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

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.