The Armed Citizen® Feb. 9, 2026

Real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

by
posted on February 9, 2026
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

Just before 5 a.m. on Jan. 30, a 56-year-old homeowner reportedly found a burglar inside his home in Wichita, Kan. Police told reporters a “confrontation occurred” and the homeowner shot the alleged intruder in the leg. The 40-year-old suspect was in serious but stable condition and was to be arrested upon release from the hospital. (kansas.com, Wichita, Kan., 2/3/26)

 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – October 1991

Describing her attacker as a man who had once been "one of the family," Juliette Blackmon, 81, of Kansas City, Mo., was forced to take action when he tried to rob them. After asking to use the bathroom, the man instead grabbed a knife from the kitchen and threatened her and her husband, Elliot.

Elliot picked up a pistol from the bedroom, however, and passed it to his wife. Firing twice, she killed the man. "I had to do it," she said. "I'm a Christian woman, but we have to have protection." (The Star, Kansas City, Kans.)

Latest

Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7

Review: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7

Having more guns chambered in 5.7 mm is a great thing, and the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 5.7 is a welcome addition to the growing world of 5.7 mm firearms.

Ruger Moves HQ to North Carolina

Ruger quietly relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C., marking the end of the company's management presence in the town where it was founded in 1949.

Honest EDC: A Realistic Assessment of Your Concealed Carry Kit

The problem is not that most concealed-carry loadouts are bad. The problem is that most concealed-carry kits are never re-examined against reality.

The Rideout Arsenal Dragon: Thinking Way Outside The Box

Over the years, many designers have attempted to use a low-bore axis to result in a flat-shooting pistol. One of these attempts, the Rideout Arsenal Dragon, is now more than a concept. It’s on the market.

The Armed Citizen® June 8, 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.

Inside Today's Super-Short Riflescopes: What You Gain & What You Lose

Several new "super-short" riflescopes have hit the market recently, and they've become popular. But what are you giving up in these compact dimensions...and what are you gaining?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.