The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2012

by
posted on April 24, 2012
** 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 (1)

Home alone, a 17-year-old girl did not answer the door when the door bell rang. Shortly thereafter, she heard someone jump over the gate in the backyard. She then saw a man reach through the home’s doggie door and attempt to unlatch it. The girl quickly armed herself and fired a shot at the doggie door. Without hesitation, the suspect fled. It is unknown whether or not the man was injured. The area was heavily searched, but police were unable to locate the man. (The Arizona Republic, Glendale, Ariz., 2/07/12)

The Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

A man, his pregnant sister-in-law and her small child were at home on a Thursday morning when they were startled by a banging sound on the apartment door. Looking out the window, the residents saw two individuals trying to break in. The people in the home tried barring the door with a couch, but the home invaders got through anyway, one brandishing a pistol. The male apartment resident drew his own firearm and opened fire first, striking the armed intruder and sending his partner scurrying away. The wounded suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and police immediately began a search for his accomplice. (Houston Chronicle, Houston, Tex., 9//24/2010)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

April 1980: Awakened by the cries of her 6-year-old daughter, a Baytown, Tex. Woman spied a male intruder hiding beside her bed. The woman grabbed a pistol she kept under the pillow, took the child in her arms, and ran into the next room. When the intruder followed, she shot him. The wounded man fled, but police later found him hiding in some nearby bushes and wearing only a pair of socks. (Houston Chronicle, Houston, Tex., 1/9)

Latest

W2042 AFF 2007
W2042 AFF 2007

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

New Handloading Helpers: The Latest Reloading Gear From RCBS

When Hodgdon Powder Company took over RCBS in 2024, company leaders said positive change was coming. By looking at the new products RCBS introduced in 2026, it’s clear they were right.

North-South Skirmish Association to Hold 153rd National Competition in May

At the North-South Skirmish Association's 153rd National Competition, members will compete in live-fire matches with original and reproduction muskets, carbines, revolvers, mortars and cannons.

Review: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

What was once a service rifle for a brave new world all those wasted years ago is now running free as a rimfire option for armed citizens.

Steyr's At Series Handguns: All-Metal & Modular

Designed as a collaboration between Steyr Arms and Arex Defense, the At series of handguns are built on metal frames and have several user-customizable features not seen in other offerings.

The Armed Citizen® March 16, 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.