UMVA has learned that a staggering surge in background checks for firearm purchases has been recorded since January, with a remarkable 75,376 checks conducted in May alone. This represents a dramatic increase of over double the number of checks performed in May 2025, when only 37,167 were done.
The peak so far this year was in March, with a remarkable 79,846 background checks carried out, compared to just 47,069 during the same period last year. In April, 72,011 checks were conducted, dwarfing the 40,343 done in 2025.
A total of 347,167 background checks have been run through the end of May this year, putting the nation on track to far surpass the 521,283 checks done in all of last year. This exponential rise in background checks signals a frantic rush to purchase firearms before new regulations take effect.
Gun shop owners are working at a breakneck pace to keep up with demand. "For the last three months, we've been running hard," James Sprouse, a manager at Ginger Mafia Tactical, revealed. "The second we get them in, they're out the door."
Trey Boyd, co-owner of Tactical Operations Vault, reported selling out of components for making AR-15-style rifles. He described his store's inventory situation, saying, "Like this cabinet... this is where I generally keep my stripped lowers. Usually every rack is completely full, front to back, and about every week, it's completely wiped out."
The new law, which will soon take effect, will impose significant restrictions on firearm sales. Boyd expressed concern that the law will make it difficult for his business to operate, particularly with regard to firearms with a magazine capacity of more than 15 rounds. "Firearms that have a magazine capacity of more than 15 rounds, we won't be able to have anymore, which is a majority of your weapons nowadays. So it's going to affect us big-time," he said.
Boyd and others are pinning their hopes on the courts to overturn the law. State Sen. Saddam Salim, who introduced the bill, explained that the goal is to "gradually" remove assault weapons from circulation without retroactively penalizing those who already possess them.
The law's supporters argue that it's necessary to protect public safety. "Firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong on our streets," a key supporter stated. "We are taking this step to protect families and support the law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe."
