The Armed Citizen® December 21, 2018

by
posted on December 21, 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (5)

Repeated burglaries shouldn’t be a problem any more for an octogenarian in Mobile, Ala. After enduring multiple violations of his security, the man decided to fight back during the latest robbery. When he arrived home one day, he saw two men exiting his abode with stolen property in their hands. The homeowner fired a shot and told them to stop, but the thieves ignored him, jumping into their vehicle and driving at the elderly man. As the car approached, the armed citizen noticed that one of the crooks was leaning out of the window with some sort of weapon in his hand. At that, the older man fired again, striking that perpetrator. The culprits drove off and waved down deputies a few miles away, feeding them a line about how the one was injured. The law enforcement officials investigated and connected the incident to the burglary. The injured man and his accomplice both are in custody. The armed citizen was not charged. (al.com, Mobile, Ala., 9/19/18)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A Louisiana woman who was injured in a domestic violence incident used a handgun to effectively defend herself and end the scuffle. Her assailant and former boyfriend was taken to the hospital afterward, where he later died of his injury. (WBRZ, Baton Rouge, La., 11/20/18)


From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1976
Armando Chavez and Refugio Arellano of Clint, Tex., were dove hunting when they saw two men entering an acquaintance's house. Knowing the owner was away, they called the sheriff's office and blocked the exits until authorities arrived. (The Herald Post, El Paso, Tex.)

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.