The Armed Citizen® March 14, 2016

by
posted on March 14, 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 (3)

What goes through the mind of an armed citizen when he or his family is threatened? A North Carolina businessman who lived through that type of situation said he hated to have to kill a man, but said he couldn’t take a chance because his wife was being chased by a gunman. The businessman, who describes himself as a gun collector and an experienced target shooter, has long kept a shotgun at his jewelry store. When three armed men came in one day in November and started smashing display cases and stealing merchandise, the store owner’s wife ran to the back, yelling, “Gun! Gun!” Her husband grabbed his shotgun and had a fraction of a second to make a decision because one gunman was only three or four feet away. “I’m glad he didn’t (fire) before I did. I was afraid he might,” the store owner said. The thief he shot was killed, but his two accomplices fled. (Winston-Salem Journal, Winston-Salem, NC, 11/10/15)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
After an argument between two Macomb County, Mich., neighbors led to one of the participants physically attacking the other, a woman with a .38 Spl. revolver was able to end the assault—potentially saving the life of the victim. When the woman saw that her boyfriend was on the ground being pummeled in the head by their intoxicated neighbor, she ran to his side with her gun in hand and forced the assailant to retreat. After a tense standoff, the attacker returned to his home, where he was later arrested and charged with felony assault. The 52-year-old victim suffered serious damage to his head, and the armed citizen also had to be hospitalized following the event due to the stress of the altercation. (Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, 11/10/15) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1971

LaVerne K. Berry of Battle Ground, Wash., saw two youths loosening the lug nuts on the wheels of his car. Grabbing a gun, he went out, confronted the youths, apprehended them and held the two until police could arrive. (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 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.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.