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

Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Review: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger recently released a variant of its popular 10/22 made with modern materials and incorporating performance-minded engineering: the 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Winchester Celebrates USA 250th With Commemorative Ammo Line

Winchester Ammunition's special line of commemorative ammunition honors the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, with unique packaging that honors the American heritage.

BANISH Suppressors Introduces BANISH 556

BANISH Suppressors introduced its BANISH 556, a full-auto rated suppressor with controlled-flow technology that the company claims is the "most advanced 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. suppressor on the market."

The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

Philip Schreier, director of the NRA Museums, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

America 250: The Tradition Of The Armed Citizen Lives On

The Declaration of Independence reaffirmed the right to self-determination—and the uniquely American practice of keeping and bearing arms allowed a new nation to thrive.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 5, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.