The Armed Citizen® August 3, 2018

by
posted on August 3, 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

Being 70 and home alone during a break-in might spell trouble, but a woman in Pennsylvania had one thing working in her favor: She owns a gun. When a man broke a window and climbed into her house early one morning, she was prepared. As she heard the intruder coming up the stairs, she grabbed the gun—one she had inherited from her mother. After he opened the door to her room, she fired multiple times, striking him at least once. Though the bullet only grazed his arm, it was enough to send him scurrying off. The suspect ran to a nearby car wash and called 9-1-1 to report being shot. He was taken for medical treatment and faces charges. (Associated Press, Philadelphia, PA, 5/5/18) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A man woke to the sound of his front door being kicked in. After arming himself, he stepped outside to investigate and saw an intruder. The trespasser immediately fired at the homeowner, who in return fired back, hitting the man. The intruder ran from the scene, collapsing a short distance away. Police arrived and took the trespasser to a local hospital. Charges were pending against the trespasser as well as a juvenile accomplice who later turned himself in to police. No charges were expected to be filed against the homeowner, as it was deemed a self-defense situation. (Indian River Press Journal, Indian River County, FL, 2/2/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
August 1981
Buffalo, N.Y., welfare worker Mary Guidice was working at her desk in the Rath County Office Building when a recipient, enraged by the news that he would have to fill out some forms to receive benefits, began beating a welfare examiner. Guidice pulled her licensed pistol and subdued the attacker. (The Evening News, Buffalo, NY)

Latest

Christensen Rifles factory floor
Christensen Rifles factory floor

Building Christensen Rifles: A Hands-On View

A cutting-edge enterprise takes on the lightweight-hunting-rifle market with models that defy expectations—all without flinching.

New For 2026: 25 WBY RPM

The 25 WBY RPM is the 17th proprietary cartridge developed by Weatherby, a company whose name is synonymous with magnum cartridges and bullet speed.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 12, 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.

Firearm Industry Philanthropic Efforts Endure, Despite Lagging Gun Sales

Gun sales in 2025 may not eclipse records, but the firearm industry’s generosity continues to abound, even within challenging economic circumstances.

Product : Ten21 Tactical “The Junk Drawer” Tripod Hammock

Precision shooters using tripods to support their rifles can keep miscellaneous gear organized and within reach by attaching The Junk Drawer by Ten21 Tactical to the tripod’s legs.

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.