The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released its August 2025 report on adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures, and the data shows that lawful firearm ownership remains strong even as raw numbers dip compared to last year.
Key Numbers
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2025 came in at 1,091,342, down 9.9% from August 2024’s adjusted figure of 1,210,995.
For comparison, the FBI’s unadjusted NICS figure for August 2025 was 1,743,509, a 19.4% decrease from the 2,163,540 reported in August 2024.
While these figures reflect year-over-year declines, they still represent a strong baseline of over one million adjusted checks—a sign that interest in firearms ownership remains steady.
State Leaders
The top five states leading in adjusted NICS checks were:
- Texas
- Florida
- California
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
The same five states also led in both handgun and long gun FBI NICS checks.
Permits and Adjustments
It’s important to note that 28 states currently recognize qualified alternative permits under the Brady Act.
Holders of these permits, who have already undergone background checks, are not required to submit to an additional NICS check when purchasing a firearm from a dealer.
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Because of this, NSSF’s adjusted figures exclude checks tied to concealed carry permit applications and rechecks of active permits.
Market Context
As NSSF reminds the public, NICS checks are not a one-to-one reflection of firearm sales. Multiple firearms can be purchased on a single check, while some checks never result in a transfer.
Still, adjusted NICS numbers remain one of the strongest indicators of market health and consumer demand.
NSSF’s Perspective
Mark Oliva, NSSF’s managing director of public affairs, said the organization was encouraged by the latest figures:
“NSSF is encouraged to see the adjusted NICS background checks top 1 million in the month of August once again. We know there is a strong and continued interest in lawful firearm ownership and these figures bear out the truth that Second Amendment rights are valued. These figures are more than data points. They represent Americans from all walks of life who are, quite literally, investing in their safety, security and freedom.”
The Takeaway
While August saw fewer checks compared to last year, the industry is still seeing sustained consumer demand.
The fact that more than a million adjusted background checks were processed in a single month underlines what Oliva emphasized: these are not just numbers—they represent millions of Americans choosing firearms to secure their safety and exercise their constitutional rights.
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