The Armed Citizen® March 17, 2025

by
posted on March 17, 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 would-be car thief ended up in a Mountlake Terrace, Wash., hospital after being confronted during an early morning robbery attempt.

The thief was in the process of stealing a truck at a local residence at 4:30 a.m. when they were confronted by a relative of the truck's owner. The thief pointed a handgun at the relative, who was also armed. The relative drew and fired multiple shots at the suspected thief. Despite the intervention, the thief still managed to get away in the stolen truck, but the story didn't end there.

Police say that, shortly thereafter, a person driving a truck arrived at an area hospital for emergency treatment after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. An investigation revealed that this person was the same individual suspected of stealing the truck. The suspect was listed as being in stable condition. (MLT News; Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; 1/9/25)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – January 1974

Alton Nailing, 60, whose left leg was amputated in 1972, heard someone breaking through a bedroom window of his Chicago, Ill. home. He hobbled to a chair, pulled a .32-cal. revolver from under a cushion and opened fire.

An intruder fell, fatally wounded in the head and chest. Authorities ruled the shooting justified, as Nailing was protecting himself, his wife and seven children. (The Chicago Daily News, Chicago, Ill.)

Latest

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 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.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.