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

FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA
FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Trijicon Releases Green-Dot RMR

For the first time, the Trijicon RMR will now be available with a green aiming dot, providing some benefits to shooters with astigmatism and red-green color blindness.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 15, 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.

Firearm Industry Companies Consolidate, Others Close Doors In 2025

This year has already seen some big changes in the firearm industry. They don’t quite reach the tectonic shift in 2020, when legendary firms owned by Remington Outdoor were auctioned off, but there have still been some notable shifts within the industry in 2025.

Preview: Uni-Loader

The easy-to-use Uni-Loader can save high-volume shooters a lot of time and finger pain.

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.