If you needed proof that gun control activists are fighting a losing battle, look no further than the latest numbers out of the FBI's background check system. August saw American gun buyers purchase over 1.1 million firearms – a solid 2.2% bump from last year, even with the economy being what it is.
The raw NICS figures show nearly 1.92 million background checks processed last month, up more than 10% from August 2025. But what really catches my attention is what's happening with NFA items – suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Those transfers tripled compared to last year, jumping over 200% to 185,744 items. That's not a typo – we're talking about a 201.6% increase!
Why the explosion? Simple – the courts are finally starting to tell the ATF to back off. When courts ruled that taxing NFA items at zero dollars is unconstitutional, and the recent Texas decision allowing suppressors to transfer on a simple Form 4473 instead of the invasive Form 4, gun owners are responding with their wallets. They're tired of jumping through hoops for items that should never have been regulated in the first place.
"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," said Mark Oliva of the NSSF.
Bottom line: Every time the government tries to restrict our rights, Americans respond by exercising them more. The anti-gun crowd keeps predicting the death of the firearms industry, but over a million people last month decided they'd rather protect themselves and their families. That's what freedom looks like in action.
If you haven't been in lately, come see us – we've got inventory and we're ready to help you exercise your Second Amendment rights.