Black Friday Background Checks Set Record for Date

by
posted on December 2, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sinews.jpg (152)

Despite a general dropoff in new gun purchases earlier this year and an overall decline in 2014 from an unprecedented six-year boom, firearms transactions experienced a record spike the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally one of the biggest days for retail sales in the U.S.

The FBI reported the number of National Instant Background Checks (NICS) taking place on Nov. 28 set a Black Friday record of more than 175,000 – or nearly three per second. The highest day for NICS checks on record remains December 21, 2012, with more than 177,000 background checks carried out.

Historically, the agency brings in 100 extra employees to deal with the increase during the heavy buying periods. Nearly 600 FBI and contract call center employees work up to 17-hours in an attempt to complete the background reviews in three business days, as required by law, said FBI spokesman Stephen Fischer.

"Traditionally, Black Friday is one of our busiest days for transaction volume," Fischer said.

Last year, on Black Friday 2013,the FBI reported 144,758 NICS checks were made, at that time marking the sixth-highest volume in history. The 2013 number was slightly lower than the 154,873 on Black Friday 2012, which took place just weeks after the reelection of President Barack Obama. Black Friday 2012 set a one-day NICS record at the time, but now stands as the fourth highest-volume day, according to the federal law-enforcement agency.

While a NICS check does not precisely indicate the sale of individual firearms, it correlates closely and is considered by the industry as an accurate indicator of sales and demand.

Latest

Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety
Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety

First Look: Ruger LCP Max With Thumb Safety

Add a little more peace of mind to a popular pocket pistol.

I Carry: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 9mm Pistol in a Galco Holster

In this special Independence Day episode of "I Carry," we have the new Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 pistol carried in a Galco Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster along with a Galco SB& Fancy Stitched Belt and Double Magazine Carrier.

First Look: Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack

Built from the ground up for everyday carry.

Ruger Acquires Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger will integrate Anderson’s capabilities into its broader operations.

Review: Sunshine Safety Emergency Medical Gear

Because there's more than one way to be your own first responder.

First Look: CMMG Zeroed Suppressors

CMMG extends the Zeroed line of accessories into the world of suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.