The Armed Citizen® July 16, 2018

by
posted on July 16, 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)

When three armed young men tried to force a convenience mart worker into the store so they could rob it, the clerk fought back—and came out on top. The employee, a Marine veteran, was taking a break from his duties behind the register at the Tennessee business, when three strangers approached. When one pointed a shotgun at him, the veteran drew his every-day-carry handgun and fired, hitting the culprit in the stomach. The other two suspects ran off. The wounded man was charged, and the police were seeking his accomplices. (wsmv.com, Nashville, TN, 5/11/18)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A Tumwater, Wash., pastor, who is also a volunteer EMT firefighter and concealed-carry permit holder, stopped an active shooter from causing more casualties in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Prior to arriving at the store, the gunman had fired into two nearby vehicles, injuring a person. He then stole a car and then drove to the store where, inside, he fired into a case of ammunition, stealing its contents. Continuing his rampage, he shot another man in the parking lot, then attempted to steal a second vehicle. The pastor, who had been inside the Wal-Mart with his family, followed the shooter outside and shot him before he could target another victim. The shooter succumbed to his wounds and the pastor was cleared of any wrongdoing. The two injured victims are expected to recover. (The News Tribune, Tumwater, WA, 6/20/18)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1983
Idaho Falls, Idaho, furniture storeowner Nick Vrontikis responded when the store’s burglar alarm activated one evening. As he stood, armed with a pistol, in the darkened establishment, the shopkeeper heard noises coming from the back room. There, among some mattresses, Vrontikis discovered an intruder and held him at gunpoint until police arrived. (The Post-Register, Idaho Falls, ID)

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 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.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.