The Armed Citizen® January 12, 2018

by
posted on January 12, 2018
** 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)

Criminals might consider the elderly a vulnerable segment of society and easy victims to prey upon, but that wasn’t the case in Florida. When a would-be burglar tried breaking into the home of an 81-year-old, the homeowner turned the tables on him with a gun. The incident started when a stranger rang the doorbell of a New Smyrna Beach, Fla., home. The resident, not recognizing the visitor, declined to answer the door. A few minutes later, the citizen noticed the man on the porch was putting on white gloves. At that point, the senior citizen grabbed his personal protection handgun. When the outsider proceeded to break the glass of a first-floor window and reached in to unlock it, the older man fired several rounds, possibly grazing the suspect. Police were searching for the bad guy. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Daytona Beach, FL, 10/9/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
When three men broke into a home early one morning, the homeowner was having none of that. Although the intruders shot the resident in the leg, the homeowner was able to respond with his own gunfire. One of the ill-intentioned trespassers died at the scene while another was later found dead in a stolen vehicle. The third man was taken into custody. (mlive.com, Greenleaf Township, MI, 11/20/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
January 1959
Grocer Bernard Frey of Buffalo, N.Y., thwarted his third holdup in five years by jerking out his own revolver when a bandit pointed a pistol and demanded money. The robber pleaded, “Don’t shoot,” dropped his gun, and fled the store. (Evening News, Buffalo, NY)

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.