The Armed Citizen® August 3, 2018

by
posted on August 3, 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

Being 70 and home alone during a break-in might spell trouble, but a woman in Pennsylvania had one thing working in her favor: She owns a gun. When a man broke a window and climbed into her house early one morning, she was prepared. As she heard the intruder coming up the stairs, she grabbed the gun—one she had inherited from her mother. After he opened the door to her room, she fired multiple times, striking him at least once. Though the bullet only grazed his arm, it was enough to send him scurrying off. The suspect ran to a nearby car wash and called 9-1-1 to report being shot. He was taken for medical treatment and faces charges. (Associated Press, Philadelphia, PA, 5/5/18) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A man woke to the sound of his front door being kicked in. After arming himself, he stepped outside to investigate and saw an intruder. The trespasser immediately fired at the homeowner, who in return fired back, hitting the man. The intruder ran from the scene, collapsing a short distance away. Police arrived and took the trespasser to a local hospital. Charges were pending against the trespasser as well as a juvenile accomplice who later turned himself in to police. No charges were expected to be filed against the homeowner, as it was deemed a self-defense situation. (Indian River Press Journal, Indian River County, FL, 2/2/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
August 1981
Buffalo, N.Y., welfare worker Mary Guidice was working at her desk in the Rath County Office Building when a recipient, enraged by the news that he would have to fill out some forms to receive benefits, began beating a welfare examiner. Guidice pulled her licensed pistol and subdued the attacker. (The Evening News, Buffalo, NY)

Latest

Match Ready M1 Garand 1
Match Ready M1 Garand 1

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 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.