit holders to purchase firearms without a separate NICS check — a factor that slightly reduces the total NICS count while keeping legal firearm transfers moving efficiently.
Though NICS checks don’t equal total gun sales one-to-one, they’re one of the best indicators of America’s enduring demand for firearms — whether for protection, hunting, or sport shooting.
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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.