Summertime Ruses

posted on July 16, 2015
** 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. **
gsagi2015_fs-1.jpg (1)
On June 30, a man and a woman with a long criminal history staged a home invasion in Las Vegas, Nev., attacking two brothers, their mother and a friend. Fortunately, it ended when the older son, 23, drew his handgun.  

Many of these stories start with what looks like an innocent-looking person at the door. This one came in the morning daylight hours in what I hope isn’t a school-vacation trend.

A female knocked, asking if she could make a call because her car had broken down. Before the youngest son could close the door, she forced her way in, and put him and his friend in a headlock, clearing entry for her .22 LR pistol-toting male accomplice.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has full details here, and it’s a scary reminder that the night no longer has an exclusive on criminal activity. The newspaper’s initial report has more detail about the method of entry and the crime-stopping shots delivered by the eldest son from his .40 S&W handgun.

Staging a ruse to gain easy entry in a home—in a manner that doesn’t raise a neighbor’s eyebrows—is nothing new. The daring daylight approach isn’t, either, but with youngsters off for the summer and often the first to answer a knock at the door, now’s the time remind them to never open or unlock it for strangers. Retrieve an adult to handle the situation, and if they’re home alone and someone is asking for help, they should call 9-1-1. If it’s a real emergency, or even just a broken-down car, let the professionals handle it.

As for the victims, no charges are expected to be filed, and the same newspaper has already run an editorial about the Second Amendment and self-defense.

Latest

FK Brno PSD-C
FK Brno PSD-C

Review: FK Brno PSD-C

Manufacturers have achieved excellent results with small-caliber bottleneck designs, as evidenced by cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 5.7x28 mm. The .30-caliber 7.5 FK continues this legacy and is now chambered in the FK Brno PSD-C.

Firearm Industry Celebrates America's 250th With More Commemorative Options

For the entirety of 2026, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the firearm industry continues to roll out commemorative products to mark the occasion.

Maxed Out: Derya's New MAX Shotgun

The Derya Arms MAX is a new semi-auto shotgun designed for serious competitive shooters that is made entirely in the USA.

Breaking Through the "Bulletproof Bubble"

The "Bulletproof Bubble" is one of the most frustrating things a shooter can experience, because it doesn't make any sense. Every round seems to land all around the exact center of your point of aim instead of in it.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills: Prairie Dogs

Reactive targets, such as prairie dogs, offer many lessons about one’s long-range abilities.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 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.