The Armed Citizen® June 16, 2023

by
posted on June 16, 2023
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A man and woman sitting inside a vehicle near a park in Kelso, Wash., were assaulted by two men, forcing the male driver of the car to defend himself and his companion on April 27, 2023.

At about 4:30 p.m. that Thursday, the man and woman were sitting inside their vehicle in the driveway of their house when a pair of men approached the car. One of the suspects, a 21-year-old male, approached the driver's side door, opened it and then allegedly began assaulting the man, accusing him of being in a rival gang. The driver drew a concealed handgun, exited the car during the assault and opened fire. The shot struck the other suspect, a 19-year-old male, and both subjects fled the scene.

Police responded and found the armed citzen, who acknowledged that he had fired a shot at the assault suspects. The armed citizen was temporarily detained while police obtained witness statements and video recording of the altercation, which supported his self-defense claim. He was released without charges.

The wounded assailant was located in a vehicle nearby with the other suspect and was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both suspects were booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of 4th Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass. (Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office; Kelso, Wash.; 4/27/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1962

While making a routine check of his sporting goods store in Monahans, Texas, Lyle Saunders heard noises in a back room. He drew his gun, discovered a burglar at work, and held the intruder until police arrived. (Monahans News; Monahans, Texas)

Latest

Hunter in gun store
Hunter in gun store

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

A Deadly Testing Ground: Guns of the Spanish Civil War

Great powers have often used smaller conflicts as test beds for new weapon systems, and also as dumping grounds for obsolete machinery. The Spanish Civil War was one such conflict.

Sequel: The New Taurus Judge

Not content to merely mark the gun's 20th anniversary with a special engraved edition, Taurus also introduced the New Taurus Judge this year.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 3, 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.