July-Sept. Increase A Welcome Sign Excise taxes collected on firearms and ammunition from July to September were up slightly when compared to the same period in 2004. The increase indicates a slight rise in sales, a welcome sign for the firearms industry. Excise taxes collected totaled $60.3 million during the quarter, up from $60 million last year, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The totals point to an estimated $557.9 million in sales of firearms and ammunition for manufacturers during the quarter. From January to September, $169.3 million in excise taxes was collected on all firearms and ammunition, an increase of 3.8 percent over 2004.