AmericanHunter.org's Top 10 Stories of 2015

by
posted on January 11, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
top_10_2015.jpg

2015 has come and gone, like it or not. But before we dive straight into another year of industry coverage at SHOT Show 2016, the staff here at American Hunter wanted to relive some of the past year's most well received online exclusives. So, without further ado, we present AmericanHunter.org's most-read stories of 2015.

1. Top 5 Overrated Rifle Cartridges
Our top story from 2015 generated its fair share of controversy. Contributor Philip Massaro rattled off the industry's top 10 most overrated rifle cartridges—and then ducked for cover. Be sure to give it a read. Remember, in order to overrated, you have to be rated at all, so a lot of the more obscure designs were left off the menu.

2. Top 5 Underrated Rifle Cartridges
If you're going to talk about the most overrated cartridges, you've got to acknowledge the underrated ones, too. When you consider those "Charlie-in-the-box" cartridges that have been pushed aside by their more famous counterparts, here are the five most underrated rifle cartridges of all time.

3. BullShooters: 7 Suppressor Myths
Field Editor Jeff Johnston decided it was time to dispel some of the most common myths surrounding suppressors. Check out his breakdown here.

4. Wisconsin Deer Hunter Fends off Wolves with Walther PK .380
On Sept. 23, Matthew Nellessen of Friendship, Wisc., an avid deer hunter and former U.S. Army sergeant who served with the 961st Engineers in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, was scouting a potential hunting area in the Colburn Wildlife Management Area of Adams County when he locked eyes with a wolf only 30 yards away. What happened next shocked the hunting world.

5. 2015’s Top Compound Bows
Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips profiled 2015's top new compound bow releases and, judging by the story's success, we've got an awful lot of bowhunters checking out the website.

6. What Your Favorite Rifle Cartridge Says About You
Just as our favorite colors can be indicative of our personalities, our favorite rifle cartridge can tell an awful lot about us as shooters.

7. 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Smith & Wesson
A company racks up a lot of history when it's been around for 150 years. Contributor Keith Wood gave our readers a closer look at the storied history of Smith & Wesson.

8. What Your Favorite Rifle Cartridge Says About You, Part II
So it may have been a shameless sequel, but there are an awful lot of cartridges out there. We wanted to make sure everyone was justly represented.

9. 5 Rifle Cartridges You Might Not Know About
Lots of innovations have come and gone in this industry, forever lost to time. We asked Philip Massaro to uncover some of the more obscure—but still viable—rifle cartridges in existence.

10. 5 Things You Need To Know About the New Savage Arms A17
Winner of our 2016 Golden Bullseye Award for Rifle of the Year, the Savage Arms A17 has garnered no shortage of interest. Our readers ultimately searched for it more than any other new firearm or ammunition product in 2015so it might be worth a look.

Latest

W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028
W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.