The Armed Citizen® May 23, 2016

by
posted on May 23, 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 (6)

Greed spelled death for a gold thief in New Mexico. Several intruders tried to rob the owner of a rare coin shop one Saturday afternoon. The businessman—despite the fact that one of the robbers struck him in the head with a blunt instrument—grabbed his gun and fired, shooting one of the criminals. The thieves then fled, and the wounded suspect was later dropped off outside a hospital emergency room. Gold coins and bullion bars fell out of his pockets as the doctors treated him. The man later died, and police are looking for his accomplices. The shop owner was treated for his injuries. (Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM, 1/31/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Upon returning home, a Willmar, Minn., man noticed that someone had picked through some of the possessions in his garage and kitchen. He then entered his living room, where he interrupted a thief with a buck knife in the process of robbing him. When the resident drew his legally permitted handgun, the suspect dropped his weapon. After calling the police, the homeowner allowed the burglar to leave the residence. The local police department apprehended the suspect just down the road as he attempted to enter the getaway vehicle. The failed thief now faces charges for first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, burglary with a dangerous weapon and providing a false name to a police officer. (West Central Tribune, Willmar, MN, 1/7/16) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1975
Carl Bear was the lone customer in an Abington, Pa., donut shop when a man entered the store, handed the cashier a note saying he was armed and then helped himself to the cash. When the thief turned to flee, he found himself staring down the barrel of Bear’s pistol. He immediately surrendered with hands held high. Bear, who has a pistol permit, turned over the crook to the police. (The Evening Bulletin, Philadelphia, PA)

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.