The number of firearms sold last year was the fourth highest on record at roughly 15,848,055, according to a National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) estimate. Only 2020, with 21 million, 2021 at 18,515,188 and 2022 (16,425,484) beat last year’s total in a record-keeping system that began when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) launched on Nov. 30, 1998. 

Last month’s total firearm sales were roughly 1,775,834, reflecting an increase of 28,328 (1.6 percent) when compared to the same period in 2022. December was also the 53rd month in a row in which more than 1-million-gun purchases were made.

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