The Armed Citizen® December 12, 2016

by
posted on December 12, 2016
** 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 (3)

Sounds of a break-in woke up a woman at her residence in Gwinnett County, Ga., one night. The woman retrieved her handgun and went to check out the disturbance. She saw at least three men coming in through her front door. “At that point she began firing rounds from her handgun and struck at least one suspect in the torso killing him,” explained Cpl. Deon Washington, a public information officer for the Gwinnett County Police Department. Another foe fired back at the woman before he and his accomplice fled the scene. No charges were filed against the armed citizen. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, GA, 9/17/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
One Sunday evening, an older gentleman was in his home when two men entered, both wearing masks and brandishing hunting-type knives. The men proceeded to rob him, but the resident had a rifle and shot them both, killing one and wounding the other. The homeowner was not injured and is cooperating with investigators. (The Saginaw News, Tawas City, MI, 11/15/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1970
Frank Messineo of Downey, Calif., ignored his doorbell when it rang at 3 a.m. But a few minutes later, he heard someone entering his apartment through a side window. Messineo took a .25 automatic and captured the burglar. (Daily Signal, Huntington, CA)

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.