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

Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1
Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1

The Model 87 Ultra Special: A Rare Survivor of Ithaca's Final Gamble

In the spring of 1990, an 18-year-old received a shotgun he didn't order. The Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special he got instead was the last gasp of one of America's most iconic shotgun makers.

Five Million Friends

From one room of friends in Missouri to a nationwide movement, Friends of NRA celebrates more than five million lives touched through community, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to the future of the shooting sports.

As Gun Sales Stay High, Violent Crime Hits a Historic Low

According to a recent report from the FBI on national crime statistics, violent crime has decreased 9.3 percent from 2024, marking the largest year-to-year drop since the 1930s.

Federal to Provide Rifle Ammunition to Top Nordic Police Agencies

The Nordic Police, comprised of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, recently selected two Federal Ammunition rifle loads for duty and training use.

New For 2026: Beretta APX A1 Ported

Beretta first entered the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market in 2017 with its APX, and nearly 10 years later, the company has added the APX A1 Ported to the lineup.

CDC Restores Basic Armed Citizen Data

As of Aug. 24, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage is again providing defensive-gun-use data.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.