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

Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway 1
Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway 1

Gun of the Week: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway

The Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway rifle is a bolt-action, single-shot design chambered for the 5.7x28 mm FN cartridge.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 27, 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.

The B22 Jaguar: Beretta's New Cutting-Edge .22

Beretta's new B22 Jaguar is a .22 Long Rifle-chambered pistol optimized for the range, competition and introducing new shooters to the sport. 

Review: Daisy Smart Target System

The Daisy STS is a digital target system geared toward younger shooters and featuring an array of colorful monsters that must be dealt with using a trusty Red Ryder BB gun.

Review: Magpul MOE QD Bipod for M-Lok

Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest difference, and such is the case with Magpul's latest version of its MOE Bipod.

250 Years Of The U.S. Army: The Smoothbore Musket Era

Across 250 years of history, the actions of the Army have been closely intertwined with the direction and growth of the United States as a nation, and at the heart of it all was the soldier and his longarm.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.