The Armed Citizen® March 24, 2017

by
posted on March 24, 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 (6)

A driver passing through Tonopah, Ariz., saved a state trooper’s life after a harrowing incident. Just before sunrise, the trooper had stopped to investigate an accident. After discovering a flipped vehicle, the officer went to set out flares to warn other motorists. The driver of the overturned car opened fire on the officer and struck him, prompting the officer to attempt to subdue the man. A passing motorist and concealed-carry holder saw the attack and stopped, asking the officer if he needed help. After the officer said, “yes,” the armed citizen went to his vehicle and retrieved his firearm, warning the trooper’s attacker to stop. The man did not, so the Good Samaritan shot him once, wounding him. While the passerby was tending to the trooper’s injuries, the assailant attacked a second time. The armed citizen shot the man again, this time killing him. Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Capt. Damon Cecil said the motorist saved the trooper’s life. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ, 1/17/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Criminals may think operating as a pack is an advantage when trying to rob a residence, but that’s not the case when the homeowner is prepared. That’s what three intruders found out when they tried to rob a Columbus, Ind., homeowner early one morning. The three robbers had already stolen a vehicle and several items before they were discovered by the homeowner, who held them at gunpoint in his driveway until police arrived. Police arrested them on charges of burglary, theft and auto theft. (Fox 59, Columbus, IN, 2/18/17) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
March 1985
After ordering store employees to lie on the floor, a gunman handed Wylam, Ala., pharmacist Joe Gandy a pillowcase and demanded he fill it with drugs. While doing so, Gandy lifted a pistol and fired. In an exchange of gunshots, the robber was fatally wounded. (The Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL)

Latest

CZ 75 Legend 01
CZ 75 Legend 01

The CZ 75 Legend: Rebirth of an Icon

If you make a short list of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century, the CZ 75 would make the cut. A half century since its introduction, CZ is honoring that legendary status with the CZ 75 Legend.

39 New Rifles for 2026

Today's new rifles run the gamut from the latest and greatest packed with the most up-to-date features money can buy to retro-inspired models that give us a glimpse of the way things used to be if you wanted to send a bullet "over there somewhere."

The Armed Citizen® June 1, 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.

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

Review: Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm Riflescope

With a 10X magnification range, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm riflescope is ideal for close-range targets, long-range pursuits and everything in between.

Study Shows Widespread Public Approval for Self-Defense, Recreational Shooting

Research conducted by Responsive Management annually for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) found that, in 2025, 78 percent of adult residents in the United States believe learning self-defense skills with a firearm is completely acceptable.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.