The Armed Citizen® August 6, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their 2nd Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on August 6, 2021
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A homeowner in Lake County, Fla., stood his ground when an intruder came onto his property and refused to leave on July 31, 2021.

It all started that Saturday when the homeowner noticed a strange man walk into his back yard and into the screened-in pool area. The homeowner walked out and confronted the man, asking him “What are you doing?” The intruder didn't give an answer, but instead asked for a drink of water. Weary over the situation and nature of his uninvited guest, the homeowner then retrieved a snub-nosed .357-cal. revolver and ordered the intruder to leave.

However, the intruder refused to do so, instead choosing to rip the screen door to the pool area before jumping into the water. The homeowner called police and held the intruder at gunpoint until they arrived. After police arrived and eventually got the intruder into custody, he asked for water again. When given a bottle, he sprayed it onto a deputy. The intruder turned out to be a repeat drug offender, and was arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, trespassing, criminal mischief and resisting arrest. (villages-news.com, The Villages, Fla., 08/02/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - December 1982

After two earlier visits, a man entered a Bell Gardens, Calif., furniture store and, displaying a gun, forced proprietor Raymond Nitkin into a back room. Shoved aside when the gunman was distracted by the presence of two young employees, the shopkeeper ducked behind a refrigerator and drew his own gun. An ensuing exchange of gunfire dropped the gunman. Police later identified the injured man as an escaped convicted murderer. (The Times, Los Angeles, Calif.)

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 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.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.