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December 5, 2011

Background Checks for Firearm Purchases Reach Record High


According to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), November 25, 2011 (“Black Friday”) set a record for the most background checks for firearm purchases in a single day (129,166), with a 32 percent increase over the previous single day high.  This milestone was followed by the release of the NSSF-adjusted NICS figures for November 2011 that showed an increase of 16.5 percent over the same month last year.

Notably, this marked the eighteenth straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures had increased when compared to the same period of the previous year. This trend demonstrates a burgeoning awakening by Americans that they do in fact have a constitutional right to purchase and own firearms. Of course, not everyone sees it this way. Last week Dennis Hennigan, acting president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said he was “skeptical” of the Black Friday gun surge. This despite uncontroversial FBI data to the contrary. Well for once I agree with Mr. Hennigan. He’s right, it isn’t a “surge” – it’s a trend.

Two other trends worth taking note of are the drop in crime rates  and the continuing decline in firearm-related accidents across the United States.

Perhaps these trends help to explain the record lack of public support for gun control

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Categories: Government Relations, Top Stories