The Armed Citizen® May 19, 2017

by
posted on May 19, 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 (5)

Miami officials hope that footage from a home security camera will help identify a would-be burglar. The video shows a mother of two using a firearm to chase off the man who gained unlawful entry into her home. Shortly after he broke in, the intruder found himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun, which made him decide to run off. “He was running for his life and kept looking back, making sure I wasn’t going to shoot him in the back,” said the mother, who was home with her 10-year-old and toddler at the time of the home intrusion. The woman told local reporters that she didn’t want to shoot for a couple of reasons: one was that the threat had dissipated when he ran off; the other is that she didn’t want to traumatize her children more than they already had been. Police found the abandoned getaway car, and they passed the video to media outlets to help track down the suspect. (local10.com, Miami, FL, 3/21/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one morning, a group of young adults attempted to bust out a window of a pawn shop and rob the establishment. Two employees, who were sleeping in the building, woke up and one of them opened fire with a .45-cal. Glock handgun. The trespassers fled the scene, three of which received gunshot wounds. Police found the criminals a week later with one of the thugs pleading guilty to attempted second-degree burglary in return for an agreed upon sentence of 12 months with 11 months suspended. (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, AK, 3/21/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
May 1963
Caretaker Reed Pitchford, of Chicago, Ill., Grant Memorial AME Church, had been sleeping in the church office when awakened by the sound of someone breaking in. When the intruder kept coming at him, Pitchford drew his pistol and fired twice. The intruder fell dead at his feet. (Chicago Sun Times, Chicago, IL)

Latest

National Firearm Act
National Firearm Act

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 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.

Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit

Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.