The Armed Citizen® March 14, 2025

by
posted on March 14, 2025
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A suspected intruder is dead after failing to heed warnings and instructions to leave from an armed father in New Mexico.

Police say the 45-year-old suspect began banging on the door of the home and then "broke open the door." He immediately went into the home's kitchen, which was located down the hall from the bedroom where the homeowner's three kids were sleeping. The armed father demanded that the suspect leave his home, and eventually, the intruder attempted to assault the man, causing him to fire at least one round from his handgun.

The suspect fell to the floor of the kitchen, and the homeowner called 911. Responding officers pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. No family members were injured during the incident. No charges have been filed against the homeowner. (The State; La Luz, N.M.; 12/14/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – November 1967

Violence was averted in northwest Washington, D.C., because Mrs. Ellen Von Nardroff took a detective's advice and armed herself with a 20-ga. shotgun.

Detective L.E. Simmons gave her the advice after an intruder broke into her home, attempted to attack her and stole $50. The same man, a husky 6-footer, got halfway upstairs to Mrs. Von Nardroff's bedroom on a noisy second attempt, only to be met by her with the shotgun and a visiting girlfriend with a pistol. The intruder was arrested and held.

Mrs. Von Nardroff said she had practiced considerably with her 20-ga. shotgun after the Washington detective recommended a shotgun, properly handled, as the most effective defensive arm for "a lady who lives alone." (Washington Star)

Latest

Ruger Harrier
Ruger Harrier

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 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.

Does AI Pose a Threat to the 2nd Amendment?

Several recent studies highlighted AI's propensity to dispense anti-Second Amendment propaganda, and more alarmingly, AI also seems willing to sacrifice human lives to avoid being taken offline.

I Have This Old Gun: Winchester 1886 Saddle-Ring Carbine

As our country was celebrating its centennial 150 years ago, Oliver Winchester dominated the lever-action market with his Models 1866 and 1873 and was just introducing the Model 1876.

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection

Looking for a smoke after smoking some targets? The Tactical Cigar Protection case from Gunsmoke Arsenal keeps your stogie secured until you're ready to relax.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.