The Armed Citizen® March 29, 2012

by
posted on March 29, 2012
** 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

Early one morning, a resident awoke to the sound of someone shuffling around inside his home. He grabbed his gun and proceeded to search the premises and discovered a man hiding in his basement. The resident fired two rounds from his firearm striking the suspect both times. The injured suspect reached his vehicle and fled the scene. The suspect was later hospitalized; in his wounded state he had struck several parked cars and then crashed the vehicle about a block away. (Associated Press, FL, 12/21/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

A supermarket employee was stunned one evening when a man walked into the store, held a sharp object to her back and demanded money. The suspect forced the employee into the store's office, but he wasn't prepared for what would happen next. Another employee was waiting there with a gun and fired a shot at the suspect, striking him. The would-be robber later died in the hospital. (The Courrier-Journal, Indianapolis, IN, 12/28/11)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

March 1975: Aroused at 5 a.m., Mrs. Estelle Beavan, 61, a Seattle widow, found a young man "tearing up the whole front of the house." She telephoned police. But when the man, after ripping off a storm door, bashed through a thick double-locked door, Mrs. Beavan fired one shot at about 10 ft. with a small .22 handgun that she had bought on the advice of a "relative in law enforcement." A bullet in the chest halted the intruder. Police said he was crazed by drugs. (The Seattle Times, Seattle, Wash.)

Latest

Trend Summer Ending
Trend Summer Ending

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.