The January 2012 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 920,840 is an increase of 17.3 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 784,856 in January 2011. For comparison, the unadjusted January 2012 NICS figure of 1,368,816 reflects a 4.3 percent increase from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,312,544 in January 2011.

This marks the 20th straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures have increased when compared to the same period the previous year.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

by Aaron Kirkingburg

Valentine's Day 2012 has become a firearms focal point this year. A coalition made up of several secular anti-gun groups has banded together to plan and organize a boycott of Starbucks coffee shops in retaliation for the chain's refusal to ban guns from its premises. These groups are pushing for corporations to ban guns in their retail locations because they can't seem to get legislators to ban them anymore. In fact, self defense laws, concealed carry laws and gun rights have been gaining traction all over the country and the antis are losing ground fast. So, in an attempt to strong-arm the coffee chain into submission, these groups are attempting to hit them where it hurts: the bottom line!

Many chain stores across the country have succumbed to the gun banners' agenda, and banned legal carry of firearms by law-abiding citizens. Starbucks remains steadfast in its decision. In fact they have repeatedly held their ground regarding the corporate policy on firearms even as others have folded under the pressure. The coffee chain neither hinders nor encourages individuals who carry. It simply follows the prevailing laws of the state in which any particular store happens to be located. That's it!

So, in an effort to thwart the anti-gun agenda, a nationwide "reverse boycott" has sprung up from the grassroots Second Amendment community. This effort is aimed at totally negating the effects of the original boycott. Actually, it is believed that we could even increase sales on that particular day beyond what they would have been normally. We want to show the gun ban lobby that this tactic simply won't work now or in the future. Let's show them that the gun rights community will back any corporation willing to stand up for freedom and our right to self-defense. Let's do our part to make ANY Starbucks the safest place in the country to have a cup of Joe this Valentine's Day!