After a softer firearms market in parts of 2025, the latest numbers suggest that American gun buyers are becoming more active again.

New data from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) shows a noticeable year-over-year increase in firearm-related background checks in July 2026. Even more striking is the rapid growth in checks associated with National Firearms Act-regulated items, with Texas leading the nation in that category.

For firearm owners, dealers and anyone following the industry, the numbers offer an interesting look at where the market may be headed through the remainder of 2026.

Background Checks Climbed in July 2026

According to industry data, the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure reached 1,061,883 checks in July 2026, an 8.5% increase from the 978,731 adjusted checks recorded in July 2025. (Shooting Wire)

The FBI’s broader, unadjusted NICS total was 2,057,967 checks for July 2026, compared with 1,936,621 during July 2025 — an increase of approximately 6.3%. (Shooting Wire)

Why are there two different numbers?

The FBI’s overall NICS statistics include more than checks associated with firearm purchases. They can also include permit-related activity and other transactions. The NSSF-adjusted figure removes certain permit checks and rechecks in an effort to provide a better indicator of activity associated with retail firearm transactions.

Even then, neither number should be interpreted as an exact firearm sales total.

The FBI specifically cautions that one background check does not necessarily equal one firearm sold. Depending on the transaction and applicable state laws, one check may cover multiple firearms, while some lawful firearm transfers may occur without a new NICS check when a qualifying permit serves as an alternative. (FBI)

What the numbers can tell us is something broader: firearm-market activity increased compared with the same period last year.

Texas Remains One of America’s Biggest Firearm Markets

The July numbers are particularly interesting for Texas gun owners.

Texas ranked among the leading states for adjusted NICS activity during the month and also appeared near the top of handgun and long-gun background-check activity. (NRA Women)

But the biggest Texas story may actually be happening outside traditional firearm purchases.

NFA Activity Is Surging — And Texas Leads the Country

One of the most significant firearm-industry trends of 2026 has been the increase in activity involving items regulated under the National Firearms Act.

For July 2026, there were 130,013 NFA checks nationwide, up an extraordinary 108.8% from the 62,271 recorded in July 2025. (Shooting Wire)

Texas led every state with 16,977 NFA checks during July.

The top five were:

Texas — 16,977
Florida — 9,784
Virginia — 7,599
North Carolina — 5,941
Georgia — 5,463

NFA activity can involve regulated items such as suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, depending on the applicable transaction and filing.

Suppressors in particular have experienced substantial growth. Earlier 2026 data reported by NSSF showed more than 845,000 suppressor applications submitted between January and May, with approximately 768,000 approved during that period. (NSSF)

For a state with a large shooting, hunting and firearms community like Texas, leading the country in NFA activity may be one of the most significant trends to watch this year.

So, Are Americans Buying More Guns Again?

The July data suggests that firearm demand has strengthened compared with 2025, but it’s worth putting the numbers in context.

Firearm sales and background-check activity naturally fluctuate. Elections, legislation, economic conditions, hunting seasons, new product releases and changes in firearm regulations can all affect purchasing behavior.

One month of higher numbers doesn’t necessarily establish a long-term trend.

However, the July increase isn’t happening in isolation. Through July, industry data tracking adjusted NICS checks showed approximately 8.36 million adjusted checks for 2026, about 3.9% higher than the comparable period in 2025. (NPDTools)

That makes the 2026 market worth watching.

Rather than the dramatic demand spikes seen during certain periods in the past, the current data may indicate a more gradual return of buyers to the market.

The NFA Market May Be the Bigger Story

While traditional firearm purchasing activity is increasing, the dramatic growth in NFA-related activity could ultimately become one of the defining firearm-industry stories of 2026.

Suppressors have steadily become more mainstream among hunters, recreational shooters and firearm enthusiasts. Improvements in processing times and a growing selection of suppressor-ready firearms have also made the category increasingly accessible to eligible buyers willing to complete the required federal process.

Texas’ position at the top of the July NFA rankings reinforces just how significant that market has become within the state.

For firearm retailers, manufacturers and distributors, it also signals something important: today’s customer isn’t necessarily purchasing only a firearm.

Many buyers are looking at an entire shooting system — firearm, optics, ammunition, suppressor compatibility, magazines and other equipment — while paying closer attention to how those components work together.

What Buyers Should Take Away From the 2026 Numbers

The numbers ultimately point toward an active and evolving firearms market.

Traditional firearm background checks are rising year over year. NFA activity has more than doubled compared with July 2025. And Texas continues to be one of the country’s largest and most active firearm markets.

For buyers, that makes education and compliance just as important as choosing the firearm itself.

Understanding federal and state requirements, purchasing through properly licensed businesses and ensuring transfers are completed correctly remain fundamental parts of responsible firearm ownership.

Spur Defense: Texas Grit. Eagle Strength.

At Spur Defense, we’re proud to serve the Texas firearms community while keeping compliance, knowledgeable service and responsible firearm ownership at the center of what we do.

Whether you’re following the latest industry developments, researching your next firearm or simply trying to better understand an evolving firearms market, we’ll continue breaking down the news and trends that matter to gun owners.

You bring the aim. We’ll bring the ammo.

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