The Armed Citizen® Sept. 1, 2015

by
posted on September 1, 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg
A man who feared for his mother’s safety had fortuitous timing. About a week after her son gave her a gun, the widow used it to defend herself against someone who broke into her home near Columbus, Ohio. The 28-year-old intruder had first attempted to rob the house across the street, but the people in that residence forced him to leave through a second-story window. Not heeding that as a sign of bad things to come, the suspect next broke through a window of the widow’s home. The woman had been sleeping on the couch with her gun at hand, Sgt. Dave Sicilia said, and she fired multiple shots. The intruder later died at the hospital. Ohio has a Castle Doctrine law, and no charges against the widow were reported. (The Daily Caller and WBNS Channel 10, Columbus, OH, 2/20/15)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A Pleasant Grove, Utah, homeowner was awakened by the sound of a stranger pounding on his front door. When no one came to the door, the unknown visitor then climbed to a second-floor balcony and attempted to enter the residence through a door. According to the authorities, the homeowner unlocked the door to speak with the intruder, but when the 24-year-old burglar attempted to force his way into the building the resident shot him once in the chest. The robber was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injury. Police confirmed that the homeowner would not face charges for the defensive use of his firearm. (Daily Herald, Provo, UT, 6/26/15)


From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1977
Charles Dresser and his wife were reading the paper in bed when they heard a loud pounding on their front door. Dresser put on his bathrobe, grabbed a .22-cal. revolver and went to investigate—arriving in the couple’s living room just as the two would-be burglars burst in. The homeowner fired, hitting one thief. The pair fled, but police later caught the wounded robber. (The Mercury, San Jose, CA)

Latest

Growth Sending Strong Signals
Growth Sending Strong Signals

Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?

Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.

Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter

Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

A Clear Advantage: The Shield Sights OSMx Competition Red-Dot

Based on its OMSsc red-dot optic introduced last year, Shield Sights has launched the larger, competition-oriented OSMx red-dot for 2026.

Gun of the Week: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Taurus USA recently expanded its revolver line with the 66 Combat, a larger, all-steel revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Watch our "Gun of the Week" video to see the 66 Combat in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® March 6, 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.