Firearm Background Checks Fell in September

Adjusted background checks saw a 2.3 percent decline compared to the same month last year.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy-duty steel lockbox on a plain surface, representing retail firearm background check data. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported a 2.3 percent year-over-year decrease in adjusted background checks for September 2026, totaling 1.15 million incidents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is the decline in recent firearm background checks a sign of cooling demand nationwide?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, marking a 2.3 percent year-over-year decrease. This figure excludes permit renewals and non-firearm checks to provide a more accurate measure of retail activity.

Why it matters

While individual background check volumes fluctuate, the decline in September follows an upward trend seen in the preceding summer months. Changes in these figures can serve as a broad, high-level indicator of consumer interest in firearm-related purchases across the United States.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation recorded 1,152,077 adjusted checks in September 2026, down 2.3 percent from the prior year. Total quarterly adjusted volume reached 3,329,270 for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

The players

National Shooting Sports Foundation

A trade association that tracks and reports on industry data, including adjusted background check figures for firearm retailers.

FBI

The federal agency that maintains the National Instant Criminal Background Check System used for evaluating firearm purchase eligibility.

The details

The NSSF calculates these adjusted figures by removing FBI NICS data that pertains to permit renewals or other non-firearm-related background checks, isolating retail-level demand. In contrast, the unadjusted FBI NICS report totaled 1,843,700 checks for September 2026, which was a 0.8 percent decrease from the 1,858,763 checks recorded in September 2025.

July 2026 saw an 8.5 percent year-over-year increase in adjusted checks.
August 2026 saw a 2.2 percent year-over-year increase in adjusted checks.
The third quarter of 2026 recorded 3,329,270 total adjusted checks.
September 2026 saw a 2.3 percent year-over-year decrease in adjusted checks.

Money Landscape

This latest monthly report updates the long-term NSSF-adjusted NICS data series used to monitor retail demand. The September decline marks a departure from the growth trend seen during July and August 2026.

These figures track high-level market activity rather than personal financial outcomes or individual costs. Households monitoring this sector should consult with a qualified professional regarding any specific business, tax, or legal considerations related to this industry.

The takeaway

While adjusted background checks dipped in September, the third quarter as a whole maintained a slight year-over-year increase. Tracking these monthly shifts helps build a mental picture of broader industry trends, though such macro data does not correlate to individual household financial planning.