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Gun Reports - News

NSSF Graohic

Background checks for the first six months of 2009 totaled 7,035,286, a 24.48 percent increase over the 5,651,584 for the same period for 2008.

NICS Checks Up 18.1 Percent in June

NEWTOWN, Conn. (July 15, 2009) -- Data released by the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) reported 968,145 checks in June 2009, up 18.1 percent from the 819,891 reported in June 2008.

This latest jump in background checks follows the release of a Rasmussen survey showing 57 percent of Americans attribute the rise in gun sales to a fear of increased government restrictions on firearms ownership.

FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing either newly manufactured or used firearms from federally licensed retailers. As such, the checks serve as a gauge of sales but do not reflect the actual number of firearms produced or sold.

The June increase follows a 15.4 percent rise in May and increases of 30.3 percent in April, 29.2 percent in March, 23 percent in February, 28 percent in January, 24 percent in December and 42 percent in November when a record 1,529,635 background checks were performed.

Background checks for the first six months of 2009 totaled 7,035,286, a 24.48 percent increase over the 5,651,584 for the same period for 2008.

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Reader Comments

I still say it's not fear.

Gaviota

Comment by: Lee W | July 20, 2009

I sense these people will not be willing to throw down their arms when ordered to do so. We're in a recession. I definitely can't see these citizens spending hundreds of dollars only to hand over their merchandise to the government. I'm wondering just how deep the patriot blood runs.

Comment by: Jeff W | July 21, 2009

VERY deep and on the ground...if need be! God Forbid!

In God We Trust...

Comment by: Geometric1 | July 23, 2009

And...I'd like to know how many of those checks were turned down???

In God We Trust...

Comment by: Geometric1 | July 23, 2009

Of the last 300, I have had no one denied. About 10 altogether delayed, two of which were never responded to by ATF. I do believe here in Texas, very few are going to surrender their weapons. We don cause trouble and we don't ask for it. BUT? lcjones

Comment by: LARRY J | July 23, 2009

I am 70 year old Marine. My handgun of choice a 45ACP...preferally A911. There are more states more pleasant an accomodating to gun ownership and carry permits. I own a Ward Western Field boght in 1933 for 14 dollars by my father and an uncle, No one gets this gun 'til I die.

Comment by: Gordo | July 23, 2009

Those 968,145 NICS checks in June don't include the tens of thousands of gun sales in the POC states where the sellers aren't even required to call the Feds, e.g. if the buyer holds a current CC permit.

Comment by: CHARLES S | July 23, 2009

Well It had one new one in that report that i found and bought and will have one for this month when I found a nice little 22 mag lever action by Henry and looking at a couple of others that are nice if I can save up for them God Bless America and Our Troops Past Present and Future Locked Loade and keep My Powder Dry

Comment by: bear1 | July 28, 2009