The Armed Citizen® November 1, 2019

by
posted on November 1, 2019
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg

Two masked men with guns were allegedly trying to rob a convenience store around 2 a.m. in Virginia Beach, Va. A woman in the store saw the clerk raise his hands as an armed citizen, with a 9 mm in a holster hidden under his shirt, stood in the back of the store. The alleged robbers had pointed guns at the customers and clerk. She initially thought the clerk had been shot, but realized it was the robbers who were shot. The armed citizen, who was filling his drink, seized an opportunity to fire shots at the masked men. One of them was injured and the other killed. A third suspect was found nearby. Authorities believe the trio may have been robbing other convenience stores in the area. The armed citizen has since become friends with the woman whose life he may have saved. According to authorities, the unnamed bystander will not be charged. (The Virginian-Pilot, Hampton Roads, Va., 8/29/19)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A Sisters, Ore., woman stopped an apparent burglary in progress early one Monday morning. When the intruder broke down the back door of a home in Deschutes County, he was met by a homeowner armed with a rifle, who demanded he leave. The trespasser then walked to a neighboring home and began ringing the doorbell, where that homeowner also called 9-1-1 and bade the man depart. At this point, the rambling intruder returned to the original home he had broken into, where he was held at gunpoint until sheriff's deputies arrived. (The Bulletin, Sisters, Ore., 11/9/19)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
November 1967
When he was robbed of $125, Carl B. Peters, Long Beach, Calif., store clerk, shot and wounded two holdup men with a .38 revolver before police answered the store's silent alarm. (Pomona, Calif., Progress-Bulletin)

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.