The Armed Citizen® February 6, 2012

by
posted on February 6, 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

It was 4 a.m. when Donna Hopper awoke to a stranger attempting to enter her home. When she refused to open the door, the man announced, “I’m coming in!” Hopper wasn’t sure what to do. “That’s when it came to me-I had a gun,” she recalled. Hopper had purchased a .38-cal. revolver just months prior for safety following the death of her husband. She retrieved the gun just in time as the burglar began prying open the window. That’s when she heard the voice of her father, a longtime police officer, in her head: Two hands, Donna. Keep your elbows straight. She opened fire and connected with the burglar on the third shot. The next day she returned to the gun store where she purchased her firearm to buy a cleaning kit. Shoppers praised her actions. “They all said, ‘Thank you. You’re a brave woman,’” noted Hopper. “I said, ‘No, I’m a scared old woman who just happened to have a gun.’” (The Record Searchlight, Redding, CA, 10/23/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

Ater having his home burglarized several times in previous weeks, a Louisiana homeowner was prepared when he heard someone forcing their way into his house one evening. The homeowner retrieved his .38-cal. pistol, faced the intruder and-fearing for his life-fired a shot, striking the man. After receiving medical attention, the intruder was arrested. (The Rayne Indepenent, Rayne, LA, 05/27/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

February 1977: When two armed men bent on robbery strolled into R.M. Coulon's New Orleans La., pharmacy, Coulon pulled a cal. .38 revolver, shot one robber and sent the other running straight into the hands of detectives who had been following the pair. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, La.)

Latest

Trend Summer Ending
Trend Summer Ending

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 2025

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.