NSSF reports rise in firearm background checks and NFA transfers

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that NICS-adjusted background checks for August 2026 increased by 2.2 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. The NSSF-adjusted figure reached 1,115,410, compared to 1,091,342 in August 2025. In contrast, the unadjusted FBI NICS figure for August 2026 was 1,917,379, representing a 10 percent year-over-year increase.

Additionally, the transfer of National Firearms Act (NFA) items, specifically suppressors and short-barreled rifles, saw a significant surge. Transfers tripled compared to the previous year, rising from 61,594 in August 2025 to 185,744 in August 2026. The NSSF attributed this 201.6 percent jump to the elimination of taxes on these items earlier this year.