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

Hk G36 22Lr 1
Hk G36 22Lr 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 17, 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.

Standing Strong for Colorado’s Law-Abiding Gun Owners Ahead of Critical Midterms

NRA EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford traveled to Denver this week to discuss gun rights.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot Sight

The optic giant has updated its flagship red-dot sight with a host of upgraded features.

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.