The Armed Citizen® March 7, 2016

by
posted on March 7, 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (1)

An armed friend of a Stafford County homeowner thwarted a burglary. According to the Stafford County sheriff’s office, the friend stopped by to check on a treestand that he and the homeowner use for hunting. He saw copper pipes piled outside of a broken window. He then saw two individuals going through the homeowner’s belongings in the basement. He approached the two thugs and held them at gunpoint while he called 911. By the time the sheriff arrived, two other friends of the homeowner had joined the effort to keep the criminals in check. The suspects face various charges. No charges have been brought against the homeowner’s friends. (The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, VA, 8/28/15)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Followed home from work and assaulted right in front of her apartment, an armed 65-year-old Manchester, N.H., woman took matters into her own hands with her licensed, concealed handgun. The victim realized she was being followed before reaching her home, and intentionally parked as close to her building as possible. Upon seeing the 23-year-old man get out of his car and continue to follow her, the victim moved her gun from her purse to her coat pocket. The assailant then ran past her and blocked her path into her residence. When he reached out to grab her, the armed citizen pulled her handgun and shot him once in the chest. The suspect was taken to a local hospital, where he received treatment for a serious but not life-threatening wound. He has been charged with felony robbery and was arraigned from his hospital bed. (wmur.com, Manchester, NH, 1/6/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
November 1978
Having been raped twice before by the same man, a 51-year-old Los Angeles woman was ready when her attacker broke into her apartment for a third time. Having armed herself since the last assault, the woman drew her handgun when the man entered her bedroom and, following a brief struggle, fatally shot the rapist in the chest. (The Times, Los Angeles, CA)

Latest

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.