The Armed Citizen® March 14, 2012

by
posted on March 14, 2012
** 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

Tim Patterson was cooking at The Big Yellow Mobile Kitchen as he did every day when he heard a scream coming from the parking lot of a nearby Goodwill store. He rushed toward the cries for help and didn’t hesitate to draw his Kimber 1911 .45 when he saw that a man had grabbed hold of a woman and had a knife to her throat. “Drop it or I’ll shoot you!” Patterson warned. The assailant immediately released the woman, dropped the knife, raised his arms and fled. The victim, a Goodwill employee who was carrying a bank deposit in her purse at the time of the attempted robbery, was not injured. (Coeur d’Alene Press, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 11/30/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A pregnant California homeowner saw two men enter her home one morning, but couldn't get to a phone, so instead she grabbed a handgun to defend herself. When she came face-to-face with the intruders, she ordered them to flee, saying she didn't want to have to shoot them. The men advanced toward her and she fired a shot, missing the suspects but causing them to flee. Police were in pursuit of the men when this went to press. (The Times Standard, Eureka, CA, 01/26/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

March 1975: While Dan Cassin was stacking shelves in his Atlanta, Ga., store, two robbers rushed in, fired at least one shot, and then started thrashing the store cleanup man. Cassin immediately pulled out his cal. .38 pistol and shot one intruder to death. "They came in like storm troopers, shooting and beating people," Cassin said. "I just couldn't stand and watch." (The South Middlesex News, Framingham, Mass.)

Latest

LCP Max Magpul 01
LCP Max Magpul 01

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

The Armed Citizen® May 1, 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.

Training & Gear for Active Shooter Response

For armed civilians, developing an active-shooter response plan isn’t about playing hero. It’s about having the right gear and the skills to decisively use them if violence finds you.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.