Compared to February 2011, figures for this year has shown an increase of 31% with 1,266,344 FBI background checks in the NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) comparisons. Actual figures from the unajusted February 2012 NICS figures at 1,734,646 shows a 18.6% increase from the unadjusted NICS figures or just 1,463,138 in February 2011.

Comparisons and figures show this as the 21st stratight month of contant increase in background checks when compared to the same period in the previous year. The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Michigan for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

For additional information or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

Source – AmmoLand.com