The Armed Citizen® November 13, 2012

by
posted on November 13, 2012
** 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 (1)

John Mutter was asleep in his bed around 2:15 a.m. when he was awakened by a man with a shotgun pointed at his head. Mutter, a paraplegic living alone, kept his own gun nearby for protection. He quickly grabbed his gun and fired multiple times killing the intruder. Police investigating the incident believed the man had entered the home looking for medication, money or anything of value. (The Columbus Dispatch, Johnstown, OH, 7/22/12)

Gerald Mirto, 67, heard noises coming from his backyard and went to investigate. When he noticed the screen door had been broken, Mirto spotted the culprit standing just outside. The 25-year-old suspect was not wearing any clothing and was asked to leave repeatedly. There was a struggle in which Mirto was bitten in the arm and punched in the head. Mirto was able to escape and retreat to the second floor of his home where he retrieved a handgun. He then found the intruder attempting to steal his television. The intruder reportedly instigated a second physical altercation. That is when Mirto shot the man in the chest. Police apprehended the intruder a short time later. (Milford Patch, Milford, CT, 7/23/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

November 1987: At first, William Tolbert thought the early morning noise in his Ensley, Ala., home was only his dog scratching at his window. But when he heard the noise again, the homeowner quickly armed himself. He discovered an armed man entering his home and ordered the man to lay down his weapon. The man refused, and Tolbert opened fire, wounding the burglar. Police disclosed the man was sought on warrants for burglary and rape in two earlier incidents. (The Post-Herald, Birmingham, Ala.)

Latest

Sar Gotw Web
Sar Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Sarsilmaz SAR9 SC Gen3

As part of a new family of guns, SAR USA offers its SAR9 SC Gen3, a small, subcompact, striker-fired design made for daily carry. Watch our video to see this concealable pistol in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 7, 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.

SIG Sauer, GrabAGun Partner On Freedom Series Pistols

SIG Sauer has partnered with GrabAGun to offer three specially finished Freedom Series handguns that pay homage to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Review: Taurus Model 58

Announced publicly in April 2025 at the NRA Annual Meetings and Events convention in Atlanta, Ga., Taurus USA has filled the traditional double-action void of full-size .380-ACP-chambered handguns within its American catalog by launching the Model 58.

Smith & Wesson Announces $150 American Guardians Rebate

Smith & Wesson's American Guardians Rebate program allows military veterans and first responders to get a break on the cost of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.