The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has reported a surge in firearm-related background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in 2022. While the complete analysis of the data has not been done, it is expected that gun sales may exceed 15 million for the year. The NICS background check numbers are a good indicator of the trends in gun sales and the growth of the gun-owning community.
Although gun sales may no longer be breaking records, there is still a high level of interest in firearms. This indicates that Americans remain committed to their rights protected under the Second Amendment. In addition, reports suggest that 8.5% of Americans hold concealed carry permits, revealing the extent of support for the right to keep and bear arms.
It is important to consider the factors that led to the increase in gun sales in 2020 and 2021, such as the pandemic, riots, and an increase in violent crime. The current administration's anti-gun stance has also contributed to the rise in gun sales, despite the record-breaking inflation that hit the economy last year.
Given the ongoing threats to Second Amendment rights, as well as the continuing problem of violent crime, it is likely that gun sales in 2023 will continue to establish a "new normal" for lawful firearm purchases and support for the Second Amendment.