National Shooting Sports Foundation-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System totals hit 1,403,422 in October, 7.9 percent above the 1,299,312 recorded in October 2025 and 251,345 above the previous month, extending a streak of more than one million checks to 15 months. Unadjusted FBI figures for October 2026 were 2,104,063, down 8.1 percent from 2,289,774 in October 2025. Texas, Florida, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia ranked highest for overall adjusted checks, Florida led handgun checks, and Texas led long-gun checks. The numbers count initiated background checks, not firearms sold, and 28 states let some permit holders complete transfers without a separate NICS check, so actual sales are likely higher.