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

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.