The Armed Citizen® October 12, 2011

by
posted on October 12, 2011
** 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

A 68-year-old grandmother was lying in bed when she was startled by the sound of someone breaking in. So she got up and grabbed her .410 shotgun, a gun she’s kept for self-defense for many years, a gun she was never sure she could actually use on a human being and didn’t want to find out. However, when her French doors flew open and her burglar alarm went off, that was all it took-mortal fear-and she fired upon the three men. Her first volley of bird shot struck one suspect in the face and a second suspect was struck in the chest. All three men fled and are in police custody. At least one had been armed, as police found his handgun’s magazine in the yard. The woman received many calls and e-mails cheering her actions. “One of them said ‘Go, Granny, Go’,” she recalled. “I don’t consider myself old, but apparently everyone else does.” (WTVF-TV, Nashville, Tenn., 08/11/01)

The Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

An elderly Washington man was at home early one morning when he heard what sounded like someone breaking into his car. When he went to investigate, the intruder burst into the kitchen and wrestled him to the ground. The homeowner managed to get free, and ran to grab his gun. He shot the suspect twice, and held him at gunpoint with a neighbor until police arrived. (The Seattle Times, Seattle, WA, 04/08/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archives...

October 1979: Shortly before closing-time, two armed men entered a Grand Rapids, Mich., grocery and announced a holdup. When one of them jumped on the counter and pointed a gun at part-owner Theodore Tonning, the grocer pulled a gun and fired, wounding him. The other robber, who was armed with a sawed-off rifle, took a shot at Tonning, but the rifle misfired; Tonning fired and killed the man. (The Press, Grand Rapids, Mich., 06/18)

Latest

001 Protegex Cover 01
001 Protegex Cover 01

TriStar Arms Protégé X: A Pocket-Size Punch

Inspired by successful designs of the past, the TriStar Arms Protégé X is a pocket-size, M1911-style handgun chambered for the popular 9 mm cartridge.

Hornady Family Honored with Legacy Award

In October, the Hornady family was recognized by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for its contribution to the city that Hornady calls home.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Favorite Firearms: A Winchester Model 54 Turns 100

Serving during World War I in 1918, my father completed two years in the Engineer Corps. In addition to his engineering duties, he and all the other soldiers had to carry and qualify with the Model 1903 Springfield rifle, since they were often on the front lines.

Winchester Ammunition Opens New Office In Missouri

Winchester Ammunition opened a new office in Clayton, Mo., which will accommodate much of the company's full-time administrative staff and is located several hours away from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.