Americans Keep Buying (Imported) Guns In Record Numbers

It should come as a surprise to no one, but 2020 broke numerous records when it came to firearm sales and background checks. Driving the unprecedented sales of firearms were first-time gun buyers, who actually accounted for 40 percent of all purchases, or roughly 8.4 million units sold – while other reports suggest the actual number may have been as high as 11 million new buyers.

Moreover, for 2020, the number of queries that went through the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was just under 40 million in 2020, the highest number since the agency began keeping records. The system is used for gun sales and transfers, as well as for suppressor sales and concealed carry permits.

While sales have begun to dip a bit this year, with hunting season just days away and the holiday season coming up fast, 2021 could still break last year’s records.