The Armed Citizen® October 1, 2013

by
posted on October 1, 2013
** 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

Jan Cooper, 72, was at home with her husband, Bob, 85, when she made a 911 call for help as a man attempted to break into their home. She told police to hurry as the assailant was on her back porch trying to gain entry through a sliding door. She told the police that she was armed with a .357 revolver and that she would shoot if need be. When she heard the door sliding open, she fired. The intruder fled, but was later found and arrested for burglary. "I don't mean to shoot anybody," said Cooper, "but whatever's necessary to literally stop them--he was not going to come into my home." (Foxnews.com, Anaheim, CA, 6/12/13)

Richard Duffy, 48, and his son were watching TV when an intruder broke down their front door. After a brief altercation the intruder was fatally shot, according to a spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Another man waited in a car, but fled after he heard the gunshots. (TheBlaze.com, Rome, ME, 10/1/13)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

March 1979: When Claudia Gray entered her El Paso apartment she was jumped by a man wearing only a stocking mask and a t-shirt. After the attacker and wrestled her to the bed, Gray warned him that she was expecting company. He got up and went to lock the front door, whereupon she grabbed a .22 cal. rifle from beneath the bed and shot him twice. After the police arrived and made the arrest, the previously convicted burglar was sentenced to seven years in the state penitentiary. (The Times, El Paso, Tex.)

Latest

Christensen Rifles factory floor
Christensen Rifles factory floor

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.

Firearm Industry Philanthropic Efforts Endure, Despite Lagging Gun Sales

Gun sales in 2025 may not eclipse records, but the firearm industry’s generosity continues to abound, even within challenging economic circumstances.

Product : Ten21 Tactical “The Junk Drawer” Tripod Hammock

Precision shooters using tripods to support their rifles can keep miscellaneous gear organized and within reach by attaching The Junk Drawer by Ten21 Tactical to the tripod’s legs.

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.