Welcome back to another episode of Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is June 6, 2025. In this episode, we’ll dive into the latest gun sales numbers from May 2025, then we’ll discuss a significant Supreme Court ruling that affects U.S. gun manufacturers, and finally, we’ll cover the discontinuation of the Ruger EC9s and what dealers need to know. These developments matter to shop owners, gunsmiths, and manufacturer reps, offering insights into industry trends and opportunities. Let’s get into today’s episode.
The firearms industry in May 2025 continued to demonstrate its resilience, with gun sales remaining above the 1 million mark for the 70th consecutive month. According to data released on June 4, 2025, there were 1,998,440 federal background checks conducted through NICS, corresponding to an estimated 1,071,685 firearms sold at FFLs. This figure represents a modest 1.6% decrease from May 2024, when 2,000,505 background checks were processed, leading to 1,089,117 adjusted sales. Despite this slight decline, the industry’s performance remains historically strong, reflecting sustained consumer interest in firearm ownership.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) highlighted the significance of these numbers. The consistent demand of over 1 million background checks for retail sale underscores the resilience of the firearms market, even amidst various challenges such as legislative changes in certain states and broader economic pressures.
For shop owners and gunsmiths, these figures are encouraging, indicating a stable customer base that continues to prioritize firearm purchases. Retailers should focus on maintaining adequate inventory levels, particularly for popular models and calibers, to meet ongoing demand. Additionally, this steady sales pace suggests that there may be opportunities for businesses to expand their offerings, perhaps by introducing new products or services that cater to the evolving needs of consumers.
Manufacturer reps can also take some comfort from these numbers, as they indicate a relatively healthy market for their products. With sales remaining robust, manufacturers can continue to invest in research and development, bringing innovative firearms and accessories to market. This is particularly important as the industry seeks to attract new shooters and retain existing customers through cutting-edge technology and design.
It’s also worth noting that the reported background check numbers do not capture all firearm transactions. Privately made firearms and face-to-face sales in most states are not included in these figures, meaning the total number of firearms in circulation could be higher. Furthermore, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) allows credential checks instead of Brady checks in at least 28 states, which could influence the total background check statistics.
While there was a slight dip in gun sales compared to the previous year, the firearms industry continues to thrive, with May 2025 marking another month of over 1 million background checks. This resilience is a testament to the enduring value that Americans place on their Second Amendment rights, and it bodes well for the future of the industry. Industry professionals should remain proactive in adapting to market trends and customer preferences to ensure continued success, especially in light of potential challenges such as new legislation or economic shifts.
In the next topic, the Supreme Court made an important ruling on June 5, shutting down Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Colt, and Glock. Mexico claimed these companies were fueling cartel violence by letting their guns slip across the border through shady sales practices. The Court said no, pointing to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA, which keeps manufacturers from being held liable for what criminals do with their products. This wasn’t just a domestic shield—it now covers international cases too, which is a solid win for the industry. For dealers, gunsmiths, and reps, this means the big manufacturers they rely on won’t be hit with massive legal bills or forced to change how they operate overnight.
The lawsuit started back in 2021, with Mexico arguing that straw purchases and trafficking were predictable outcomes of how these companies did business. A district court tossed it out in 2022, but the First Circuit gave it new life earlier this year, hinting the PLCAA might not stretch beyond U.S. borders. The Supreme Court stepped in and settled it unanimously, saying Mexico couldn’t prove the manufacturers broke U.S. law in a way that directly caused the violence. That high bar for evidence keeps the industry in a safe spot legally. It’s not a game-changer for day-to-day work at the shop level, but it does mean supply chains and pricing from the big names should stay steady.
That said, the ruling doesn’t touch the trafficking problem itself. Guns are still moving south, and Mexico might push harder through talks with the U.S. or new laws to clamp down on it. If that happens, it could mean tighter rules or trade shifts down the road, though nothing’s set yet. For now, the industry’s got breathing room, and the focus can stay on moving product without worrying about lawsuits like this one popping up again.
And finally, the Ruger EC9s, a well-regarded subcompact 9mm pistol, appears to be nearing the end of its run, as wholesalers are significantly discounting the model, some of them selling units for under $200, a clear sign that supply chains are shifting. Although Ruger has not issued an official statement confirming the discontinuation, this pricing trend strongly suggests that the EC9s is being phased out. For dealers, this creates both opportunities and challenges worth considering.
The steep discounts provide a chance to move inventory quickly. At such low prices, the EC9s becomes highly attractive to customers seeking an affordable, reliable concealed carry option. Its compact design and straightforward functionality have long made it a favorite among budget-conscious buyers, and these markdowns only enhance that appeal. Dealers can leverage this to clear out stock while demand remains steady. However, the flip side is that once existing inventory dries up, restocking may not be an option. This means planning ahead for alternatives will be essential to maintain a strong lineup of subcompact 9mm offerings.
As for why Ruger might be stepping away from the EC9s, a couple of possibilities stand out. One likely factor is the rise of newer models like the Max-9, which delivers a higher magazine capacity and additional features that align with current market preferences. The EC9s, with its 7+1 capacity, may struggle to compete in an era where shooters often prioritize more rounds in a similarly sized package.
Another potential reason could tie to production efficiency. By trimming the EC9s from their catalog, Ruger might be streamlining operations to focus resources on models that yield stronger sales or better margins. While these are just educated guesses without an official word from Ruger, they fit patterns seen across the firearms industry as manufacturers adapt to evolving demands.
Dealers would be wise to make the most of the current pricing while it lasts. At the same time, exploring other subcompact 9mm pistols makes sense for the long term. Options like the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield or the Taurus GX4 offer comparable reliability and size, with some boasting higher capacity or enhanced features. Keeping a diverse inventory will ensure customers still have solid choices once the EC9s fades from the shelves.
Wrapping up today’s episode, we covered the latest gun sales numbers from May 2025, the Supreme Court’s ruling that blocked Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, and finally the discontinuation of the Ruger EC9s. These updates are essential for staying compliant, offering cutting-edge products, and maximizing your business opportunities. Got thoughts or topics you’d like us to look into? Email us at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or reach out on X at @GunInsider. Stay tuned for the next episode—we’ll bring you more updates that matter to your shop or next sales call. Thanks for listening. Until next time!
