The Armed Citizen® April 21, 2017

by
posted on April 21, 2017
** 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)

Early one morning in March, a family in Fresno, Calif., noticed a man carrying a soda bottle and pouring liquid outside the perimeter of their home. The homeowner grabbed his firearm and went outside to investigate. When he confronted the intruder, the stranger attempted to set the homeowner on fire by tossing what turned out to be gasoline from the bottle onto the armed citizen and flicking a lighter at him. The resident fired a shot at the assailant, who grabbed a board as a weapon. The homeowner fired a second shot, after which the troublemaker dropped the board and acquiesced to the resident, who held the man at gunpoint until police arrived. The suspect was arrested and charged with attempted arson, assault with a deadly weapon and trespassing. Apparently, this was not the first time that the mischief-maker had allegedly damaged the home; two previous incidents in February were what prompted the citizen to buy a gun for protection. (Fresnobee.com, Fresno, CA, 3/1/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Late one evening, an armed man entered a Dairy Queen and began pointing a gun at employees. Before the would-be robber had a chance to do real harm, one of the employees, who had a concealed-carry permit, shot the intruder. The intruder then fled on foot and was located several hours later by police and taken to a hospital. (WKYC.com, Mayfield Heights, OH, 2/20/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1980
Timothy Lamprey, a police officer, was awakened by the doorbell at his Fairview Township, Pa., home. As he reached for a bathrobe, Lamprey heard someone break a window and come inside. When the intruder, a 17-year-old boy, eased into the bedroom, Lamprey grabbed his service revolver and apprehended him. (The Evening News, Harrisburg, PA)

Latest

CZ 75 Legend 01
CZ 75 Legend 01

The CZ 75 Legend: Rebirth of an Icon

If you make a short list of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century, the CZ 75 would make the cut. A half century since its introduction, CZ is honoring that legendary status with the CZ 75 Legend.

39 New Rifles for 2026

Today's new rifles run the gamut from the latest and greatest packed with the most up-to-date features money can buy to retro-inspired models that give us a glimpse of the way things used to be if you wanted to send a bullet "over there somewhere."

The Armed Citizen® June 1, 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.

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

Review: Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm Riflescope

With a 10X magnification range, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm riflescope is ideal for close-range targets, long-range pursuits and everything in between.

Study Shows Widespread Public Approval for Self-Defense, Recreational Shooting

Research conducted by Responsive Management annually for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) found that, in 2025, 78 percent of adult residents in the United States believe learning self-defense skills with a firearm is completely acceptable.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.