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

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.