The Armed Citizen® July 3, 2017

by
posted on July 3, 2017
** 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

A gang of would-be invaders learned a lesson the hard way after surprising a 22-year-old male in his Jacksonville, N.C., apartment. While the resident was getting ready to head out to dinner one night, he heard a knock on his apartment door. His mother and a friend were in the home with him, and he wasn’t expecting any visitors. He went to the door and, looking through the peephole, saw an individual dressed in a hoodie. Since he didn’t recognize the person, he grabbed his Glock 30 before opening the door. At first, he saw no one, but as he turned his head to look down the stairs, he was kicked in the face by the stranger, who then tried to force his way into the apartment. The armed citizen fired five shots at the attacker, striking him several times. The thug later died. The apartment dweller noticed several others fleeing after he shot the man in the hooded sweatshirt. Four suspects were subsequently arrested and charged as co-conspirators. Onslow County officials said the armed citizen will not be charged because he was acting in self-defense. (jdnews.com, Jacksonville, NC, 4/27/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A family was at home one afternoon when a group of teenagers broke into the residence by way of an upstairs balcony. While the wife protected the children, the husband grabbed a gun and confronted the intruders, holding them at gunpoint. Two of the intruders ran but were eventually caught. A neighbor called the police and all five were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary. (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Chino Hills, CA, 5/2/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1980
When two armed men entered his Mira Mesa, Calif., coin shop and announced a robbery, owner Roy Collins drew his revolver and exchanged shots with the gunmen. One robber fled, but the other grappled with Collins, pointed a gun at his head and threatened to kill him. At that, Collin’s wife, who had secured her own pistol, shot the would-be robber, critically wounding him. (The Union, San Diego, CA)

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.