The Year of the Suppressor Is Here — NFA Submissions Explode to Start 2026

What is already shaping up to be the year of the suppressor kicked off with authority, as Americans purchased more than a million firearms in January—while simultaneously flooding the federal system with nearly a quarter-million National Firearms Act (NFA) submissions. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), 2,172,185 background checks were processed in January 2026. While that figure represents a 5.6 percent decrease compared to January 2025’s 2,299,989 checks, the headline number doesn’t tell the full story.

When adjusted to reflect likely retail firearm sales, the numbers were essentially flat. After removing permit checks and administrative rechecks, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) estimates 1,198,879 firearm sales for the month—just a 0.7 percent dip from January 2025. In other words, Americans are still buying guns at a pace north of one million per month.

Where January truly stood out was in NFA-related activity. Background checks tied to suppressors and short-barreled firearms surged to 206,871—a staggering 121.2 percent increase compared to January 2025’s total of 93,518. That explosive growth directly follows the federal government’s decision to zero out the $200 NFA tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms effective January 1.

The result? Law-abiding Americans wasted no time exercising their rights. “January’s background check figures reinforce what many saw at the beginning of the month and what was evident at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas,” said Mark Oliva, NSSF’s Director of Public Affairs. “This is the year of the suppressor.” Oliva added that the data clearly shows what happens when unnecessary regulations and taxes are removed.

“When Congress removes regulatory burdens, gun owners respond by choosing to exercise their rights,” he said. “That’s why Congress should pass the Hearing Protection Act and permanently eliminate barriers to suppressor ownership.” Oliva also warned that momentum could be undercut at the state level, pointing to proposals such as Virginia’s attempted $500 suppressor tax, which would effectively punish responsible owners for choosing hearing-safe equipment.

Here in the Midwest, the surge in suppressor interest is unmistakable—and Minnesota gun owners are no exception. With wait times shrinking, taxes gone, and inventory expanding, suppressors have moved from “nice to have” to must-have for hunters, competitive shooters, and everyday range users alike. At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’re proud to be Southern Minnesota’s premier indoor range and firearms store—and a true one-stop shop for all NFA items.

Whether you’re looking to purchase your first suppressor, add a short-barreled rifle, or navigate the Form 1 or Form 4 process with confidence, our team makes it simple. From product selection and paperwork to training and range time, we handle it all—so you can focus on enjoying your rights. As the numbers show, Americans are speaking loud and clear: when government gets out of the way, freedom thrives. And at 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’re here to help you exercise that freedom—responsibly, confidently, and without compromise.

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.

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