The Armed Citizen® July 17, 2012

by
posted on July 17, 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 (2)

Police were called after a man shot a pit bull that had attacked his 11-year-old son. The dog belonged to a neighbor and had broken free of its leash before it bit the boy. The boy’s father retrieved a handgun and fired one shot when the dog lunged toward him. The wounded dog ran off, but was later located and taken to be euthanized. The boy was treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. (The Press-Enterprise, Riverside County, CA, 4/8/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

July 1977: A gang of juvenile delinquents was terrorizing a 67-year-old woman across the street from the Oklahoma City home of Noel D. Highfill, 72. Highfill reached for a shotgun, ran into his yard and fired, sending the youthful criminals running. (The Oklahoma Journal, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

May 1981: John and Deby Matthews were asleep early one morning in their Las Cruces, N.M., home when they heard the sounds of cabinet doors opening and closing. John leaped from bed and tackled the intruder, while Deby grabbed a 12-ga. shotgun and followed behind. They held a youthful housebreaker until police arrived. (The Sun-News, Las Cruces, N.M.)

Latest

The Armed Citizen Podcast Savani F
The Armed Citizen Podcast Savani F

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 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.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Honoring America’s 250th and Those Who Defend It

Winchester Ammunition and Bass Pro Shops logos were both featured on the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 race in May.

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.