The Armed Citizen® April 20, 2014

by
posted on April 20, 2014
** 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (5)

After an argument occurred at a house party, one man was asked to leave. The 27-year-old man returned a short time later with a rifle and began firing shots outside the home. According to witnesses, the man then pointed the rifle at several people attending the party. A 39-year-old partygoer took action to stop what could have resulted in tragedy; he pulled out his own firearm and shot the man brandishing the rifle. The assailant was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported. (KPHO.com, Glendale, Ariz., 10/20/13)

A homeowner was awakened by noises in and around his home shortly before 4 a.m. When he went to investigate, he found a man he did not know climbing through a window that had just been broken. The resident had armed himself with his handgun and ordered the intruder not to move. Instead of complying, the intruder turned toward the resident prompting him to fire. The intruder then jumped out the same window and fled. His body, however, was discovered only a short distance from the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. (Ravalli Republic, Corvallis, Ore., 3/18/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

August 1977: 12-year-old Pamela Thompson was alone in her Baltimore, Md., home when she heard someone breaking in. Since the house had no telephone, she could not summon help. So she loaded a cal. .22 rifle and fired once, hitting the would-be robber, who was later apprehended by police. (The Sun, Baltimore, Md.)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.