The Armed Citizen® June 20, 2016

by
posted on June 20, 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 (5)

A 71-year-old Virginia man refused to fall prey to a couple of teenage ruffians who targeted him during an armed robbery attempt; instead, he drew his carry handgun and shot one of the teens to death. The two hoodlums approached the man in an apartment complex. One flashed a gun and then demanded the victim’s valuables. They probably didn’t expect him to have a gun on him or that he’d be prepared to use it. But the man didn’t hesitate to defend himself, shooting an 18-year-old in the chest and chasing off his younger accomplice. Police have since cleared the man, saying the shooting was self-defense, and a 15-year-old has been charged for his role in the attempted armed robbery. (Daily Press, Hampton, VA, 3/14/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
While sitting on his couch watching television, a Buhl, Idaho, man heard a window in the back of his house shatter and witnessed a 32-year-old burglar entering his residence. The homeowner grabbed a 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol and ordered the intruder to lie on the ground. When the thief ignored the armed citizen’s commands, the resident pulled the trigger of his gun, only to have it malfunction. Fortunately, the victim was able to reach a second firearm, after which the suspect finally complied and got on the ground. The culprit was held at gunpoint until sheriff’s deputies could arrive and take him into custody. (Twins Falls Times-News, Twin Falls, ID)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1982
Charles Bradley, a Palm Beach, Fla., blue jeans wholesaler, decided to stand guard at his warehouse, armed with a 12-ga. shotgun. His patience paid off when he heard a pair of burglars stuffing jeans into the trunk of their car. When his order to halt was unheeded, Bradley fired, injuring one thief. Both burglars were later captured by the police. (The Post, Palm Beach, FL)

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

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.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.