The Armed Citizen® April 3, 2014

by
posted on April 3, 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

Mabel Fletcher, 64, was sleeping when her dog woke her with a forewarning bark. She scrambled in the dark for the 9 mm handgun that she keeps in the nightstand next to her bed. As Fletcher retrieved her firearm, a woman she did not know came into her bedroom. The woman advanced threateningly, so Fletcher fired. The woman continued to act erratically and threw things at Fletcher, including an ironing board. Fletcher described the incident, "She was wild. I didn't want to shoot her, but I didn't want to get hurt. I told her to stop, but she kept coming at me." Fletcher fired a second time, but the woman lunged at her once again. Fletcher fired a third and final time, causing the intruder to flee through a window. The intruder was later arrested and is facing charges including aggravated burglary, drug abuse, possession of drug abuse instruments and criminal trespass. (The Enquirer, Middletown, Ohio, 9/5/13)

A woman entered Diamond Star AZ Jewelry around 4:30 p.m. carrying a gun. When the owner of the jewelry store spotted the gun, he pulled out his own firearm. The two exchanged gunfire. Both the would-be robber and the store owner sustained non-life-threatening injuries. After being shot, the woman fled the store only to be arrested just a few blocks away. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Ariz., 1/15/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

July 1977: Two holdup men, disguised as electric company employees, entered the New York City apartment of Carlos Rodriguez and forced his wife and small son into a rear room. As the two thieves ransacked the place, Rodriguez and a friend, Manual Liriano, unexpectedly walked in. The robbers opened fire, wounding Rodriguez, but Liriano, firing his own legally-registered pistol, killed one thug and wounded the other. (The Daily News, New York, N.Y.)

Latest

Henry Guns For Great Causes F
Henry Guns For Great Causes F

Firearm Industry Philanthropic Efforts Endure, Despite Lagging Gun Sales

Gun sales in 2025 may not eclipse records, but the firearm industry’s generosity continues to abound, even within challenging economic circumstances.

Product : Ten21 Tactical “The Junk Drawer” Tripod Hammock

Precision shooters using tripods to support their rifles can keep miscellaneous gear organized and within reach by attaching The Junk Drawer by Ten21 Tactical to the tripod’s legs.

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

A Jakl In Bullpup Clothing: Palmetto State Armory's Olcan

Palmetto State Armory adapted its piston-driven Jakl rifle design into a bullpup configuration it calls the Olcan.

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.