Posting the strongest Mar. numbers since 2013, NSSF-adjusted FBI NICS checks increased 10.8% to 1,503,967 up from 1,356,929 last year as firearms demand was bolstered by fears of increased gun control legislation following the Parkland shooting in Feb. The NSSF backs out background checks for concealed carry weapons permits and checks from active CCW permit databases to more accurately reflect gun sales. Unadjusted NICS checks surged 13.2% to 2,753,881 from 2,433,092 for the month. Retailers have reported a surge in interest in AR-style weapons, and in gun buying generally, following the historical pattern of fear-based demand in the industry.

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