The Armed Citizen® June 24, 2016

by
posted on June 24, 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 (6)

Some thug who thought a disabled North Carolinian might be a pushover during a home invasion found out otherwise. The Hickory retiree heard someone knocking, but he didn’t answer the door. Next, he heard glass shattering as the burglar kicked in the back door. The homeowner grabbed his .22-cal. revolver and shot three times at the intruder, striking him twice. “I felt like I was about to have a heart attack,” the resident said. “I didn’t want to do this, but I had to.” The suspect fled, but police found him at a lounge that was about a mile away. He was taken to a medical center for treatment. Charges are expected to be filed against him. (Hickory Daily Record, Hickory, NC, 2/17/16)

The Armed Citizen®Extra
Two juveniles with bandanas covering their faces entered a San Bernardino, Calif., liquor store and attempted to rob the place. At least one of the robbers was armed with a black handgun that would later be determined to be a BB gun. Fearing for their lives, two of the store’s clerks produced legally permitted guns and opened fire on the thieves, hitting one multiple times. Both suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle, but were quickly apprehended by the police. The injured teen was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is not expected to survive his injuries. (The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, CA, 12/27/15)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
November 1960
Delos Badgero, 65, a handy man for a Linden, Mich., auto agency, sleeps inside the business with his double-barrel shotgun nearby. In the past, Badgero has thwarted many acts of vandalism and burglary. Recently, Badgero was again awakened by burglars. This time, he critically wounded one with a single blast and held the other at bay until the police could arrive. (Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI)

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.