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

Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1
Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.