The Armed Citizen® February 12, 2021

by
posted on February 12, 2021
** 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

A homeowner in Polk County, Fla., defended his home and family from an erratic intruder on the morning of Feb. 7, 2021.

The incident began that Sunday morning when the homeowner's wife heard banging at the front door of the home and woke her husband. Their three children were also asleep inside the house. The homeowner went to the front door to check on the noise when he discovered it had been forced open. In response, he armed himself with a handgun.

The homeowner then looked out the door, where he saw the intruder acting erratically while swearing at him. The intruder then ran straight at the homeowner, who fired a single round at the would-be attacker. The round struck the intruder, who then turned around and then began to walk away. That wasn't the end of it, though, as the intruder turned back around and once again charged the homeowner.

The homeowner fired another shot that struck the intruder, incapacitating him. The intruder was taken to a local hospital by first responders, where he died shortly thereafter. As it turned out, the intruder was a man who lived in the neighborhood and had a criminal history that included nine past felonies. (wfla.com, Tampa, Fla., 02/08/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives February 1975

Hearing screams coming from a store near his office, real estate broker Charles W. Parker, an NRA member of Jackson Heights, N.Y., grabbed his .38-cal. snub-nosed revolver, dashed next door and captured a would-be robber. The local police department awarded him a Legion of Honor plaque for "exceptional bravery."

An NRA certified pistol, rifle and shotgun instructor, Parker has won over 40 trophies for marksmanship. The Greater New York Pistol League recognized his action with an "outstanding citizen award" inscribed "Someone Who Cared to Get Involved." (The Sunday News, New York, N.Y.)

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.