The Armed Citizen® April 15, 2019

by
posted on April 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)

Out in Boyds Mills, Pa., a man in his 90s awoke to the sound of someone banging loudly on the rear entrance of his home. The elderly homeowner approached the door with his gun to investigate the situation. Outside, there was an unknown man who was demanding to be let inside for a cigarette. The homeowner refused to provide entry and told the man to leave the premises. Undeterred, the trespasser stated that he was coming inside anyway and pulled a weapon from his pocket. Fearing for his life, the armed citizen raised and fired his gun—hitting the trespasser in the leg—before retreating to his bedroom and calling 911. Police arrived and transported the wounded trespasser to the hospital before filing charges against him. (The Wayne Independent, Boyds Mills, Pa., 1/15/19)

Armed Citizen Extra
An attempted home robbery went badly for the robbers one Wednesday afternoon in Chattanooga, Tenn. After a relative of the homeowner let some burglars in through the front door, before demanding money himself, the intended victim sprang quickly into action. Seizing a nearby pistol, the homeowner commenced firing at the intruders, hitting and fatally wounding one. A brief physical altercation with his relative, who ultimately fled, ended the affair. (Times Free Press, Chattanooga, Tenn., 3/27/2019)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1971
When Virgil Oliver heard someone break a window in his grocery store in Morehouse, Mo., he grabbed a gun and went to investigate. He caught a man going through the cash drawer and detained him for police. (Sikeston, Mo., The Daily Standard)

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 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.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.