Firearm demand stayed strong in July, with adjusted background checks topping the one-million mark for another month and suppressor-related activity continuing its explosive climb.
According to the latest data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the July 2026 adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure reached 1,061,883, an 8.5% increase over July 2025. The FBI’s unadjusted NICS total also climbed, rising 6.3% to 2,057,967 checks.
While NICS numbers don’t equal firearm sales one-for-one, they’re widely viewed as one of the best indicators of overall market activity.
One of the biggest stories wasn’t the national total. It was what happened in Colorado.
NSSF Managing Director of Public Affairs Mark Oliva pointed to a massive surge in firearm purchases ahead of the state’s new permit-to-purchase requirement for Modern Sporting Rifles.
“Background checks topped 1 million in July and most notably, we saw the same pattern unfold in Colorado that occurred in Virginia just a month ago,” Oliva said.
According to NSSF, Colorado recorded 82,103 firearm background checks in July, compared to 22,507 during the same month last year, a staggering 264% increase.
It’s no coincidence that Coloradans were choosing to exercise their Second Amendment rights before state authorities require them to obtain a permission slip to lawfully purchase a Modern Sporting Rifle,” Oliva said.
“There were 82,103 background checks completed in Colorado for firearm sales in July. A year ago, that figure was 22,507. That is a blaring signal horn that Americans will choose freedom over the tethers of unconstitutional burdens on their Second Amendment rights.”
The suppressor market also continues to show no signs of slowing down.
NSSF reported 130,013 National Firearms Act (NFA) checks during July, representing a 108.8% increase over the 62,271 recorded in July 2025.
Texas once again led the nation in NFA activity with 16,977 checks, followed by:
- Florida – 9,784
- Virginia – 7,599
- North Carolina – 5,941
- Georgia – 5,463
Virginia also topped the nation in adjusted NICS firearm background checks overall, followed by Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania.
The July report continues a trend that’s been building throughout 2026. Firearm sales remain steady, while suppressor purchases have surged following recent changes to federal law and dramatically shorter ATF approval times.
NSSF reminds readers that NICS checks don’t directly translate into firearms sold. A single background check can cover multiple firearm purchases, while many concealed carry permit holders in qualifying states can buy firearms without an additional NICS check.
Still, another month above one million adjusted background checks suggests Americans continue buying firearms at a healthy pace.
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