2020 On Pace to Smash Record Number of Background Checks in a Year

[Charlie T Waite]

Americans are continuing to exercise their Second Amendment rights in record-setting numbers. Data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) shows it is highly likely that 2020 will set the record for most background checks processed by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS).

NSSF-adjusted numbers project that 1.6 million background checks were processed in September, a 61% increase from 2019. Furthermore, the NSSF calculates there have been 15.4 million background checks conducted this year alone. At this pace, 2020 is set to smash the record of 15.7 million background checks in a year, set in 2016, and it is possible that over 20 million will be conducted by the year’s end.

“This indicates that there is a continued desire for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. It is plausible that this number could actually have been higher, but inventory is low due to months of sustained high demand. This has been a year unlike any other, where law-abiding Americans are seeing for themselves the need to be able to protect themselves and their family,” said Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the NSSF.

The NSSF takes the FBI’s raw NICS number of background checks and factors out those likely not to be used in the purchase of a firearm to more accurately represent the number of firearms purchased.

Month after month, Americans have been exercising their constitutional rights at an astounding rate. Already, it is estimated there are over 5 million new gun owners this year, and since March, when a record 2.3 million checks were conducted, figures have consistently remained between 1.6 and 2.1 million background checks per month.

This is taking place as the presidential election is drawing closer. It cannot be understated just how diametrically opposed the two presidential candidates are when it comes to the right to keep and bear arms. President Donald Trump has been endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund due to his steadfast support of your rights, whereas Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, are running on the most anti-gun ticket in American history.

If these numbers are any indicator, Second Amendment supporters will make their voices heard loud and clear on November 3.