National Shooting Sports Foundation figures show transfers of suppressors and short barrel rifles rose more than 200 percent in August 2026 from August 2025. The group reported 185,744 National Firearms Act items moved in August 2026, compared with 61,594 a year earlier, a 201.6 percent increase after the tax on those items was removed this year.

NSSF managing director of public affairs Mark Oliva said the more than 200 percent rise in NFA transfers shows Americans keep buying suppressors because they protect hearing and make recreational shooting more enjoyable. He said the purchases also show that Second Amendment freedoms matter for personal safety and liberty.

NSSF general counsel Lawrence Keane told a House Oversight Committee roundtable on Wednesday that civilians now hold about 6.65 million suppressors.