The Armed Citizen® February 23, 2018

by
posted on February 23, 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 (4)

Even something as simple as walking a dog can put a person in harm’s way, but a Michigan woman was able to withstand a recent threat because she had a gun. While the woman was taking her dog for his nightly walk, a stranger came up from behind and grabbed her. The armed citizen responded by pressing her handgun against the alleged assailant’s gut. The pet owner had been in a heightened state of awareness because she had earlier noticed a black van with no windows idling on the side of the street ahead of her. She then caught sight of a man getting out of the vehicle and strolling parallel to her as she walked her dog. The uneasiness of the situation prompted her to grip her gun while it was still in her jacket pocket. When the man later took hold of her coat, she drew her gun, pushed it into his stomach area and reportedly said, “I don’t want to kill you.” The thug scurried off. (fox32chicago.com, Chicago, IL, 12/7/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
One afternoon, a 49-year-old man got into an alteration with a 72-year-old man inside a home. The younger man backed the elderly man into a corner. Fearing for his life, the older man believed he didn’t have any choice but to protect himself and shot his aggressor with his .44 Mag. handgun. The older man was not charged and a local attorney said the act was clearly a case of self-defense. (Missoulian.com, Polson, MT, 1/26/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
February 1981
Alone at home while her husband was elk hunting, Doris Walls shot a 33-year-old who she said broke into her Hermiston, Ore., residence and attempted to rape her. The suspect, wounded in the shoulder by a .30-30 round, was charged with burglary and attempted rape. (The Hermiston Herald, Hermiston, OR)

Latest

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 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.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.