The Armed Citizen

posted on June 13, 2011
** 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. **
2011779828-125rifleman_f.jpg

From the September, 1958 issue of American Rifleman

Law Enforcement officers cannot at all times be where they are needed to protect life or property in danger of serious violation. In many such instances the citizen has no choice but to defend himself with a gun. Below are accounts of recent instances digested from newspaper clippings sent in by NRA Members.

Dr. P.W. Bowman of Washington , D.C. was awakened at 5 A.M. by cries for help from the home of a 91-year-old neighbor. The 69-year-old doctor leaped from his bed, grabbed his pistol, and reached the street just as an armed man was coming from the neighbor’s house. He ordered the robber to drop his gun and held him at bay while his wife called police. Upon investigation the police found the aged victim had been beaten and robbed. (Aug. 5, Daily News)

Eva McMillan of Dallas, Tex., grabbed a .32 automatic when she saw a prowler in her yard. Pistol in hand, she went outside to investigate and the prowler lunged at her. Miss McMillan fired and he started to run. She fired twice more, ran inside, and called the police who found the wounded prowler cowering on a nearby porch. (May 29, AP)

Latest

FK Brno PSD-C
FK Brno PSD-C

Review: FK Brno PSD-C

Manufacturers have achieved excellent results with small-caliber bottleneck designs, as evidenced by cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 5.7x28 mm. The .30-caliber 7.5 FK continues this legacy and is now chambered in the FK Brno PSD-C.

Firearm Industry Celebrates America's 250th With More Commemorative Options

For the entirety of 2026, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the firearm industry continues to roll out commemorative products to mark the occasion.

Maxed Out: Derya's New MAX Shotgun

The Derya Arms MAX is a new semi-auto shotgun designed for serious competitive shooters that is made entirely in the USA.

Breaking Through the "Bulletproof Bubble"

The "Bulletproof Bubble" is one of the most frustrating things a shooter can experience, because it doesn't make any sense. Every round seems to land all around the exact center of your point of aim instead of in it.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills: Prairie Dogs

Reactive targets, such as prairie dogs, offer many lessons about one’s long-range abilities.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 7, 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.