The Armed Citizen® January 2011

by
posted on December 15, 2010
** 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

*Boom! A ruckus woke a woman and her two young children. Her first thought was that an earthquake had occurred, and she quickly called her husband at work to confirm it. No earthquake had been reported. The woman worried that the source of the sound could be something more sinister, so she retrieved her handgun and walked down the hallway. Police said she encountered two burglars in the living room. Terrified, she fired several shots, killing one intruder and wounding the second, who will be arrested after his release from the hospital. "In my opinion, she did all the right things to protect herself and her children," said Police Chief Brandon Clabes. "It's unfortunate a death occurred, but it was a direct result of criminal activity." (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK, 10/22/10)

*Charles Place was walking in a restaurant parking lot when a man snuck up behind him, grabbed him and reached for his wallet. Unfortunately for the suspect, the 83-year-old man was in no mood to become a victim. Police said he resisted and was knocked to the ground. That's when Place drew his .25-cal. semi-automatic handgun, for which he has a permit to carry. He showed his assailant the gun and demanded to be left alone. The suspect fled but was followed by a witness who helped police make the arrest. (The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Daytona Beach, FL, 09/26/10)

Armed Citizen Extra

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

Early one evening, an armed man entered a rural gas station and demanded money. The station owner was carrying a gun, and he and the would-be robber began firing at each other. When it became clear that he needed backup, the suspect ran out to the getaway car, and then a second shooter entered the firefight. The owner then retrieved another handgun he had stashed and stood his ground. The first shooter was found dead in the car of gunshot wounds, the other fled into a nearby forest. The station owner was not injured. (The News & Observer, Micro, NC, 10/16/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

January 1977: When a robber entered her San Antonio, Tex., convenience store and demanded money, Kiern Ahn Buentello pretended she didn't understand English. The man became flustered, and Mrs. Buentello used the opportunity to draw a pistol from beneath the counter. The frightened bandit backed out the front door and fled. (The News, San Antonio, TX)

Latest

25 Weatherby RPM
25 Weatherby RPM

Weatherby Revs Up With Its 25 WBY RPM

The 25 Weatherby RPM might just be the best quarter-bore rifle cartridge yet.

Beretta Releases 500th Anniversary Medal

In honor of its quincentennial, Beretta is offering a keepsake medal with the purchase of certain firearms in 2026.

New for 2026: Mission First Tactical Ultra Low Ride Holster

Mission First Tactical now offers a deep-concealment version of its Boltaron staple.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Night Guard Revolvers

Smith & Wesson brings back the Night Guard series of revolvers in .44 Special and .357 Magnum.

Battle On The Border: Pancho Villa’s Raid On America

In March 1916, Americans living in the quiet town of Columbus, N.M., suddenly found themselves attacked by Mexican bandits, and many citizens sought to arm themselves and fight back, both during the raid and afterward.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 9, 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.