The Armed Citizen® December 23, 2016

by
posted on December 23, 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 (6)

For those who think that a restraining order can protect a person, remember this: A restraining order is just a piece of paper, and sometimes people don’t abide by it; in fact, sometimes people react with violence to the very idea of one. That’s one takeaway from a defensive shooting that involved parties from two states. A woman called the police to report a stalker was outside the Los Altos Hills, Calif., home where she was staying. She was on the phone with 9-1-1 dispatchers when the suspect forced his way into the home and started shooting at her and others inside the residence. Fortunately, a male resident of the home had grabbed a gun before the intruder entered the house. He shot the bad guy several times. The alleged stalker fled but was later hospitalized and charged with attempted murder. He was then identified as someone the woman had known in Georgia. She had asked for a restraining order against him, though it was unclear if one was issued. (The Mercury News, San Jose, CA, 10/17/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Two young men kicked in the back door of a home one Friday afternoon with one of the men in possession of a gun. A woman who lives in the home fired a gun at both men, striking one in the chest. The men then retreated by jumping off a deck. The wounded intruder died, while the other was charged with murder and burglary. No charges would be filed against the homeowner. (Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, 11/29/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1970
A man wearing a paper-bag mask drew a pistol on Leon Matthews, intending to rob the Augusta, Ga., store, in which Matthews works. Pulling out his own gun, Matthews scared the man out of the store. (Chronicle-Herald, Augusta, GA)

Latest

National Firearm Act
National Firearm Act

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 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.

Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit

Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.