The Armed Citizen® May 12, 2011

by
posted on May 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 (1)

A couple in their sixties were awakened by loud, repeated banging on their apartment door. They went downstairs and the husband opened the door-and an intoxicated 28-year-old man pushed them aside and entered the home. The suspect shoved the husband and repeatedly claimed to live in the apartment, ignoring the couple's insistence to the contrary. The couple tried to push the man back out the door, but he punched the man in the groin and shoved the woman. That's when the husband informed the intruder he had a gun and would shoot him if he didn't leave; however, the intruder remained relentless in his assault. The husband fired a shot, killing him. (Lansing State Journal, Lansing, MI, 02/05/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A 20-year-old New Orleans homeowner awoke to the sound of shattering glass in the middle of the night. Little did he know, two would-be burglars had cut the power to his house and thrown a brick into a downstairs window. When the homeowner found the two men climbing through the window, he opened fire, hitting both of them. The two-who were 16 and 15 years old-were unable to flee the scene due to their injuries. The 16-year-old male was killed, and the other was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. (The Times Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 02/12/11)

From The Armed Citizen Archive:

May 1980: Two ex-convict brothers ended up a criminal spree of burglary, robbery, abduction, and rape by beating on the door of L.C. Mitchell in Bothell, Wash., and demanding gasoline from the owner. Mitchell repulsed the felons with a double-derringer, wounding one in the neck before they fled in their car. The sherriff's office arrested the pair after identification was made from the mug file. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.