The Armed Citizen® March 23, 2014

by
posted on March 23, 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 (3)

Christy Vasilakos got into a heated argument with her boyfriend early one morning prior to kicking him out just before 6 a.m. He returned soon thereafter, however, and demanded to be let in. He broke several windows and banged on the front door. The fight moved outside to the sidewalk where the couple continued to argue. The noise woke neighbors, including Vickie Rock, who was staying at her boyfriend's apartment upstairs. Rock, 50, went outside and tried to intercede when she saw Vasilako's boyfriend beating her with a metal object. When he turned on her, Rock pulled out her .45-cal. handgun and fired. He staggered away and was later found dead in a nearby parking lot. (Tampa Bay Times, Riverview, Fla., 8/17/13)

A suspicious man, who wore a black hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head to conceal most of his face, entered a convenience store with ill intent. He had already been in the store earlier that day, but left. During his second visit, around 7 p.m., the suspect pulled out a large knife and demanded money from the store's owner, Indar Hooda. Hooda drew a gun, prompting the would-be robber to flee the store. Hooda said, "I'm happy he walked out when he saw the gun. If I didn't take it out, he was going to stab me." No one was injured during the attempted robbery and it was last reported that the suspect was still at large. (The Standard-Times, New Bedford, Mass., 6/5/13)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

March 1976: Ensil Malone arrived at his St. Marys, W. Va., tavern about 3 a.m. to find two burglars preparing to cart away liquor and stereo equipment. Shots from his .22 rifle sent the looters running off empty-handed. (The Oracle, St. Marys, W. Va.)

Latest

Ruger Updated 10 22 05
Ruger Updated 10 22 05

Updating A Legend: Ruger Makes 10/22 Upgrades Standard

Over the decades, aspects of the Ruger 10/22, from its magazine to its barrel design, have been adopted by other manufacturers. In response, Ruger has announced updates to keep its factory 10/22 on the top of the pile.

NRA Foundation Celebrates $500 Million In Grants Given

Donor support has enabled The NRA Foundation to award more than $500 million in grants nationwide, strengthening community safety, growing youth marksmanship programs, expanding training opportunities and preserving America’s shooting and hunting heritage.

NRA Announces 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

For the 24th year, NRA Media is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards, highlighting new, innovative products offered by the firearm, ammunition, and optics industries.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 29, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

I Have This Old Gun: Ruger Mini-14 GB

When initially released in 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 quickly made a name for itself on the recreational-shooting market. Designed by L. James Sullivan and Bill Ruger, it combined the best attributes of the M1 Garand and the M1 carbine with a “rock-’n’-lock” detachable box magazine inspired by the M14.

Preview: Mec-Gar Glock Magazines

Mec-Gar took its expertise in metal-formed magazines and applied the technology to one of the most ubiquitous designs on the market: Glock. Now you can have incredibly durable metal magazines for your 9 mm Luger-chambered Glock handgun, as all of Mec-Gar’s offerings are made using heat-treated carbon steel.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.