The Armed Citizen® February 5, 2013

Cindy Schachter, an employee at Furnari Jewelers, was working when two men entered the store around 4 p.m. Schachter's boss, Anthony Furnari, was sitting at his desk facing the showroom. Something about the men made Schachter uneasy, so she gave her boss a quiet warning right before they pulled clothing over their faces and jumped over the counter. Furnari quickly pulled his .38-cal. handgun from his desk and fired several rounds at one of the suspects as he came toward him. Furnari was severely beaten as both men tried to gain control of his firearm. When Furnari fought back, the men grabbed a display of gold chains and fled. One suspect was later taken into custody after seeking treatment for several bullet wounds. It was last reported that the second suspect was still at large. Furnari suffered a broken nose, a concussion, multiple stitches to the face and hand, and a fractured rip. Schachter was reportedly unharmed. (The Republican, Chicopee, MA, 10/17/12)

The Armed Citizen Extra
Authorities say an Army veteran who uses a wheelchair wielded a pistol to run off a man who broke into his home near Athens. Mark Sikes, 53, was in bed at his home in western Clarke County around 1 p.m. Wednesday when someone kicked in his front door. Sikes said he reached into his nightstand and grabbed his pistol. He said he pointed the gun at the intruder and told him he should get out. Sikes said the young man "flew like a bat" and is lucky that he wasn't killed by the veteran. Athens-Clarke County police and Oconee County sheriff's deputies have yet to find the intruder. (The Augusta Chronicle, Athens, GA, 1/26/13)

From The Armed Citizen Archives
August 1978
: Armed with a handgun, Joseph Ankenbrandt of Decatur, Ill., encountered two men in his kitchen late at night after he had been awakened by loud noises. While one of the men fled, Ankenbrandt forced the other to lie on the floor until the police could be summoned. (The Herald, Decatur, Ill.)

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34 Responses to The Armed Citizen® February 5, 2013

EO wrote:
February 21, 2013

People one could second guess all day about what could have been or should have been with different bullets or calibers. But let remember that had Furnari not been armed more then likely there would have been two dead citizens instead of one wounded criminal. Anyone who wants to carry a firearm for personal protection would do themselves a great justice if they get some training. Not only training for marksmanship but also what to expect in an attack situation. Learn about what your mind goes through so one will know how to deal with fight, flight or freeze. It is very easy to armchair coach about what should have been done, but until you have been in that type of situation and know for yourself how you reacted it's not fair to judge others. So instead of all trying to advise lets just remember that we need to just support the fact that a law abiding citizen used a firearm to protect himself and another coworker. We need to continue to spread these type of everyday real life stories to those that believe firearms are only used by those that intend to harm others in criminal acts.

Tracy wrote:
February 20, 2013

I tend to agree with the gentleman who mentioned the 15 round mag (glock) but also a very nice 12 gauge 20 inch pistol grip shot gun works pretty good also. That's what us single mothers in Tn use to protect our children.:-)

Cliff wrote:
February 20, 2013

9mm is .35 calibre, certainly not larger than a .38 calibre. Stats show police only hit 2 out of ten shots in the stress situation of an active fire fight. High power is only effective if you hit the target. If you can do it, throw a brick and not a pebble; then two out of ten might just be enough.

Joe wrote:
February 20, 2013

P220 Sig. That is all.

bzzoff wrote:
February 20, 2013

I keep a "POP GUN" .380 in the truck...with JHP. Everything else is .45 and larger. 1911A1 is the baddest...don't care what anyone says. But...anything that spits .45 is okay...

Wayne wrote:
February 19, 2013

Don't be too quick to judge Mr. Furnari. At close range you don't usually have time to use the "front Sight". Also as for a bigger gun that may be helpful, but ask a vet if even a 50cal. will not always stop some one with 1 or even 2 hits. Usually 1 shot only works in the movies, unless you have time to aim properly. That is why I use a laser. NRA keep these reports coming so we can learn more how we can improve our own preparedness.

Dean wrote:
February 18, 2013

Yes, too bad for Funari. I wish they'd publish what ammo he was using so I can steer clear of it. Still, it shows that .38 Special lacks stopping power. Even in round nose lead, a 44 or 45 would have had the animal pushing up daisies.

justin wrote:
February 18, 2013

That's why I shoot a 40 caliber.

Robert wrote:
February 18, 2013

Three shots in non vital areas is a possibility. I would hate to face a 38 in the hands of a veteran, but Mr Furnari was in panic situation. Three hits is not as efective as 3 center mass shots. I say to mr Furnari "GOOD SHOOTING" A 22 rim fire well placed is a leathal round.

Will wrote:
February 18, 2013

Goes to show you...bigger bullet = bigger hole in the bad guy. Should've used a 9mm HP at minimum. Still a .38 is better than nothing.

