Top 10 posts of the year

At the end of every year, we like to look back at the stories that Guns.com posted to see which ones got the most traffic. It’s an indicator of what works and what’s important — well, sort of.

Sometimes what works is a legitimate news story, or a reflection of a cultural attitude, or good ol’ fashion appeal to one’s carnal desires.

In a world where everything is “epic” and about a “slam” or a “fail,” we try to be honest and clear and not trick you into just simply clicking on something. Hopefully you will have found some value in it.

Like most years, 2015 was fun and eventful, and 2016 should be another new adventure. We’re happy to have you join us.

10. Springfield lists XD-S at new low price with Essentials kit

Jan. 6, 2015 – Springfield Armory introduced the XD-S single-stack subcompact concealed-carry pistols in 9mm and .45 ACP at a lower price with the Essentials kit.

Like previous Essentials kits offered with the standard XD series, the XD-S Essentials package didn’t come with as many accessories in order to deliver a lower price point — a smart move on Springfield’s part as many customers will take the savings over a couple of basic holsters any day.

9. Bill authorizing $10,000 fines for ‘no guns’ signs passes Texas Senate

March 23, 2015 – A proposal that won the approval of the Texas Senate could leave concealed carry permit holders in the Lone Star State with fewer “gun-free zones” — under threat of heavy fines.

The measure, filed in January, would not only prohibit many state and local public buildings from barring lawful concealed carry, it would strip sovereign immunity from governmental bodies and officials who pursued such policies and allow them to be sued by gun owners for damages.

8. Man dies after lighting firework atop head; Mother calls for fireworks control

July 7, 2015 – One mother called for tighter restrictions on fireworks after her 22-year-old son was killed over the weekend at a party in Calais, Maine.

Devon Staples had been drinking when he decided to set a mortar tube on top of his head and light a firework from it. Friends tried to talk him out of doing it and thought they were successful until he lit the firework anyway. Staples died instantly.

7. Intruder fatally shot after toddler informs dad ‘a robber’s here’

July 17, 2015 – A 22-year-old man died after barging into a family’s home in the small town of Eldorado, Ohio, while armed with a handgun in what appeared to be an attempted robbery.

The homeowner’s children were apparently playing outside when their 3-year-old child came running into the house and said, “A robber’s here, daddy.” Moments later, a man who was armed with a handgun, wearing a hat and had his face covered with a bandanna, came through the front door.

6. 10 reasons why police don’t aim for the legs

Feb. 23, 2015 – With all the law enforcement lethal confrontations and use of force incidents that have been in the news, I’ve had a lot of people asking me, “why police officers don’t aim for the legs.” So, by popular demand, here are my top 10 reasons why police don’t “shoot people in the legs.”

5. 6-time felon killed by 13-year-old during home invasion

Nov. 12, 2015 – Two convicted felons intent on breaking into a Ladson, South Carolina, home were met with surprise when they came face to face with 13-year-old armed with a gun.

The young boy was home alone when he grew suspicious of a car that pulled up outside around 1:30 p.m. Moments later, the two suspects went to the back of the house and attempted to break in, at such time, the boy, fearing for his safety, grabbed his mother’s handgun.

4. House advances amendment to sell milsurp 1911s through CMP

May 8, 2015 – An add-on to the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act that passed committee includes a plan to transfer the U.S. Army’s remaining stock of .45 ACP 1911A1 pistols to the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

Added as an amendment by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, while the NDAA was in debate in the House Armed Service Committee, it could see potentially the largest remaining stock of military surplus World War II-era handguns in government hands sold to the public.

3. Pushy woman gets schooled in Texas gun store

July 20, 2015 – An episode of ABC’s What Would You Do? was filmed in a San Antonio gun shop where an actor posed to buy a gun for his 7-year-old son to the disfavor of a disapproving woman.

2. Bill introduced to remove suppressors from NFA regulation

Oct. 22, 2015 – A House Republican proposed legislation that would remove suppressors and silencers from National Firearms Act regs and treat them as regular firearms.

Since 1934, the federal government has treated devices designed to muffle or suppress the report of firearms as Title II devices that required registration under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and mandated transfers that included a $200 tax stamp. Now, a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., aims to change that.

1. America’s oldest living vet turns 109 and shows us his guns

May 11, 2015 – Richard Overton turned 109, making him America’s oldest surviving World War II veteran.