The Armed Citizen® December 29, 2011

by
posted on December 29, 2011
** 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

Upon noticing a car following him into his neighborhood late one night, a homeowner had a bad feeling. Once he turned into his driveway, the car crept by, turned around and again drove by before stopping. Then he heard someone running up the driveway. He retrieved a pistol from the glove box and got out of the vehicle just in time to spot two suspects sprinting toward him. They were armed and demanded cash. “It was all probably a second,” he explained. “It was just so fast.” The homeowner aimed and fired at one of his assailants, killing him. The second man fled. Though the suspects could have killed him, the homeowner harbors no ill will. “My prayers go out to the family,” he said. “That was still someone’s child.” (Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, S.C., 08/30/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

Out of jail for less than a week, a California parolee made a bad call one morning when he knocked on the door of a nearby home and, after getting no response, forced the door open. The intruder was met by the homeowner who held a firearm and demanded the intruder leave his property. The intruder refused, charging at the homeowner who fired a shot and struck the suspect in the leg. The would-be thief fled in a nearby car. (The Salinas Californian, Prunedale, CA, 10/21/10)

From the Armed Citizen Archives

December 1978: When a Lexington, Ala., restaurant owner got home and heard his wife screaming, he ran next door, got his father's shotgun and returned to confront two armed men who were trying to tie up his wife. In the ensuing exchange, the restaurateur sustained several small caliber wounds but still managed to mortally shoot both of the attackers. (The Daily Corinthian, Corinth, Miss.)

Latest

Keltec KP50 01
Keltec KP50 01

KelTec's KP50: The "Next Evolution Of The PDW"

KelTec has been a consistent innovator in the 5.7 mm firearm market, and its latest design, the KP50, utilizes a bottom-mounted, P90-style magazine that provides an on-board capacity of up to 100 rounds.

The Role of the Pocket Pistol

A backup gun deserves your best effort and attention. Here’s why.

The Future Of American Rifleman

Greetings! As you are no doubt aware based on the cover wrap of this issue and your January edition, big changes are afoot at NRA. American Rifleman will now publish a quarterly print magazine and a monthly digital edition.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 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.

Prices On Rifles, Ammo, Optics & Suppressors Dropped In 2025, According To Retail Report

The average price enthusiasts paid for ammunition, rifles, optics and suppressors dropped in 2025, according to a recently released RetailBI Report.

Preview: A-Zoom Snap Caps Instructor Pack

Firearm safety is a primary concern for all gun owners, which is a substantial part of what your NRA strives to ingrain into the shooting public, and products like Snap Caps help make this training both easier and safer.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.