The September 2017 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,019,037 is a decrease of 11.9 percent compared to the September 2016 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,156,961. For comparison, the unadjusted September 2017 FBI NICS figure 1,857,226 reflects a 6.4 percent decrease from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 1,983,596 in September 2016.
The third quarter 2017 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 2,947,612 is a decrease of 16.2 percent compared to the 3,519,371figure for third quarter 2016.
The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by several states such as Connecticut, Illinois, and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.
Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions for sales or transfers of new or used firearms. FBI NICS and NSSF-adjusted NICS figures do not account for firearm sales using approved alternate permits such as a concealed carry license. Several states allow the use of such alternate permits. It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.
For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.
