The Armed Citizen® July 2010

by
posted on June 23, 2010
** 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

*When Michael Lish returned home to find the back door and a window ajar, he entered cautiously with his handgun for protection. As he inspected his home, a man dressed in dark clothing and wielding a sword sprung out at him. Police say the burglar threatened Lish and walked toward him. Lish fired a shot, wounding the burglar who fell to his knees. The burglar reached behind his back in an apparent attempt to grab another weapon, forcing Lish to fire two more shots, killing him. The burglar, who was on probation at the time of his death, was also carrying two illegally possessed guns, a knife and a stun gun. (Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK, 04/03/2010)

*A man was enjoying his lunch on a park bench when, according to police, a suspect with a less wholesome agenda spotted him. Clutching a knife, the suspect approached the man and said, "Give me all your money or I'll stab you!" The mugger grabbed the man and shoved him against a fence. The suspect may have intended to inflict bodily harm on the man, however, he didn't realize his would-be victim was licensed to carry a firearm. The man drew a handgun and opened fire on the suspect, wounding him. The mugger was to be arrested upon his release from the hospital. (The Hartford Courant, Hartford, CT, 04/27/10)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

According to State Police, a 43-year-old West Virginia man was looking to steal from another man's home and tried to enter it. The homeowner called out to him, warning him not to enter, but the suspect did so anyway. The homeowner fired one shot with a small caliber firearm, striking him in the abdomen. The suspect was transported to the hospital where he was listed in critical condition. (Charleston Gazette, Charleston, WV, 04/29/10)

From the Armed Citizen Archive

July 1975: Peering out the backdoor window of his Charleston, S.C., home one morning, Ernest Pinckney saw two young males prowling in his front yard. Pinckney, sensing a break-in, got his gun and hid behind a kitchen counter. The two youths broke a window and came in through the kitchen door, and once they were inside Pinckney got the drop on them. One escaped by pushing his companion against Pinckney, but the other intruder was turned over to juvenile authorities. (The News and Courier, Charleston, SC)

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 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.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.