The Armed Citizen® February 15, 2019

by
posted on February 15, 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 (4)

California has its share of armed citizens who believe in exercising their Second Amendment rights. In a recent incident in San Diego, a homeowner and his family were sound asleep when the sound of a break-in woke him up at 3 a.m. Glancing outside, he witnessed an intruder grab a rock from a nearby flower bed and head for the front door. Fearful for his family's safety, the homeowner armed himself and headed to the front door as well, warning that he was armed and ordering the would-be attacker to leave the premises. However, the other man continued to yell and bang on the door, shattering a glass panel. Faced with no alternative, the homeowner fired and hit the culprit in the shoulder before he ran off. Police later found the suspect and charged him on multiple counts. (SD Union Tribune, San Diego, Calif., 10/30/18)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A concealed-carry permit holder stopped two suspects attempting to rob him in Logan Square on New Years Eve. Around 9:40, two men exited a silver Nissan and informed the permit holder of their intent to rob him. Upon hearing this however, their intended victim shot them both, prompting their transfer to nearby hospitals for stabilization. (Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Ill., 01/01/2019)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
February 1972
Held up 19 times and wounded once in the last three years, Ben Shaffer, a Cleveland, Ohio, bar owner, foiled the latest attempt. he pulled a .25 automatic and killed one of two hoodlums. the second fled. (The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, Fla.)

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.