The Armed Citizen® August 15, 2016

by
posted on August 15, 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)

Home schooling taught an 11-year-old Alabama boy the value of self-defense. The boy was in his home alone when someone broke in. The boy grabbed a handgun and hid while the intruder went upstairs. When the bad guy came down the stairs carrying a hamper full of stuff, he told the boy he was going to kill him and hurled obscenities at the youth. At that point, the boy started firing. The youth credited his stepfather with teaching him how to use a gun for protection. (WVTM-TV, Talladega, AL, 4/28/16) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A Springfield, Ill., man woke up late one night to a loud noise coming from his back porch. Going to investigate, the homeowner, who was also a Marine veteran, found a 24-year-old man attempting to break into his house. Grabbing a gun, the resident confronted the would-be burglar and ordered him to leave. Upon seeing the firearm, the intruder fled the scene on foot. He was apprehended by the police about a block from the scene. (The State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, 1/29/16) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1977
A lack of expertise in coin dealing was costly to two San Leandro, Calif., burglars. They stole several counterfeit coins from the house of coin dealer Bobby Short. They then went the next day to a nearby coin shop to pass the bogus cash. But the shop they chose belonged to Short; he recognized the coins immediately, drew a pistol and held the hapless pair until the police could arrive. (The Daily Review, Hayward, CA)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.