The Armed Citizen® March 2, 2018

by
posted on March 2, 2018
** 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

Firearms can be an equalizer for the old and the outnumbered, as a recent defensive shooting in Pennsylvania illustrates. An 84-year-old Korean War veteran makes it a habit to sleep with a gun under his pillow so he can react quickly if he’s threatened. The practice worked to his advantage in early December when two men conducted a late-night break-in at his home. The resident was awakened by the sound of the suspects bursting through his front door. When an assailant tried to grab him, the veteran fired, killing one of the intruders. A tussle with the other ensued, with the gun being knocked out of the armed citizen’s hand, and the bad guy fled before the owner could retrieve his handgun. (cbsnews.com, Pittsburgh, PA, 12/8/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A masked man entered a home through a pet door and, while he was threatening the 75-year-old homeowner at gunpoint, was interrupted by the sound of a cough emanating from an upstairs bedroom. Upon investigating, he discovered the man's wife, who had been asleep in bed. As he pointed the gun at her face, she was able to quickly draw her own pistol from under her pillow. The intruder fled, but police later discovered a 9 mm shell casing, which presumably had been fired from the intruder's gun. (The Youngstown Vindicator, Youngstown, OH, 1/22/18) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
March 1971
A youth entered the San Gabriel, Calif., market where Mrs. Marjorie Wooley was working. Producing a pistol, he demanded money and was about to leave the store with $49 when Mrs. Wooley’s husband, Charles, came out of the back room with a gun. Mr. Wooley fired twice at the suspect, who dropped his gun and surrendered. (The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Gabriel, CA)

Latest

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

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.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.