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

Crosman Raiden 01
Crosman Raiden 01

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 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.

A Cathartic Journey Back to Midway Arms & the MidwayUSA Foundation

NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin returned to MidwayUSA, a place he first visited decades ago in the early 1990s as publisher of Guns & Ammo magazine alongside the late, great Robert E. Petersen.

Review: Steiner MPS-C

The new Steiner MPS-C is the compact but rugged, closed-emitter optic we’ve all been waiting for.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.