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

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 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.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.