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Background Checks for Suppressors, Other NFA Items, Surge 121% After Tax Removal
NSSF data shows huge spike in demand for NFA-regulated items following elimination of $200 tax.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07am
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The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that background checks for suppressors and other National Firearms Act (NFA) items increased by 121% in January 2026 compared to the previous year. This surge in demand was attributed to the removal of the $200 NFA tax, which was part of President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill'.
Why it matters
The exponential growth in NFA item sales after the tax removal signals that Congress could score another win by further deregulating suppressors through the Hearing Protection Act. This data reinforces the impact that reducing regulatory burdens and taxes can have on law-abiding gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights.
The details
NSSF public affairs managing director Mark Oliva noted that the January 2026 background check figures, which accounted for over 206,000 checks, were 121% higher than the previous year. Oliva stated that 'When Congress removes regulatory burdens and taxes, law-abiding gun owners respond by choosing to exercise their rights to both keep and bear arms.'
- The data was released by NSSF on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
- The surge in background checks occurred in January 2026 compared to January 2025.
The players
NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry.
Mark Oliva
The public affairs managing director at NSSF.
President Trump
The former President of the United States who signed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' that removed the $200 NFA tax.
What they’re saying
“January's background check figures reinforce what many saw at the beginning of the month and was evident at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas. This is the Year of the Suppressor. Background checks for items listed under the National Firearms Act (NFA) accounted for over 206,000 checks, which is 121 percent higher than they were one year ago.”
— Mark Oliva, Public Affairs Managing Director, NSSF
“When Congress removes regulatory burdens and taxes, law-abiding gun owners respond by choosing to exercise their rights to both keep and bear arms.”
— Mark Oliva, Public Affairs Managing Director, NSSF
“This only reinforces the need for Congress to pass the Hearing Protection Act and remove unnecessary barriers to suppressor ownership.”
— Mark Oliva, Public Affairs Managing Director, NSSF
What’s next
Congress is expected to consider further deregulation of suppressors through the Hearing Protection Act in the coming months.
The takeaway
The surge in demand for suppressors and other NFA items following the removal of the $200 tax demonstrates the impact that reducing regulatory burdens can have on law-abiding gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights. This data reinforces the need for Congress to continue pursuing pro-gun policies that empower citizens.
