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

couple in dark alley
couple in dark alley

Criminal Clues: Tips to Avoid Appearing Like a Soft Target

You don’t have to be the hardest target, but you don’t want to be the softest. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a target for a criminal looking for his or her next opportunity.

Beretta A400 Solo: For the One-Gun Hunter

The new Beretta A400 Solo is designed as a no-nonsense hunting shotgun that is an entry point to the company’s premium semi-auto shotgun family.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 10, 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.

Review: FK Brno PSD-C

Manufacturers have achieved excellent results with small-caliber bottleneck designs, as evidenced by cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 5.7x28 mm. The .30-caliber 7.5 FK continues this legacy and is now chambered in the FK Brno PSD-C.

Firearm Industry Celebrates America's 250th With More Commemorative Options

For the entirety of 2026, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the firearm industry continues to roll out commemorative products to mark the occasion.

Maxed Out: Derya's New MAX Shotgun

The Derya Arms MAX is a new semi-auto shotgun designed for serious competitive shooters that is made entirely in the USA.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.