The Armed Citizen® March 29, 2019

by
posted on March 29, 2019
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (8)

A Texas couple out doing errands had to fight their way out of danger after being targeted by criminals looking for someone to rob. The husband-and-wife duo were followed on their way from a bank to the grocery store, and then upon loading groceries into their car, a black SUV pulled into an adjacent parking space. Abruptly, one of the SUV’s occupants jumped out, pulled a gun and demanded the woman’s purse. Fearing for his wife’s safety, her husband drew his own firearm and used it to fend off the suspects. The two robbers—both injured—drove off, but proceeded to crash their vehicle before attempting to flee on foot. Police arrested one suspect after he turned up at a nearby fire station seeking help for a shoulder wound. (abc13.com, Katy, Texas, 12/29/18)

The Armed Citizen Extra
A burglar learned a hard lesson early one morning about taking no for an answer. After a Chesapeake homeowner confronted an intruder trying to enter his home via the attached garage, he quickly gave him firm commands to leave. Unfortunately for both of them the man did not listen, which left the homeowner with little choice. He discharged his firearm at the would-be home invader, who was later taken to a hospital with life threatening injuries. (WTKR, Chesapeake, Va., 02/28/19)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
March 1973
As Carl Petrusa walked through a New York City parking lot, two youths, one waving a pistol, jumped out from behind a car and demanded his wallet. Petrusa, a court officer, pretended to reach for his wallet, but instead came up with a gun and wrestled the youth's pistol from his hand. Both would-be robber surrounded without a struggle. (Daily News, New York, N.Y.)

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 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.

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?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.