The Armed Citizen® August 28, 2015

by
posted on August 28, 2015
** 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)
Hey, burglars, a North Carolina sheriff has the lowdown for you: If you’re breaking into someone’s home because you have a drug habit, break into the home of a drug dealer—it’s safer than picking a home at random. Catawba County Sheriff Coy Reid offered that advice after a homeowner used a 12-ga. shotgun to kill one of two people who had kicked down his door and entered his home in late February. The dead man had a criminal record of misdemeanor and felony charges. The second suspect fled after the shooting; if apprehended, he could face murder charges because a death occurred during the commission of a crime. North Carolina has a “stand your ground” law, and charges against the homeowner are not expected. (Hickory Daily Record, Hickory, NC, 2/25/15) 

Two good Samaritans from Rockford, Ill., attempted to intervene during a public domestic dispute and were rewarded for their good deed by being attacked by one of the actors. The pair was traveling in a pickup truck when they encountered a couple arguing in or near a sport utility vehicle. When they approached the arguing couple, the man in the dispute used his vehicle to strike one of the interceders. Seeing that the driver of the automobile was preparing to hit the victim again, in an effort to protect his friend the other man produced his legally concealed handgun and fired five shots in the direction of the driver. While he was not struck by any bullets, the fusillade did cause the driver of the vehicle to jump a curb and crash into a street sign. When police arrived the suspect was charged with aggravated battery with a vehicle and domestic battery. Neither good Samaritan was seriously injured during the incident. (Rockford Register Star, Rockford, IL, 6/20/15) From

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1970
Noticing someone breaking into a neighbor’s apartment, Gary Messersmith, of Santa Ana, Calif., phoned police and went to the rear of the apartment with his shotgun. He arrived in time to intercept a man climbing out of the rear window with a typewriter. Messersmith covered him until police arrived. (Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA)

Latest

CZ 75 Legend 01
CZ 75 Legend 01

The CZ 75 Legend: Rebirth of an Icon

If you make a short list of the most influential handgun designs of the 20th century, the CZ 75 would make the cut. A half century since its introduction, CZ is honoring that legendary status with the CZ 75 Legend.

39 New Rifles for 2026

Today's new rifles run the gamut from the latest and greatest packed with the most up-to-date features money can buy to retro-inspired models that give us a glimpse of the way things used to be if you wanted to send a bullet "over there somewhere."

The Armed Citizen® June 1, 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.

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

Review: Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm Riflescope

With a 10X magnification range, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm riflescope is ideal for close-range targets, long-range pursuits and everything in between.

Study Shows Widespread Public Approval for Self-Defense, Recreational Shooting

Research conducted by Responsive Management annually for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) found that, in 2025, 78 percent of adult residents in the United States believe learning self-defense skills with a firearm is completely acceptable.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.