Michael Miller wrote:
February 18, 2013

The .38 Load may have been inadequate, I am guessing it was more shot placement.

Brad wrote:
February 18, 2013

I agree with Bill.I also wonder what kind of round was used by Mr.Furnari.Perhaps in the future he will obtain a weapon that truley does have stopping power,or atleast use hollow points for his 38.

Ken wrote:
February 18, 2013

It's not what you shoot them with...it's where you shoot them with what you have!

Jeff wrote:
February 18, 2013

This is why people need access to higher capacity magazines as well as weapons with more stopping power. More rounds could stop a assailant whos ramped up enough to keep going after being shot.

Eric wrote:
February 18, 2013

Mr. Funari certainly wasn't using a hollow point. I'm just wondering what a "fractured rip" is...

tony wrote:
February 18, 2013

There should be many similar stories that bespeak the deterrent to crime from lawful gun owners. I suggest that the NRA actively seek the reporting of such incidents and solicit video testimony from members or other lawful gun owners regarding such incidents and upload them to a NRa sponsored youtube channel so that they may go viral and elicit even more testimony NRA should also promote a March on Washington or similar public events, perhaps even instructing members on how to carry out acts of public disobedience. NRA needs to leverage its membership beyond its usual lobbying and legal efforts to meet this extraordinary attack on our 2nd amendment rights. Perhaps partnering with other groups such as Glenn Becks 9-12 movement participants, Oath-keepers efforts with law enforcement personnel, etc must be explored now before Obama railroads gun control legislation through. NRA should also redouble its educational efforts with schools and homeschooled children. PC educators are now brainwashing generations with an absurd fear of guns in any representation including paper guns, drawing, recess cowboy and indians gun ply, finger guns, etc, suspending kids engaging in such activities. How do you think kids so brainwashed are going vote for gun control in the future?

Cecil wrote:
February 18, 2013

I would guess it is more about shot placement. Sorry he was injured.

reknas wrote:
February 18, 2013

38 cal most of the time will NOT stop the intruder in it's tracks. Try the 40 cal next time.

Robert Lujan wrote:
February 18, 2013

Nothing works better than a .45 caliber. A person gets hit, and that person goes done. Most of the time, for the full count.

Marshall Smith wrote:
February 18, 2013

How much training did he have. Even a 38 can be effective. Being trained is very important.

Matt I wrote:
February 18, 2013

Too bad he didn't have a m1911 .45 they would have never got the gold chains haha!

john wrote:
February 18, 2013

The government said we don't need more than 10 rounds. His 38 only had 6 by I like to know I have 15 if needed

Brian wrote:
February 18, 2013

Real shame about Mr. Funari. His case is an example of the flaws in liberals armed defense theory. For some reason libs think good guys are bad unless they're limited to inadequate firepower. A single shot peashooter isn't always enough in every case. If you ask me, it isn't enough in any case. "If you find yourself in a fair fight you've failed to properly prepare." ~ Jeff Cooper I think said that.

P Green wrote:
February 18, 2013

Perhaps they were decendants of Moros. Should have had a 1911.

Jason Carlson wrote:
February 18, 2013

Time to buy a 1911...

daneagle wrote:
February 18, 2013

I'm thinking he must have been using a detective special as not many can hit anything with a barrel that short outside of 10feet without mucho practice :(

Larry wrote:
February 17, 2013

He did not place his shots which with a 38 he would have too - but should with whatever and if he only had two shots is why they got close enough to do all that damage and he still did not drop them

Darin Williamson wrote:
February 17, 2013

I wish the people of the 'United' states that are in support of any form of gun control would stop and read this and put themselves in any of these people's shoes. What would the outcome have been, had none of these American citizens been armed? Death of innocent people. I hope gun control supporters are put in a situation like this.

jerry wrote:
February 17, 2013

yes. A shame. The 38 was probably a revolver and they overpowered him after 6 rounds were spent. It is the good guys who NEED high capacity magazines.

Ken wrote:
February 17, 2013

Yes I agree. A .38 is not a proven man stopper unless you have a good head shot. If you must keep a .38, have it loaded with personal defence rounds like Hydra-Shocks, or hollow points. I use a .40 cal plenty enough..

Thomas wrote:
February 17, 2013

All gun owners should go to a shooting range to get to know their weapon in the event they have to use it.Practice makes perfect!!!

Left Coast Chuck wrote:
February 17, 2013

Also depends upon what perception altering substances the perps had consumed before entering the store. Most criminal acts take place after consuming some perception altering substance, alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs. They affect pain perception. If you are high on Vicodin you are not going to feel the slugs going into you. It is only when you run out of blood that you are going to topple over.

SJ,MD wrote:
February 17, 2013

Needs better bullets

Bill wrote:
February 08, 2013

Shame about Mr. Funari. Makes me wonder what kind of 38 and load he had.