The Armed Citizen® March 14, 2016

by
posted on March 14, 2016
** 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 (3)

What goes through the mind of an armed citizen when he or his family is threatened? A North Carolina businessman who lived through that type of situation said he hated to have to kill a man, but said he couldn’t take a chance because his wife was being chased by a gunman. The businessman, who describes himself as a gun collector and an experienced target shooter, has long kept a shotgun at his jewelry store. When three armed men came in one day in November and started smashing display cases and stealing merchandise, the store owner’s wife ran to the back, yelling, “Gun! Gun!” Her husband grabbed his shotgun and had a fraction of a second to make a decision because one gunman was only three or four feet away. “I’m glad he didn’t (fire) before I did. I was afraid he might,” the store owner said. The thief he shot was killed, but his two accomplices fled. (Winston-Salem Journal, Winston-Salem, NC, 11/10/15)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
After an argument between two Macomb County, Mich., neighbors led to one of the participants physically attacking the other, a woman with a .38 Spl. revolver was able to end the assault—potentially saving the life of the victim. When the woman saw that her boyfriend was on the ground being pummeled in the head by their intoxicated neighbor, she ran to his side with her gun in hand and forced the assailant to retreat. After a tense standoff, the attacker returned to his home, where he was later arrested and charged with felony assault. The 52-year-old victim suffered serious damage to his head, and the armed citizen also had to be hospitalized following the event due to the stress of the altercation. (Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, 11/10/15) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1971

LaVerne K. Berry of Battle Ground, Wash., saw two youths loosening the lug nuts on the wheels of his car. Grabbing a gun, he went out, confronted the youths, apprehended them and held the two until police could arrive. (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)

Latest

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 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.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.