The following data was extracted from the FBI NICS database, and represents "the number of firearms background checks initiated through the NICS from November 1998 to April 30, 2022."

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Note: Although these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS, many researches use this data to represent the number of fire arm sales due to its close correlation. However, they do not represent the exact number of firearms sold. As noted by NICS, "based on varying state laws and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale."