Industry WatchGun Laws And 2a
Holiday Firearm Sales Off To Slow Start, Down From 2024 Numbers
Holiday Firearm Sales Off To Slow Start, Down From 2024 Numbers
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍United States
According to recent estimates from the National Shooting Sport Foundation (NSSF), background checks related to firearms dropped significantly in the days leading up to Black Friday 2025. The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) completed a total of 530,156 checks during the week of Black Friday, which is a 13.6 percent decrease compared to the 613,380 checks processed during the same period in 2024.
On Black Friday alone, the NICS reported 165,183 names processed for various purposes, including approvals for concealed carry permits. However, this figure falls short of historical peaks established during the COVID-19 pandemic, which characterized some of the busiest shopping seasons in recent memory.
The daily breakdown of NICS checks for Black Friday week reflects the downward trend, with Saturday, Nov. 22 recording 73,326 checks, Sunday at 34,380, Monday at 80,078, Tuesday at 81,475, Wednesday at 86,402, Thursday at 9,312, and Black Friday itself tallying 165,183 checks, only to be followed by 169,906 checks on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, commented on these numbers, saying, "The background checks reported by the FBI are in keeping with the trends NSSF has seen throughout the year. While the overall trends are still coming off the peaks experienced in recent years, firearm sales remain consistently strong. These figures tell us that there is a continued strong appetite for lawful firearm ownership by law-abiding Americans and that firearm manufacturers across the country continue to deliver the quality firearms our customers have come to expect."
Interestingly, not all retailers faced a downturn amid these statistics. Range USA, a prominent firearm retailer operating 50 locations across 14 states, announced that this year’s Black Friday was their largest in history, citing a more than 6 percent increase in sales compared to 2024. Tom Willingham, founder and CEO of Range USA, remarked, "This record-breaking Black Friday is a testament to the trust our customers place in Range USA and our team’s dedication to exceptional service. We’re grateful to the millions of customers who choose us as their destination for firearms, training, and range experiences."
For the entire month of November 2025, NSSF estimates show a total of 1,408,230 NICS checks completed for firearm purchases. This marks a decrease of 7.0 percent compared to 2024's total of 1,514,773 adjusted NICS checks. October's sales figures reflected minimal change, with only a slight drop from 1,302,857 in 2024 to 1,299,312 in 2025. It's important to note that in 28 states, there are at least one qualified alternative permit available—allowing permit holders to forego additional background checks during the purchase of a firearm at licensed dealers. However, this reduces the visibility of NICS checks in these states as they are not included in the overall figures reported by the NSSF.
While firearm sales have demonstrated resilience, the lower NICS numbers suggest that consumer anxiety may be influencing purchasing behavior, with sellers seeing fluctuations that could affect broader market dynamics. As trends continue to evolve, one must remain vigilant about the implications of these sales figures in the upcoming months and what this could mean for the industry overall.
As we move into the holiday season, significant questions linger: Will these numbers rebound as we approach new buying opportunities, and how will economic factors influence future firearm sales? Retailers and manufacturers alike will watch closely to gauge the sentiment of gun owners and potential buyers.
ShoQ’s Take: The markedly slower start to the holiday firearm sales season raises questions about consumer confidence in purchasing firearms. As key retailers report mixed results, it indicates that while there remains a strong interest in lawful firearm ownership, external factors such as economic concerns and potential regulatory changes could be affecting decision-making. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder for industry stakeholders to stay attuned to market signals, as they will need to navigate a shifting landscape in the months to come. Understanding these nuances may well determine strategy and success moving forward.