The Armed Citizen® December 4, 2012

by
posted on December 4, 2012
** 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

Two armed men stormed into a Dollar General store one evening and attempted to rob it. While the men held the store manager at gunpoint, a 57-year-old man carrying a concealed .45 cal. handgun, who had been shopping at the store at the time of the robbery, took action. The customer did not hesitate to draw his gun and fire at the suspects. One of the men robbing the store suffered fatal wounds to the head, chest and shoulder. The second suspect fled, but was later caught and charged with robbery and felony murder. There were reportedly no other injuries. (The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville, FL, 8/29/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives:

December 1985: Willie Griffin had forced a robber out of his Florence, Calif., store and was phoning police when the man returned. As the robber came at him with a piece of steel pipe, the shopkeeper mortally wounded him with a single shot from his handgun. (The Times, Los Angeles, Calif.)

From The Armed Citizen Archives:

December 1988: Jackson Watkins was watching television when he heard someone remove a third-floor window at his North Philadelphia, Pa., home. Watkins, armed with a handgun, went upstairs where he was charged by an intruder. The 72-year-old homeowner fired a single shot, killing his attacker. No charges were filed against Watkins. (The Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pa.)

Latest

Crosman Raiden 01
Crosman Raiden 01

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 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.

A Cathartic Journey Back to Midway Arms & the MidwayUSA Foundation

NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin returned to MidwayUSA, a place he first visited decades ago in the early 1990s as publisher of Guns & Ammo magazine alongside the late, great Robert E. Petersen.

Review: Steiner MPS-C

The new Steiner MPS-C is the compact but rugged, closed-emitter optic we’ve all been waiting for.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.