The Armed Citizen® April 27, 2018

by
posted on April 27, 2018
** 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 (7)

Law-abiding citizens who have a firearm to protect themselves or their loved ones typically use the gun only as a last resort. This was apparently the case in Tulsa, Okla., when the owners of a liquor store that was being robbed tried other options first, but eventually ended up shooting an armed thief. The man entered the store with a shotgun, and the owner’s daughter cooperated with his demands for money, giving him access to the cash register. Video surveillance showed that the thug began to leave but came back. While he was moving away, the owner joined her daughter behind the counter and grabbed a gun. They crouched behind the cover until the bad guy came back around to them and the owner then fired. The troublemaker backed off, but came back, grabbed the owner, pistol whipped her and tried to wrestle the gun from her. At that point, he adult daughter shot the intruder, ending the situation. (Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK, 2/25/18) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A woman left a store one evening and was getting into her vehicle when a man approached her with a hatchet and demanded her keys. In response, the woman retrieved a handgun and ordered the thug to leave. Ignoring her command, the man raised the hatchet, so the woman shot him and kept him at bay until police arrived. Charges for the carjacker are pending upon his release from the hospital. (Tucson & Region, Tucson, AZ, 4/14/18)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1983
Disturbed by noises in the night, a Huntsville, Ala., woman got up to find a man going through her house. At gunpoint, he demanded money and threatened to kill her, then forced her into the bedroom. He repeated the demand to her husband, Willard Shelton, who tossed some bills toward the thug. When the intruder insisted they hand him the cash, Shelton reached for a gun and fatally shot him. (The Times, Huntsville, AL)

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 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.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.