Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

The Truth about Gun Sales and H.R. 8

Friday, February 22, 2019

The Truth about Gun Sales and H.R. 8

As Congress considers H.R. 8, let’s consider some of the arguments made in support of so-called “universal” background checks. 

Anti-gun organizations regularly claim that criminals acquire firearms online. Everytown and its predecessor, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, have published a number of “reports” that claim to have found evidence of prohibited people attempting to buy firearms through websites that “could potentially” transfer tens of thousands of guns. This last statement, of course, chooses hyperbole over reality.

The reality is that law-abiding citizens lawfully purchase firearms from friends, family members, and other law-abiding gun owners. And, most illegal attempts to buy guns online fail. From The Washington Times: “All 72 undercover attempts to buy guns through readily accessible internet sites failed, though agents did manage to make two buys out of sevens[sic] attempts through the more restrictive ‘dark web,’ according to the recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).” The report states that,  “Tests performed on the Surface Web demonstrated that private sellers GAO contacted on gun forums and other classified ads were unwilling to sell a firearm to an individual who appeared to be prohibited from possessing a firearm.”

Another claim that supposedly demonstrates the need for so-called “universal” background checks is the speed of background checks under NICS. While the system is supposedly instant, investigators have up to 90 days to complete a background check. There is also the issue of false denials. In 2017, NICS received 30,577 initial Voluntary Appeal File applications and appeal requests, which resulted in the overturn of 3,977 deny transactions. These are just for states that utilize NICS; states with their own point of contact background check system have even higher rates of reversal.

More than half (52%) of the denials in Colorado in 2012 were appealed, and 57% of the appeals filed were successful. Several other states had appeal rates above 32% and appeal success rates above 50%. We also know that not everyone who is denied will appeal, given the cost of a hiring an attorney to help or the fear of getting into trouble. The rates of successful appeals should cause readers to question the effectiveness of these systems – and how reliable so-called “universal” background checks would be given these high appeal AND successful appeal rates.

We also know that few individuals denied firearms purchases are prosecuted. That’s not a finding – that’s the title of a Government Accountability Office report issued in September 2018. Additionally, a U.S. Department of Justice report published just last month found that there were not enough incarcerated criminals who reported they bought the gun they had at the time of their arrest from a stranger or off the internet to warrant splitting a dedicated category for either of these sources.

Instead, a plurality of criminals get their guns from the black market (not including private sales or gun shows). So-called “universal” background checks will have no effect on criminals.

Ultimately, the anti-gun agenda could not be clearer. Rather than focus on enforcing existing laws or adding all necessary records to the existing background check system, anti-gun organizations want to restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

TRENDING NOW
Due Process: The Backbone of Legal Legitimacy

News  

Monday, September 8, 2025

Due Process: The Backbone of Legal Legitimacy

Close observers of the gun debate often see references to due process.

Gun Control “Journalist” Says the Quiet Part Out Loud

News  

Monday, September 8, 2025

Gun Control “Journalist” Says the Quiet Part Out Loud

Pure gun control. As in disarmament and banning of firearms. It’s rare that anti-gunners get straight to the exact point that we have been warning of for decades. 

Third Circuit Strikes Some New Jersey Carry Restrictions in NRA Case

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Third Circuit Strikes Some New Jersey Carry Restrictions in NRA Case

Yesterday, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Siegel v. Platkin, striking some of the carry restrictions New Jersey enacted in response to the NRA’s landmark Supreme Court victory, New York State Rifle & ...

The Desperate Deflection to the “Red State Murder Problem”

News  

Monday, September 8, 2025

The Desperate Deflection to the “Red State Murder Problem”

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) may have thought he had scored against President Donald Trump in a recent war of words over rampant crime and the deployment of federal law enforcement agents to Democratic-led cities

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Washington’s Magazine Ban

Monday, September 8, 2025

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Washington’s Magazine Ban

Today, the National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari in a case challenging Washington State’s ban on firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

California: Legislature Adjourns with Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor's Desk

Monday, September 15, 2025

California: Legislature Adjourns with Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor's Desk

On Friday the California State Legislature adjourned the 2025 legislative session in typical California fashion, advancing anti-gun legislation to Governor Newsom's desk. Contact Governor Newsome today and urge his veto of AB 1078, AB 1127, AB ...

Illinois: Governor Signs Mandatory Firearm Storage Law

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Illinois: Governor Signs Mandatory Firearm Storage Law

Earlier this month, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8 into law. This legislation imposes new mandatory firearm storage requirements on law-abiding gun owners.  

Minnesota: Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Meeting on Monday

Friday, September 12, 2025

Minnesota: Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Meeting on Monday

On Monday, September 15th, the Minnesota Senate will hold a special working group on "gun violence prevention."

New York Law Imperils U.S. Olympic Target Shooting, Favors China’s Dominance

News  

Monday, September 15, 2025

New York Law Imperils U.S. Olympic Target Shooting, Favors China’s Dominance

As U.S. shooting sports athletes prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, New York law is burdening target shooters in the Empire State.

Armed Citizens: Not Just an American Concept

News  

Monday, September 15, 2025

Armed Citizens: Not Just an American Concept

We frequently post stories about law-abiding citizens who, by exercising their rights protected under the Second Amendment, bring an end to violent criminal assaults.  

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.