The Armed Citizen® Oct. 8, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their 2nd Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on October 8, 2021
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

An armed bystander came to the rescue of several people in Syracuse, N.Y., when an armed man began firing wildly at the group on Aug. 31, 2021.

The incident occurred before 2:30 p.m. that Tuesday afternoon, when a 28-year-old man began threatening multiple people with a loaded 9 mm handgun near 1808 Lodi Street. The belligerent thug then fired several rounds from the handgun in the direction of those he threatened. A bystander, who had a licensed 9 mm concealed-carry pistol, quickly sprang into action and returned fire at the assailant.

The bystander's aim was true, and one of his shots struck the aggressor in the head, ending his hostile spree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The district attorney on the case stated that it appeared the armed bystander saved the lives of several people with his quick response. Unfortunately, the armed bystander and several witnesses to the incident received threats and had their property damaged in apparent retaliation for the death of the thug. Authorities are looking into the threats. (localsyr.com, Syracuse, N.Y., 09/16/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - January 1987

Rex Sims was awakened early in the morning by a noise at his screened porch and the sound of his dog barking outside his Bonita Springs, Fla., home. Arming himself with a handgun, the resident went to his back door, where he saw a naked man trying to break in a sliding glass door. Sims went outside and held the man at bay while his wife called authorities. (The Daily News, Naples, Fla.)

Latest

FN 309 01
FN 309 01

New For 2026: FN 309 MRD

For 2026, FN is seeking to bring its handguns to a wider market with the FN 309 MRD, a no-frills affordable pistol that the company says is “easy to shoot, easy to use and easy to own.”

Handloads: A Cheap .38 Special Target Load

These times of sparsely available handloading components require scrimping here and there in order to continue shooting, and the .38 Special provides a lot of bang for the buck.

Jack O'Connor Guns, Books & Art Up For Auction

A number of books and firearms, along with some art pieces, that have a direct connection to famed outdoor writer Jack O'Connor are up for auction at GunBroker.

Building Christensen Rifles: A Hands-On View

A cutting-edge enterprise takes on the lightweight-hunting-rifle market with models that defy expectations—all without flinching.

New For 2026: 25 WBY RPM

The 25 WBY RPM is the 17th proprietary cartridge developed by Weatherby, a company whose name is synonymous with magnum cartridges and bullet speed.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 12, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.