The Armed Citizen® October 1, 2018

by
posted on October 1, 2018
** 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

A man who lives in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle was awakened at 4 a.m. one day in July (before Mayor Jenny Durkan signed a law ordering firearms to be locked up when not in use) when a burglar broke into the mudroom of his home. The resident grabbed his handgun before investigating the source of the noise. The intruder was trying to get into the main part of the house, so the homeowner fired, shooting him in the stomach. He was later caught when cohorts took him to a hospital for care. (patch.com, Seattle, WA, 7/16/18) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Shortly after midnight one night, two thugs tried to rob a person inside an apartment complex. Fortunately, the individual was able to grab a handgun and shoot both attackers, killing one and wounding the other. The wounded criminal was treated for his injuries and later booked on two counts of aggravated robbery. The resident was not charged. (dallasnews.com, Dallas, TX, 9/20/18)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives 
October 1962
The owner of a laundromat in Venice, Calif., Mrs. Mabel Sims, was awakened one morning by the clatter of change in the store. Through a window, she saw two men scooping change from a coin-changing machine. She called the police and then armed herself with a shotgun and a pistol. When the two thieves started to leave the scene, she stopped them and told them to wait for the police. One broke and ran away but the other remained. (The Roberts News, Venice, CA)

If you need another example of a mother’s love, look no further than Nashville, Tenn., where a woman shot her boyfriend after he assaulted her youngsters. The mom told police she fired because her children were in danger. The children corroborated the story and had injuries from the attack. The boyfriend fled but was caught after he showed up at a medical facility. (wsmv.com, Nashville, Tenn., 7/15/18

Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.