The assessment covers the 119th Congress, tracking voting patterns, committee work, and sponsorship of industry-related bills from 2025 through 2026. According to Lawrence G. Keane, the NSSF’s senior vice president and general counsel, the index serves as a nonpartisan reference for voters to determine how their representatives have championed firearm industry priorities. Five members of Congress were excluded from the evaluation due to insufficient voting records following recent special elections.

Top performers received specific commendations, with 14 Senators and 71 Representatives achieving a place on the "Dean’s List" for maintaining a perfect 100-percent record on relevant legislation. An additional 13 Senators and 41 Representatives earned an A+ rating. While the report tracks legislative support, the NSSF clarified that these grades do not function as formal endorsements or opposition to any candidate’s reelection campaign.