The Armed Citizen® September 14, 2018

by
posted on September 14, 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)

Mothers have always been known to protect their offspring, so it should come as no surprise that a mom went to great lengths to save her children from a thief who tried to ride off with her car—with her two toddlers inside. The woman had pulled into a service station to get gasoline. As she stepped away to pay for the fuel, a stranger entered her car and started it. Before he drove off, the mom grabbed the handle of the back door and jumped inside. She told the would-be carjacker to stop, but he refused. The mother reached over the front seat, opened the glove compartment and grabbed the gun she kept there for defensive purposes, then she shot the culprit in the head. He rammed the car into a utility pole, injuring only himself. He was then taken for treatment and charged. “I’m not a killer,” the mom told a reporter after the incident, “but I do believe in defending what’s mine.” (wfaa.com, Dallas, TX, 7/5/18) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
When a man opened fire at a local festival in Florida, another man, who was licensed to carry, fired back. Authorities said the gunman got into a fistfight earlier in the day, and returned to the festival with a gun and started shooting. A bystander returned fire, hitting the gunman in the head. Fortunately, no one else was injured. The gunman was taken to a hospital, and the bystander was not expected to face charges. (usnews.com, Titusville, FL, 8/6/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives 
September 1985
Despite being warned, a prowler who had been banging on a window of Gary Junghans’ Junction City, Kan., home burst through the door. As the intruder approached the bedrooms where Junghans, his wife, and son were, the homeowner repeatedly told him to stop, with no results. Junghans picked up a gun and fired once, wounding the man, who was held until police arrived. (The Daily Union, Junction City, KS)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.