Citizens have set an October gun sales record by having the FBI process over 2.3 million background checks, meaning 2016 could become the biggest year ever for guns. Every month has set a record for the past 18 months.

The 2,333,539 checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) in October is 350,000 more than October 2015.

The 2.3 million checks is a 17% increase from September, which set its own record with around 2 million background checks.

NICS processed 23.1 million background checks in 2015. November and December only need 935,737 to beat that record:

With two months to go, 2016 has already seen 22,206,233 NICS checks, making it the second highest year for checks in the history of NICS with only 2015 seeing more. NICS checks are considered to be one of the most accurate indicators for gun sales because nearly all sales made through federally licensed firearm dealers require a check by law. The number of NICS checks in a month do not represent an exact count of gun sales for a number of reasons. For instance, many states require a NICS checks for those applying for gun carry permits, and many states do not require NICS checks for sales between private parties. “These statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS,” the FBI said. “They do not represent the number of firearms sold. Based on varying state laws and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.”

Smith & Wesson stated that the company’s “quarterly net sales climbed 40% versus the same period a year ago, citing strong consumer demand.” Outdoor retailer Cabela’s said the company saw “positive sales trends” in the gun department for items like ammunition and optics.

Retailers have also taken advantage of this election year, especially since Hillary Clinton may win. In September, Gander Mountain ran an election sale on firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

A month later, Westside Armory in Las Vegas ran a Pre-Hillary sale, encouraging people to purchase now because prices will probably go up if Hillary takes the White House.



