The Armed Citizen® July 21, 2015

by
posted on July 21, 2015
** 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 (3)
Even a planned robbery can go wrong when the targeted victim has a gun. Two masked men armed with wooden ax handles cut power to Nicholas Dziyak’s trailer in West Pike Run Township, Pa., intending to lure him outside and rob him. Although Dziyak, 74, was struck several times in the head and chest, he had the wherewithal to pull out his handgun and shoot one of the assailants, who died at the scene. The second suspect has been charged with robbery and aggravated assault. Dziyak was treated for head injuries and contusions. Police said the dead man and Dziyak had a working relationship and that a business disagreement preceded the planned attack. (The Observer-Reporter, Washington PA, 12/30/14)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A Fort Lauderdale, Fla. woman was behind the wheel of her vehicle, Saturday afternoon, when she was shot in self-defense. According to the police, the woman was trying to run over a man with her vehicle, which prompted her target to draw his gun and shoot at her. The woman was wounded, but her injuries were considered to be non-life-threatening. Police are still investigating how the scenario unfolded, but so far the man has not been arrested for the defensive use of his gun. (Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2/21/15)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
November 1966
North Hollywood, Calif., liquor store owner Brooks Burton faced the same gunman who had robbed him three times previously. The bandit ordered Burton to the rear of his shop where he took money from the safe and Burton’s wallet. As the bandit turned to leave, Burton moved to the cash register and got his own gun. The armed thug fired one shot at the storekeeper who followed him out, shooting at the robber. The bandit returned fire then suddenly cried, “I’m hit!” He threw his gun in front of him and collapsed in the street. He was dead on arrival at the hospital. (Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Los Angeles, CA)

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 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.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.