The Armed Citizen® April 13, 2018

by
posted on April 13, 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 (3)

When a man in Merced, Calif., kicked in the door of a home of a man armed with a shotgun, it proved to be a deadly mistake. The intruder apparently had been out drinking and thought he was forcing his way into the home of an acquaintance with whom he had a beef. It was after 10 p.m., and the homeowner fired a shot in self-defense, investigators said, after the stranger approached the armed citizen, even though the gun was at the ready. The alleged burglar was taken to the hospital where he later died. (Merced Sun Star, Merced, CA, 1/4/18)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A 25-year-old man was leaving a store late one night when a thug tried to rob him at gunpoint. In response, the would-be victim shot and killed the 18-year-old assailant. A police sergeant stated that, “Police reviewed video footage of the incident and have ruled the fatal shooting justified.” (The Advocate, Baton Rogue, LA, 4/2/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1980
When Ernst Wright was awakened by the sound of a tractor-trailer coming to a halt outside his Corona, N.M., ranch house, he armed himself with a shotgun and investigated. When the driver kicked in the kitchen door and walked inside, Wright asked him to leave, then retreated to the hall. The intruder threw a crowbar at Wright, who fired one shot, hitting his attacker in the chest. State police found the wounded man inside the truck. (The Lincoln County News, Carrizozo, NM)

Latest

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 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.

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.