The Armed Citizen® March 7, 2022

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their Second Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on March 7, 2022
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A man driving in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Penn., was unexpectedly thrust into a self-defense situation when a teen allegedly tried to rob him on Jan. 11, 2022.

The driver was in his car, stopped at an intersection, shortly after midnight that early Tuesday morning when a youth approached. As the 18-year-old stranger walked up to his side window, the driver spotted that the teen had a gun in his hand. Unknown to the would-be robber, however, was the fact that his intended victim was a concealed carry license holder. Reacting quickly to the unfolding situation, the driver drew his concealed pistol on the fiend. He later recounted, "I saw the gun and I thought he was going to shoot me and take the car, so I retaliated as fast as I could."

Five rounds were sent at the armed teen, striking him and ending the attempted heist. The youth then fled the scene, only to show up at a local hospital shortly after with gunshot wounds, openly admitting to being at the scene of the failed robbery. He was charged with aggravated assault, robbery and other charges. Luckily for the driver, he was not injured during the incident. (abc6.com, Philadelphia, Penn., 01/13/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - Dec. 2, 1986

Chester Blanchard was in the kitchen of his Stark County, Ohio, home when he heard his back door being forced. A masked and hooded intruder entered and fired at Blanchard. The 61-year-old homeowner responded by grabbing a handgun and opening fire, seriously wounding his attacker. Blanchard, the victim of a burglary two weeks prior, said, "He must not have been able to see anything except straight ahead, which probably saved me." (The Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio)

Latest

45 ACP M1911
45 ACP M1911

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.

NRA Announces Nominating Committee & Petition Nominees for the 2027 NRA Board of Directors Election

The National Rifle Association has announced the official list of all 33 candidates nominated for the 2027 mail ballot election of directors, whether by the Nominating Committee, by petition of the members or both.

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.