The Armed Citizen® August 20, 2013

by
posted on August 20, 2013
** 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 (2)

Four teens on a crime spree forced their way into the home of 72-year-old Morris Reaves. Two of the teens wore ski masks and one wielded a rifle. Reaves heard the break-in take place and met the youths with his own firearm. Reaves fired two shots at the intruders causing them to flee to a nearby car and drive away. The four suspects were later identified from images taken by Reaves' security camera. They were each arrested and charged with one felony count of kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit burglary, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny after breaking and entering, and misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun. Reaves was not injured during the home invasion. (The Charlotte Observer, Lenoir, NC, 5/20/13)

A Fayette County man accused of trying to burglarize a home was held at gunpoint by a neighbor until deputies arrived. The Fayette deputies received a call from a neighbor who said her husband had armed himself with a handgun and gone to the nearby house to confront burglars and hold them until police arrived. Deputies arrived 12 minutes later and found the husband detaining the two intruders. The neighbor said he had been working in his garden when he saw the intruders going into the house. The house, which was unoccupied and under renovation, was not locked and they entered through the front door looking for wiring, according to deputies. (Charleston Daily Mail, Charleston, WV, 6/17/13)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

February 1978: Awakened by her 11-year-old daughter's cries for help, Elizabeth Williams of Birmingham, Ala., investigated and found a burglar inside her home. While scuffling with the intruder, she called out to the child to notify police and get a gun. When the little girl did so, the robber attempted to escape. As he headed for the back door, Mrs. Williams fired twice, wounding the man, then held him until police arrived. (The Post-Herald, Birmingham, Ala.)

Latest

45 ACP M1911
45 ACP M1911

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.