The Armed Citizen® September 23, 2016

by
posted on September 23, 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)

When a burglar gets a verbal warning to stop what he’s doing, it might serve him well to take heed. But someone who was trying to break into a Wilson, N.C., home didn’t—and he paid the price. North Carolina law enforcement officials said no charges will be filed against the homeowner, who shot through the door and killed a would-be intruder. “I didn’t have no choice but to stop him,” the resident told a local TV news reporter. “I didn’t want him to come in and hurt me.” Police said the homeowner had yelled at the man before firing. (WRAL, Raleigh, NC, 5/24/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A Maynardville, Tenn., homeowner used a firearm to stop two masked men who had forced entry into his residence. The armed citizen called 911 and then confronted the pair of thieves. A struggle occurred, resulting in one intruder being shot and the other fleeing the scene. By the time the authorities arrived, the wounded suspect had already died. No injuries to the homeowner were reported. (Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville, TN, 7/29/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
November 1974
One of the four men who entered the Bronx grocery store of George Ramirez shortly after midnight leveled a shotgun in a holdup attempt. In response, Ramirez pulled his own revolver. In a panic, the gunman fired and wounded Ramirez in the right arm, then turned and ran. Ramirez was able to hold the other three men at gunpoint, despite his wound, until the police could arrive. (New York Daily News, New York, NY)

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.