The Armed Citizen® October 30, 2012

by
posted on October 30, 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

Martha Lewis was at home with her two daughters when she heard a loud noise. It was 3 a.m., so Lewis immediately called police and grabbed her gun. She went to her daughters’ room and told them each to get something with which to defend themselves. They were at the top of the stairs when a man, who had kicked in the door and entered the home, spotted them. When the man started up the stairs toward them, Lewis warned the intruder that she would shoot him. When he ignored her warnings, Lewis fired causing him to stumble outside where police found him. The 25-year-old male was hospitalized in stable condition. After the incident, Lewis said, “There’s so much talk about banning guns and gun control, but they’re for protection. There’s no way that I could have fought him off.” (The Blaze, Dora, AL, 8/17/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

September 1985: Dino Starn awoke to find a man climbing through the bedroom window of his New Jersey home. "He picked the wrong window," said Starn, who, for the second time in two years, used a handgun for protection. He shot once at the intruder, who was apparently hit in the arm and ran. Starn had previously used the gun to capture two burglars in his home. (The Press, Atlantic City, N.J.)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

November 1977: A would-be rapist met an untimely end when he attempted to molest an unidentified New Orleans, La., woman cab driver. When the man jumped into the front seat and attacked, she drew a cal. .357 revolver and fired, killing him. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, La.)

Latest

Armed Citizen Podcast Grey Team F
Armed Citizen Podcast Grey Team F

A Memorial Day Conversation With Grey Team

Grey Team was founded to help armed services members and veterans with the physiological impacts traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and more.

42 New Handguns for 2026

Within the entire firearm marketplace, handguns continue to be some of the most popular offerings, and for good reason.

The Armed Citizen® May 25, 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.

President’s Column | Hope Is Not a Strategy

It was great meeting so many enthusiastic and supportive NRA members at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston. Your words of encouragement and suggestions are propelling your NRA 2.0 forward.

Data Centers Planned for Remington’s Legendary Factory Site

The historic Ilion, N.Y., factory that produced Remington firearms and parts for nearly 200 years may soon become the site of a 200-megawatt data center.

6 New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026

While the AR-pattern design continues to be the most popular and prolific semi-automatic rifle platform in America, don't think that means that there aren't other great, new options emerging on the market.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.