How Many Is 3 Million? December NICS Checks, To Start

by
posted on January 5, 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. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg (1)

More than 3 million NICS checks conducted in December helped elevate 2015 to an all-new gun sales record. Those numbers are lofty, so to put things in perspective for your watercooler conversations today, here are some other things that amount to roughly 3 million. 

City: Chicago’s population

State: Number of people in Utah

Country: Population in Kuwait

Celebrations: Attendees at November’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City

Victims: Polish Christians killed during the Holocaust

Serving: Members of the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II

Banking: Estimated annual earnings of Ronda Rousey

Working: Workers worldwide who telecommute at least part time

Educating: Public school teachers in the United States

NICS Checks: 3,314,594 law-abiding citizens underwent a NICS background check in December, elevating 2015’s annual total to record-shattering 23,141,970—roughly the number of jobs created by women-owned companies in the U.S. 

Latest

ammo on table in shape of infinite loop
ammo on table in shape of infinite loop

The Infinite Argument: 9 mm vs. .45 ACP

We’re never going to end the seemingly eternal debate about whether 9 mm or .45 ACP is the best option for a defensive handgun, are we?

Review: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway

Survival rifles have generally been chambered for relatively anemic rimfire cartridges, but the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway ups the power without sacrificing portability.

The Armed Citizen® April 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

How the Mainstream Media is Changing on Guns

Given the record low public trust in mass media, what is its future, and is there any chance market forces could make its treatment of the Second Amendment fairer?

Number of New Suppressor Makers Increasing Rapidly

Companies that traditionally did not offer suppressors are adding them to their lineups at a scalding pace—including some major leaguers.

First Look: Steiner ATLAS Aiming & Illumination System

The Steiner ATLAS (Advanced Tactical Laser Aiming System) is a comprehensive, rifle-mounted aiming and illumination system in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.