The Armed Citizen® August 27, 2018

by
posted on August 27, 2018
** 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 (7)

Criminals who are hell-bent on causing trouble typically don’t care if someone innocent gets dragged into the fray, but when a law-abiding citizen has a gun, it can help end a thug’s evil intent. A would-be thief at a Massachusetts grocery store used a large knife to hold a customer hostage while he robbed the store. A clerk had a personal firearm and shot the perpetrator three times, prompting him to drop the knife and try to flee. The wounded man was later taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. (WHDH, Worcester, MA, 5/29/18)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A 70-year-old Army veteran and concealed-carry holder was outside his local animal clinic when a pit bull began to attack his service dog, a Weimeraner. The veteran held his dog back as two people tried to pull the pit bull away. When the dogs were separated, the man warned the pit bull’s handler twice that he would shoot the animal if it could not be restrained. The pit bull again broke free from its handlers and attacked the man’s dog. Fearing for his dog’s safety, the elderly man fired twice at the attacking pit bull, killing it. According to Florida law, the veteran was within his right to defend his dog’s life. (AJC, Fernandina Beach, FL, 7/18/18 (AJC, Fernandina Beach, FL, 7/18/18)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
August 1967
Because of recent burglaries, Dennis Dunning was sleeping in the rear of his father’s Tacoma, Wash., sporting goods store. Awakened by the sound of breaking glass, he saw a man coming toward him with a crowbar. One blast from his shotgun dropped the intruder with mortal wounds. (Spokane Daily Chronicle, Tacoma, WA)

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 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.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.