Gun Sales Rise as Americans Respond to New Gun Control Pushes

Austin Reville
5 days ago
3 min read

As lawmakers in several blue and purple states push for new gun restrictions, Americans are responding in a familiar way — by exercising their Second Amendment rights. New data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) shows that 1,933,972 background checks were processed in February 2026.

While that number is lower than January’s 2.23 million checks, a closer look tells a different story. When the data is adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to remove permit checks and other administrative transactions, the numbers show 1,265,320 background checks tied to likely firearm sales.

That represents a 3.5% increase compared to February 2025. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’ve seen this pattern before: when lawmakers threaten new gun bans, Americans head to their local gun stores.

Virginia Sees Massive Surge

One state in particular is seeing a dramatic spike in firearm purchases: Virginia. With a wave of aggressive gun control legislation moving through Richmond, background checks in the state jumped significantly.

February 2026: 65,501 adjusted checks
February 2025: 42,193 adjusted checks

That’s a 55% increase year over year. According to NSSF public affairs officer Mark Oliva:

“When instances of lawlessness and concerns for personal safety arise, Americans will respond by exercising their Second Amendment rights to both keep and bear arms. We continue to see the trend of gun owners buying the firearms of their choosing in states where Second Amendment rights are threatened.”

In other words, Americans aren’t waiting to see whether proposed bans become law. They’re preparing.

NFA Item Demand Explodes

Another major trend appearing in the data is the surge in interest for NFA-regulated firearms and accessories. The February 2026 NFA transaction figure reached 209,023, compared to just 78,295 in February 2025 — a staggering 167% increase. That growth follows the elimination of the long-standing $200 transfer tax on certain NFA items earlier this year.

Demand has been especially strong for suppressors. According to the American Suppressor Association, as of January 5, 2026, there were 5,776,685 suppressors registered nationwide. For comparison, in 2010 there were only about 285,000 suppressors in circulation. That represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the firearms market.

A Familiar Pattern

For decades, gun owners have followed a predictable pattern: when politicians threaten new bans, Americans buy more firearms. We’re seeing that play out again. Whether it’s Virginia’s proposed bans, national regulatory debates, or ongoing challenges to the National Firearms Act, Americans are making it clear they intend to exercise their rights while they still can.

What It Means for Minnesota

Here in Minnesota, we’ve written extensively about proposals targeting commonly owned semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines. If those proposals continue moving forward, we may see the same trend here that Virginia is experiencing. Gun owners understand a simple reality: once restrictions are passed, access becomes far more difficult. Preparation happens before the law changes — not after.

The Bottom Line

Despite political pressure and ongoing regulatory battles, firearm ownership in America continues to grow. Millions of Americans are choosing to exercise their constitutional rights, and the data shows that trend is not slowing down.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we encourage every responsible gun owner to stay informed, stay trained, and stay engaged in the fight to protect the Second Amendment. Because rights are best preserved when citizens are willing to exercise them.

Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.