FBI Background Checks for Firearm Purchases Hit 100 Million

Just as this issue went to press in April, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the agency responsible for running the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), announced the completion of the 100 millionth instant background check since the inception of NICS 10 years ago.

The announcement drew praise from various industry associations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and comes amid the extended surge of firearm sales across the country that began after the November 08 election and has continued for the fifth straight month. "We congratulate FBI-NICS on this milestone," said NSSF President Steve Sanetti. "For 10 years and 100 million transactions, the FBI-NICS team has minimized complications and delays of firearm purchases, thereby benefiting America’s retailers, law-abiding gun owners, and the general public.

As you know, FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing firearms from federally licensed retailers. Background checks conducted under NICS not only prevent sales to individuals prohibited by law from possessing firearms, but the system also serves the industry as a strong indicator of actual sales. The NICS 100 millionth transaction corresponds with a 27.1-percent increase in firearm sales for the first quarter of 2009 over the same quarter last year.

The timing of the record 100 millionth transaction overlapped with a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of NICS. NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane joined FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III at a ceremony in West Virginia to congratulate the FBI- NICS team.

At the ceremony, Keane addressed the 100 millionth NICS check. "As firearm sales continue to skyrocket across the country and the FBI-NICS team celebrates its 100 millionth transaction, the professionalism and outstanding customer service offered by FBI- NICS continues to flourish," said Keane. "A sincere congratulations is due to our friends in law enforcement. To that, I would add: A sincere congratulations’and thanks’is also due to our friends in the new administration in Washington. Need Some Extra Cash?

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