The Armed Citizen® June 26, 2017

by
posted on June 26, 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 (7)

Burglars might not be the brightest people in the world, but one in Alabama was smart enough to recognize the sound of a gun being cocked, after which he knew enough to give up and let the homeowner hold him at gunpoint until the police arrived. The family had been sleeping when the sound of breaking glass woke up the parents. While the mother called 9-1-1, the father grabbed a handgun and went into the living room, where he saw someone hiding behind the sofa. The armed citizen cocked his gun, and the intruder raised his hands and asked the man not to shoot. (al.com, Montgomery, AL, 3/28/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Late one Friday night, a couple was at home when a trespasser tried to enter their home through a broken window. The husband shot the intruder in the arm, while the wife called the police. When police arrived, they searched and found the burglar and an accomplice. Both were arrested on multiple accounts related the the home invasion. (The Union, Downieville, CA, 4/23/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1961
When Rufus Freeman caught two safecrackers in his store near Minter City, Miss., and one turned on him with a shotgun, Freeman killed him with his own shotgun. The pistol-armed accomplice ran through the store firing at Freeman, and the storekeeper felled him with one more blast. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, Minter City, MS)

Latest

New Large-Format Pistols for 2026
New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.