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

New Large-Format Pistols for 2026
New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.