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

Crosman Raiden 01
Crosman Raiden 01

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 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.

A Cathartic Journey Back to Midway Arms & the MidwayUSA Foundation

NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin returned to MidwayUSA, a place he first visited decades ago in the early 1990s as publisher of Guns & Ammo magazine alongside the late, great Robert E. Petersen.

Review: Steiner MPS-C

The new Steiner MPS-C is the compact but rugged, closed-emitter optic we’ve all been waiting for.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.