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

Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1
Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Review: Spandau Arms RL

The Remington Model 700 lives on in the form of this RL bolt-action rifle produced in Turkey by Huglu and imported into the U.S. by Spandau Arms.

NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Applications Open

The NRA is accepting applications for the 2027 NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award from junior shooting sports participants who demonstrate active involvement in their communities and in shooting sports.

The (Not So) Gray Man: Tips to Avoid Tacti-Cool & Blend into the Background

Being a true "gray man" is not flashy. It won’t get you followers or likes or nods from across the room. What it will get you is something far more valuable in the real world: freedom of movement. Reduced attention. Lower probability of being selected, targeted or remembered.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 28, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.