Albuquerque Shootout

by
posted on July 8, 2015
** 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. **
gsagi2015_fs-1.jpg
More than likely, you’ve heard about the Albuquerque shootout at a Motel 6 that involved CNN news correspondent and former Headline News anchor Lynne Russell. Her first-hand account in this Fox News story is worth reading, and it addresses criticism from her liberal colleagues about exercising her Second Amendment rights. If she and her husband had left their guns at home, the story would be an obituary, rather than a frightening reminder that criminals strike any time, and any place.

I particularly like how she handed her purse (with the gun inside) to her husband and then asked if he saw anything inside to give the armed robber. I’m not that composed when staring down the business end of a gun. Years ago, an armed robber told me to clean out the cash register and I asked, “Did you bring a bag or do you want one of ours?” My mind was elsewhere, probably pondering how a tiny little guy could possibly raise a revolver that big over the counter.

We know Russell’s handgun is chambered in .380 ACP, a cartridge that’s often viewed with skepticism for self-defense. It worked and there are plenty of effective loads available today, including Federal Premium 99-grainers, Hornady Critical Defense’s 90-grain load, 95-grain Winchester W Train & Defend, and many more. The petite size of the handgun also begs for daily carry, especially if you’re tired of feeling like an Arizona Ranger who carries “Big Iron” on his hip (good luck getting that Marty Robbins tune out of your head today).

Thankfully, it didn’t take a huge caliber to get the job done, her husband shared the contents liberally and there’s one less life-threatening criminal roaming the streets. If you have a permit, carry early, carry often and expect the unexpected, including tiny bad guys.

Latest

Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1
Icarry S&W 386 Night Guard 1

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interview: ATF Director Cekada on Suppressors

ATF Director Cekada explains the ATF's guidance (and potential legal pitfalls) of buying suppressors.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.