The Armed Citizen® March 18, 2016

by
posted on March 18, 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 (4)

Police in Decatur, Ill., have determined that an 82-year-old woman’s armed response to a break-in was proper. The woman heard a knock at her door one morning. She looked out and saw a man she didn’t know, so she declined to open the door, reports said. She telephoned for help because the person continued knocking, but she also grabbed her registered handgun. A little while later, the outsider kicked in her back door and entered the house. The resident shot at him, causing him to flee. There was no indication that the bullet hit the suspect. (Herald & Review, Decatur, IL, 10/31/15)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A 21-year-old Cave City, Ky., robber learned the hard way that he had chosen the wrong business to try to hold up. Armed with a knife, the creep attempted to rob a local beer store just before midnight, but one of the store employees was able to run behind the counter and retrieve a gun kept there. Upon encountering armed resistance, the suspect dropped his knife and was forced to the ground by a second employee. The thief was held at gunpoint until the authorities could arrive, and now faces one count of first-degree robbery. (Glasgow Daily Times, Glasgow, KY, 10/26/15)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
March 1968

When the “patient” stepped into Dr. Ramon Bandillo’s office, the Bronx, N.Y., physician remembered him in a flash and jerked a .38-Spl. revolver from his desk. “You’re not getting anything this time! Hands up!” Bandillo yelled. Two years earlier, the same “patient” had robbed the doctor at knife point of $126. When police arrested him this time, they found a steak knife in his pocket. (New York Times, New York City, NY)

Latest

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 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.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.