The Armed Citizen® May 23, 2016

by
posted on May 23, 2016
** 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 (6)

Greed spelled death for a gold thief in New Mexico. Several intruders tried to rob the owner of a rare coin shop one Saturday afternoon. The businessman—despite the fact that one of the robbers struck him in the head with a blunt instrument—grabbed his gun and fired, shooting one of the criminals. The thieves then fled, and the wounded suspect was later dropped off outside a hospital emergency room. Gold coins and bullion bars fell out of his pockets as the doctors treated him. The man later died, and police are looking for his accomplices. The shop owner was treated for his injuries. (Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, NM, 1/31/16)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Upon returning home, a Willmar, Minn., man noticed that someone had picked through some of the possessions in his garage and kitchen. He then entered his living room, where he interrupted a thief with a buck knife in the process of robbing him. When the resident drew his legally permitted handgun, the suspect dropped his weapon. After calling the police, the homeowner allowed the burglar to leave the residence. The local police department apprehended the suspect just down the road as he attempted to enter the getaway vehicle. The failed thief now faces charges for first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, burglary with a dangerous weapon and providing a false name to a police officer. (West Central Tribune, Willmar, MN, 1/7/16) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1975
Carl Bear was the lone customer in an Abington, Pa., donut shop when a man entered the store, handed the cashier a note saying he was armed and then helped himself to the cash. When the thief turned to flee, he found himself staring down the barrel of Bear’s pistol. He immediately surrendered with hands held high. Bear, who has a pistol permit, turned over the crook to the police. (The Evening Bulletin, Philadelphia, PA)

Latest

Franchi Momentum MULE rifle
Franchi Momentum MULE rifle

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

New for 2026: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

For 2026, Henry adds two new product families, one designed for hunting, the other for protection.

Gun Of The Week: Daniel Defense DDPCC 9 mm Carbine

Daniel Defense's pistol-caliber carbine, the DDPCC, offers AR-15-style operation in a more budget-friendly caliber.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 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.

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-45 Combat Pistol

For 2026, Stoeger adds the .45 ACP chambering to its Combat line of STR handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.