The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2014

by
posted on May 22, 2014
** 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 (5)

A couple woke to the sound of a man screaming in their backyard around 3:15 a.m. The husband yelled at the man and told him to get off his property, while his wife called 9-1-1. the man threatened the couple before shattering a glass door and entering the home where the couple's baby slept. The husband retrieved a firearm and fired, killing the intruder. It was reported that the 22-year-old man had been hallucinating and ranting about zombies at a party just hours before. (Los Angeles Times, Yorba Linda, Calif., 11/26/13)

A female resident was home alone around 7:45 a.m. when a 31-year-old man she did not know entered her home without an invitation. She met him with her handgun after he allegedly kicked in the front door. She called 9-1-1 and ordered the intruder not to come any closer. He complied and left the residence. The intruder was later taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief. No shots were fired during the incident. (York Sunday News, York, Penn., 3/30/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

July 1959: James R. Pickett had closed his Baltimore tavern and retired to his living quarters upstairs when he heard a suspicious noise below. Pickett got his gun, found glass broken in the tavern door, and seized a burglar whom he held at gunpoint until police arrived. (Baltimore Sun)

Latest

Phil Schreier Obituary F
Phil Schreier Obituary F

The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

Philip Schreier, director of the NRA Museums, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

America 250: The Tradition Of The Armed Citizen Lives On

The Declaration of Independence reaffirmed the right to self-determination—and the uniquely American practice of keeping and bearing arms allowed a new nation to thrive.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 5, 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.

Too Late: The Perils Of Waiting To Buy That One Gun

Gunmakers are often quiet when they discontinue a gun model. We’ve all felt the pain of suddenly discovering a firearm we’d love to own that is no longer available.

Preview: DA Targets Half-Size Silhouette Color-Changing Target

Replacing targets, time and time again, can be costly and time-consuming, which is where this U.S.-made product from DA Targets comes into play.

Return Of The Red Label: Ruger's New Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger's Red Label III marks the third generation of Ruger's classic over-under shotgun, which is finally making a reappearance after it was discontinued more than a decade ago.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.