The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2011

by
posted on July 13, 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

When a noise woke an 84-year-old grandmother, she noticed her hall light was on and knew something was awry. The sharp-thinking, independent woman opened a nightstand drawer and quickly grabbed her .38-cal. revolver. “My mind told me to get that gun,” she explained. No sooner had she done so than an intruder appeared at the bedroom door. The woman fired a shot, striking the wall. The intruder ran out the back door, which he had kicked in. (KTVU-TV, Oakland, CA, 03/03/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A 26-year-old man's burglary attempt was foiled when the homeowner of the house he was attempting to break into ended up being at home. When the homeowner discovered that his door was being forced open, he approached the would-be burglar with a gun, causing the man to flee on foot. He was arrested shortly after by police and charged with second-degree burglary. (Press-Republican, 02/05/11)

 

From The Armed Citizen Archive

July 1961: Because of recent burglaries, druggist John Skinner had been sleeping in his San Francisco store. Awakened by sounds of drilling, Skinner armed himself with a cal. .32 pistol and went around back to accost 2 men. Told to halt, they began edging in opposite directions. Skinner fired a warning shot, then felled one with a bullet to the leg as both ran. (Oakland Tribune)

Latest

Benelli M4 EXT shotgun
Benelli M4 EXT shotgun

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Great American Outdoor Show Opens Feb. 7

America's largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts opens Feb. 7 and runs through Feb. 15.

New for 2026: CCI Blazer Brass Clean-Fire Ammunition

With the huge boom in suppressor sales, CCI has ammo designed for suppressed firearms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.