The Armed Citizen® July 7, 2011

by
posted on July 7, 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

Sitting at his kitchen table, a long-time NRA member and competitive shooter was alarmed when a masked intruder walked through the front door wielding a knife. “Who the [expletive] are you?” the NRA member demanded, but the intruder just mumbled something and progressed toward him. The NRA member grabbed for the intruder’s knife hand, receiving lacerations. He continued struggling with the intruder with his left hand, and reached into his pocket with his right, drawing a .38-cal. revolver. “Get the [expletive] out of here or I’m going to shoot you!” the NRA member shouted. The intruder backed away, saying, “I’m an alcoholic; I’m not going to get shot over this.” He fled the scene. (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Walla Walla, WA, 03/30/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

Around 10 o'clock in the evening, a woman was home alone when an unknown man began knocking on her door and ringing the doorbell incessantly. Fearing a break-in, the woman called 9-1-1 and armed herself. When the man began to kick down the door, the homeowner fired two shots, causing him to flee. He was arrested later at a local hospital and charged with first degree burglary. (Press-Register, Mobile, AL, 10/16/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

July 1961: Five years ago, when Martin Block was robbed in his Philadelphia haberdashery, he vowed, "I will not be held up again without a fight." Recently 2 bandits entered Block's shop, one shoving a Luger pistol in his face and demanding all the money. Block drew his cal. .25 automatic. The bandit squeezed the Luger's trigger and a hollow click sounded. Block fired and shot the gunman in the head at short range. The confederate fled the store. (Philadelphia Bulletin, Philadelphia, PA)

Latest

Guns Of Shanghai F
Guns Of Shanghai F

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

New For 2026: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP LPVO Riflescope

Previously offered in 1-6X and 1-8X variants, new for 2026, Vortex is introducing the Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP riflescope.

Gun of the Week: Ruger RXM

On the surface, the RXM appears to be similar to the Glock G19-inspired selection of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols on the market, but a closer look reveals that there's much more to this modular design.

Rifleman Q&A: How Frequently Should You Clean?

AN NRA member and his brother have identical rifles. One brother cleans every time he shoots. The other cleans every 100 rounds. Which barrel will last longer?

The Armed Citizen® March 20, 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.

NRA Launches New Official App

The National Rifle Association proudly unveiled its new official NRA App today, marking a significant milestone in enhancing member engagement and delivering convenient access to essential NRA resources on the go.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.