The Armed Citizen® March 16, 2014

by
posted on March 16, 2014
** 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 (1)

Shortly before midnight, three men entered Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall brandishing weapons and attempted to rob the polka bar. The owner of the business, Andy Kochanski, pulled out his own firearm and fired on the suspects, killing one. The other two robbers fled the scene, but were later arrested. "I defended myself," said Kochanski. "I did the shooting. Two guys with guns, what are you going to do? Protect yourself and your customers, that's what I did." (The Huffington Post, Milwaukee, Wis., 8/19/13)

Jeanna Harris, 43, was asleep when an intruder forced his way into her home through a patio door. Around 1:15 a.m. Harris awoke to the sound of someone rummaging through the belongings in her bedroom. Despite the darkness of the room, Harris could see that the intruder was just a foot or so away from her bed. She wasted no time grabbing the .20-gauge shotgun she kept next to it. She shouted at the burglar, who fled the home after seeing Harris' firearm. Harris called 911, and the 28-year-old intruder was arrested on a charge of second-degree burglary soon thereafter. No shots were fired during the incident. (The Decatur Daily, Decatur, Ala., 1/15/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

August 1959: When Ray Bandle drove by his Las Vegas garage, he spied a light in the closed office. Slipping quietly into the building, Bandle trapped a burglar and held him at gunpoint until police arrived. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, Las Vegas, Nev.)

Latest

Taylors Tc73 Gotw 1
Taylors Tc73 Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Taylor's & Co. TC73

The Taylor's Firearms TC73 has classic lines and a classic appearance, but unlike other lever-actions, this one has a few unique features.

The Armed Citizen® June 26, 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.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Leupold Celebrates USA 250th With Limited-Edition "Mark 250" Riflescope Package

Leupold has commissioned a Limited-Edition Mark 250 Riflescope Package to commemorate the United States semiquincentennial, and it is now available exclusively through Scheels.

A Successful Friends of the NRA Dinner at Compton Hunting & Fishing Club

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Compton Hunting & Fishing Club in Southern California hosted another outstanding Friends of the NRA dinner.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.