The Armed Citizen® March 30, 2026

by
posted on March 30, 2026
** 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. **
W2851 AFF 0122

Armed Citizen® Today

In Rancho Cordova, Calif., a man approached a home on the evening of March 19 and allegedly began threatening to kill the occupants inside. They called 911 and repeatedly told the man to leave; however, he reportedly broke a window and entered the home, whereupon one of the residents shot him.

The alleged intruder was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and booked in jail on suspicion of felony burglary and making threats to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury. (sacbee.com, Sacramento, Calif., 3/20/26)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – March 1987

Charles Hughes awoke to the sound of someone trying to break into his Tallahassee, Fla., trailer. The 65-year-old resident tried to call police but the line had been cut, so he got his shotgun and waited. He heard glass breaking and a voice threatening his life, so Hughes fired, wounding one of two intruders. Hughes was not charged, but a wounded suspect was charged with burglary and armed robbery. (The Democrat, Tallahassee, Fla.)

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 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.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.