The Armed Citizen® May 15, 2017

by
posted on May 15, 2017
** 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 (4)

“I would do whatever it takes to protect my business, my family and my customers,” said one store owner who did just that against two armed men. The small-business owner was working one night when two men with bandanas over their faces entered the shop, flashing firearms and demanding money. The store owner, who had seen their approach on the security camera, responded by pulling out his own pistol. He refused to hand over his money and instead fired two shots in their direction, causing both intruders to flee. (Yakima Herald-Republic, Yakima, WA, 2/22/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A criminal was taken by surprise when he knocked on the door of a house late one night. When one of the resident’s answered, the robber pointed a gun at him and tried to force his way inside. Upon hearing the commotion, another individual in the house retrieved a gun and shot the intruder. The criminal was taken to a hospital and no charges were filed against the occupants of the house. (Northeast Times, Philadelphia, PA, 3/29/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
May 1984
Just 15 days after he had been robbed by an armed man, Armand Fortin was alone in his Montreal convenience store when two men entered, pulled knives, and held them to his throat. Fortin quickly yanked out a handgun and fired two shots, killing both assailants. Both men were found to have long criminal records. (The Gazette, Montreal, Quebec)

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.