The Armed Citizen® February 2011

by
posted on January 20, 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

*Police said a 32-year-old man was leaving a fast-food restaurant when a robber approached him, demanded cash and threatened him with a box cutter. The would-be victim, who had a concealed carry permit, acted quickly, drawing a handgun and shooting his attacker. The suspect will be arrested pending his release from the hospital. “[In a robbery], you ain’t got time to wait for police,” said local resident Billy Pompey. “Got to protect yourself.” (WALA-TV, Mobile, AL, 11/11/10)

*Stories of armed citizens defending their homes during Hurricane Katrina are well documented, but many may be unaware that the looting and burglaries are ongoing. Lionel Lewis, 61, still lives in a FEMA trailer next to his hurricane-damaged home. One evening he heard someone forcing their way into his home, likely to steal copper pipes. Lewis phoned police, armed himself with a handgun and investigated. “Don’t move,” Lewis told the suspect. Instead, the suspect wheeled around and swung a two-by-four at Lewis, who ducked the blow. The assailant prepared for another swing but, before he could make it, Lewis shot him. Police arrested the would-be burglar and took him to the hospital for treatment. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 11/12/10) Waterbury, Conn., 09/28/10)

Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

As an employee at a Chinese restaurant was ringing up a dinner order, a man drew a gun and began grabbing money from the register. The restaurant owner quickly drew a gun and shot the man who immediately fled and was later found dead a few blocks away. (Republican American, Waterbury, CT, 09/28/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

February 1961: Delicatessen owner Stanley Wasik snatched his cal .38 revolver from under the counter and shot 2 bandits who entered his Chicago shop brandishing guns. One was captured at the scene; the other fled the store and was put under guard when he staggered into a hospital seeking treatment for a bullet wound in the back. (Chicago American, Chicago, IL)

Latest

plastic army soldier
plastic army soldier

Finding The Natural Point Of Aim

Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.

Firearm Ownership Reaches New Record

The NSSF estimates there are more than 32 million modern sporting rifles in circulation.

Preview: Hornady 12th Edition Reloading Manual

While the internet offers quick access to information, trusting unvetted recipes for cooking up ammunition is less than ideal, which is why makers of reloading products like Hornady publish thorough books for such tasks.

Review: Bushmaster V-Radicator

The business of dispatching unwanted critters requires a platform capable of a high degree of accuracy. Nuisance animals such as prairie dogs are both small and skittish in nature, meaning that they tend to keep their distance and scurry away upon the arrival of incoming fire.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson FPC in 5.7x28 mm

The folding carbine line expands to include the 5.7 mm chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 26, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.