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

Springfield Armory Hellcat .380
Springfield Armory Hellcat .380

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

New for 2026: Langdon Tactical Technology Beretta Cheetah Pistol

Beretta's .32 ACP Cheetah gets the Langdon Tactical upgrade package.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 16, 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.

SAAMI Accepts and Standardizes Two New Cartridges

Both 8.6 Blackout and .25 Weatherby RPM are now SAAMI-approved cartridges.

Preview: Inforce ARC 650 LR-M

Measuring 5.6 inches long with a 1.4-inch bezel, the Inforce 650 LR-M is built for hard use within a 6061-T6 aluminum body that is then Type III hardcoat anodized for added durability and abrasion resistance.

A vz. 61 Skorpion For Less: The Titus Arms TA61

This TA61 version of the famous Czech vz. 61 Skorpion is affordably priced, thanks to a polymer lower receiver developed by Titus Arms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.