The Armed Citizen® September 19, 2016

by
posted on September 19, 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 (3)

A Detroit-area man used a gun to save himself and his wife from two armed intruders. The criminals accosted the couple outside of their home, then ordered them inside the house and into the basement. With a gun pointed at his head, all Daniel McNamara could think about was how to get to his firearm that he kept in the basement. After the intruders took the couple’s wedding rings, cell phones and wallets, one of the miscreants turned to head out of the basement. That’s when McNamara found his opportunity. He grabbed his gun and fired two shots, hitting one bad guy before both fled. “Of course I was scared. Who wouldn’t be?” McNamara told reporters. “Some goon has a gun to your head and tells you he’s going to shoot you because you’ve seen his face.” The injured suspect was arrested at the hospital. There was no report of his accomplice being caught. (WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI, 5/24/16) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra 
Two men were wounded, one fatally, when they tried to rob a house in Everett, Wash., only to find that they had brought pepper spray to a gun fight. The pair broke into the home brandishing and discharging pepper spray and demanding money from the residents. One of the roommates, hearing a commotion, armed himself and went to investigate. Believing his friends were being held at gunpoint, the armed citizen fired upon the two intruders, striking both of them. One robber died at the scene, the other fled and is still being sought by the authorities. (The Daily Herald, Everett, WA, 6/26/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1982
A hold-up artist pointed a small semi-automatic pistol at Cindy Branford and demanded the contents of the till at her Anchorage, Alaska, gas station. But she pulled out a .357 Magnum-chambered revolver instead of the cash, and the criminal took to his heel in response. (The Daily News, Anchorage, AK)

Latest

Derya MAX 01
Derya MAX 01

Maxed Out: Derya's New MAX Shotgun

The Derya Arms MAX is a new semi-auto shotgun designed for serious competitive shooters that is made entirely in the USA.

Breaking Through the "Bulletproof Bubble"

The "Bulletproof Bubble" is one of the most frustrating things a shooter can experience, because it doesn't make any sense. Every round seems to land all around the exact center of your point of aim instead of in it.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills: Prairie Dogs

Reactive targets, such as prairie dogs, offer many lessons about one’s long-range abilities.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 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.

Gun of the Week: Zev Technologies x Magpul FDP-C

One of the most anticipated firearm releases of 2026 was the Zev Technologies FDP, a folding pistol-caliber design that the company produced in conjunction with Magpul Industries.

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.