The Armed Citizen® February 10, 2017

by
posted on February 10, 2017
** 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 (2)

If a burglar is determined to break into a house, he will use anything to accomplish his mission—even a lawn statue of a religious figure. And one intruder did just that. Two women were at home watching TV late one evening when they heard someone trying to break into their house. As the would-be burglar struggled to break the sliding glass door with the statue, the women ran upstairs. One of the women called 9-1-1, while the other armed herself with a handgun and ran back downstairs to confront the intruder, who had successfully made his way into the kitchen and armed himself with a knife. The woman ordered the man to drop his weapon, but he ignored her. Meanwhile, police arrived and arrested the suspect, who was later charged with multiple crimes, including home invasion, reckless endangerment and first- and second-degree assault, among others. (The Frederick News-Post, Frederick, MD, 1/24/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
February 1963

Claiming their auto had run out of water, four men gained entrance to the mountain cabin of 83-year-old Tony Lunsford, near Leicester, N.C. Before he opened the door, however, Lunsford slipped a .32 revolver into his pocket, a precaution he has followed for years. Once inside, the men, who were armed, rushed the mountaineer, and Lunsford started firing. All four of the attackers were apprehended by police, three of them with gunshot wounds. (AP, Leicester, NC)

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.