In the week leading up to Black Friday, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) conducted 613,380 firearm-related background checks, a 9.8% decrease from the 680,671 checks recorded during the same period in 2023. The data, released by the NSSF, highlights the ongoing demand for firearms while reflecting a slight cooling from record highs seen in recent years.

On Black Friday alone, NICS processed 169,906 background checks, a figure that closely mirrors retail firearm sales while also including checks for concealed carry permits and other firearm-related purposes. The NSSF plans to release adjusted figures later in the week that isolate checks directly related to firearm purchases.

Spreading the Demand

To mitigate potential delays in background check processing, NSSF had worked with firearm retailers to spread special sales throughout the week instead of concentrating them on Black Friday. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, emphasized that while background check numbers have eased from recent peaks, demand remains robust.

“Firearm sales have consistently surpassed one million per month for over five years,” Bartozzi noted. “This continued trend underscores the strong interest among law-abiding Americans in lawful firearm ownership, and manufacturers are meeting that demand with quality products.”

Weekly Breakdown

The daily unadjusted NICS background check figures for the week leading up to Black Friday were as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 23: 86,224
• Sunday, Nov. 24: 49,535
• Monday, Nov. 25: 89,662
• Tuesday, Nov. 26: 98,093
• Wednesday, Nov. 27: 104,896
• Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving): 15,074
• Friday, Nov. 29 (Black Friday): 169,906

Seasonal Trends

Firearm sales typically see an uptick during the year’s final months, driven by hunting season and holiday promotions. The figures reinforce a steady appetite for firearms among Americans, reflecting a market that, while no longer at pandemic-era highs, continues to thrive.