The Armed Citizen® June 17, 2019

by
posted on June 17, 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)

Sitting at home, a couple was in the living room when they heard loud banging on their kitchen door. Going to investigate, the woman’s husband went to the other room and saw a young man hitting the door while demanding to see a girlfriend. The homeowner ordered the man to leave. Refusing, the man reached his arm through the pet door to grab the doorknob and unlock it. However, the homeowner knocked away the man’s arm. Then the man began throwing rocks at the door before breaking a window. The homeowner warned the man repeatedly that he had a gun and would shoot in defense. Undeterred, the man eventually unlocked the back door, and yelled as he entered. The armed citizen fired his pistol once, striking the man in the leg in an apparent effort to stop him. As the man fell to the floor, the homeowner subdued him until police arrived. Criminal charges were pending against the intruder, who was treated at a hospital for his leg wound. (arizonadailyindependent.com, Oro Valley, Ariz., 3/31/19)

Armed Citizen Extra
In yet another story from the streets of Chicago, a concealed-carry holder managed to fend off an assailant in the city's southwest side one Monday. While walking into the alleyway of an apartment complex, a man with a drawn handgun approached the would-be victim. Determined to not become a victim, however, the man drew his pistol and shot the mugger in the head. He was taken to a nearby hospital, in critical condition. (Chicago Sun Times, Chicago, Ill., 5/27/19)  

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1972
When two would-be robbers entered Charles Calinis' New Haven, Conn., grocery store, one immediately drew a pistol and placed it at the owner's head. Calinis managed to reach his own .22 pistol and wound one intruder. The other fled. (Bridgeport Post, Bridgeport, Conn.)

Latest

Sar Gotw Web
Sar Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Sarsilmaz SAR9 SC Gen3

As part of a new family of guns, SAR USA offers its SAR9 SC Gen3, a small, subcompact, striker-fired design made for daily carry. Watch our video to see this concealable pistol in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

SIG Sauer, GrabAGun Partner On Freedom Series Pistols

SIG Sauer has partnered with GrabAGun to offer three specially finished Freedom Series handguns that pay homage to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Review: Taurus Model 58

Announced publicly in April 2025 at the NRA Annual Meetings and Events convention in Atlanta, Ga., Taurus USA has filled the traditional double-action void of full-size .380-ACP-chambered handguns within its American catalog by launching the Model 58.

Smith & Wesson Announces $150 American Guardians Rebate

Smith & Wesson's American Guardians Rebate program allows military veterans and first responders to get a break on the cost of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.