The Armed Citizen® June 20, 2016

by
posted on June 20, 2016
** 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 (5)

A 71-year-old Virginia man refused to fall prey to a couple of teenage ruffians who targeted him during an armed robbery attempt; instead, he drew his carry handgun and shot one of the teens to death. The two hoodlums approached the man in an apartment complex. One flashed a gun and then demanded the victim’s valuables. They probably didn’t expect him to have a gun on him or that he’d be prepared to use it. But the man didn’t hesitate to defend himself, shooting an 18-year-old in the chest and chasing off his younger accomplice. Police have since cleared the man, saying the shooting was self-defense, and a 15-year-old has been charged for his role in the attempted armed robbery. (Daily Press, Hampton, VA, 3/14/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
While sitting on his couch watching television, a Buhl, Idaho, man heard a window in the back of his house shatter and witnessed a 32-year-old burglar entering his residence. The homeowner grabbed a 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol and ordered the intruder to lie on the ground. When the thief ignored the armed citizen’s commands, the resident pulled the trigger of his gun, only to have it malfunction. Fortunately, the victim was able to reach a second firearm, after which the suspect finally complied and got on the ground. The culprit was held at gunpoint until sheriff’s deputies could arrive and take him into custody. (Twins Falls Times-News, Twin Falls, ID)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1982
Charles Bradley, a Palm Beach, Fla., blue jeans wholesaler, decided to stand guard at his warehouse, armed with a 12-ga. shotgun. His patience paid off when he heard a pair of burglars stuffing jeans into the trunk of their car. When his order to halt was unheeded, Bradley fired, injuring one thief. Both burglars were later captured by the police. (The Post, Palm Beach, FL)

Latest

Sar Gotw Web
Sar Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Sarsilmaz SAR9 SC Gen3

As part of a new family of guns, SAR USA offers its SAR9 SC Gen3, a small, subcompact, striker-fired design made for daily carry. Watch our video to see this concealable pistol in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 7, 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.

SIG Sauer, GrabAGun Partner On Freedom Series Pistols

SIG Sauer has partnered with GrabAGun to offer three specially finished Freedom Series handguns that pay homage to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Review: Taurus Model 58

Announced publicly in April 2025 at the NRA Annual Meetings and Events convention in Atlanta, Ga., Taurus USA has filled the traditional double-action void of full-size .380-ACP-chambered handguns within its American catalog by launching the Model 58.

Smith & Wesson Announces $150 American Guardians Rebate

Smith & Wesson's American Guardians Rebate program allows military veterans and first responders to get a break on the cost of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.