The Armed Citizen® Aug. 19, 2024

by
posted on August 19, 2024
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A critically injured homeowner in Wilmington, N.C., returned fire against an armed intruder at his front door, saving his own life and the life of his wife.

At about 3 a.m., the 62-year-old homeowner was awakened by the ringing of his front doorbell and pounding on the door. He got up and opened the door for the 74-year-old suspect, who immediately opened fire, critically wounding him. The homeowner's wife attempted to shut the front door as their attacker tried to force his way in. During the struggle, the wounded homeowner grabbed his gun and fired once. The round passed through the door and struck the suspect in the head, killing him.

The homeowner was rushed to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition. He faces no charges. "Last night, a homeowner faced a dire situation when a suspect attempted to forcefully enter his home. In defense of his life and property, the homeowner acted within his rights," New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon said in a release. "Our investigation has determined that the homeowner used necessary force to protect himself and his family." (Star News Online; New Hanover, N.C.; 7/13/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – November 1962

While moving into a new home in North Hollywood, Calif., Robert Fuller, an actor in a television Western series, heard noises at a window. He grabbed a pistol, dashed out the front door and caught a man about to crawl through a window. Fuller held the man at gunpoint while a passing motorist called police. (Associated Press)

Latest

Women outside with rifle on rest
Women outside with rifle on rest

Three Hidden Joys of the Rifle

There is a particular jolt of joy when a shooter nestles behind a perfectly stable rifle and puts the ideal bullet exactly where intended.

New For 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE

The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® July 27, 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.

Making Sense of Conflicting Court Rulings on the AR-15

Various and often conflicting judicial rulings on AR-15s tees up this critical constitutional issue for the U.S. Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear cases challenging bans of these popular semi-automatic in the coming term.

Skills Check: The Meltdown Drill

Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.

EAA Corp. Acquires Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.