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

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 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.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.