The Armed Citizen® Sept. 4, 2023

by
posted on September 4, 2023
** 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

A couple in Luther, Mont., awoke early on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, to a huge surprise in the form of a black bear tearing through the lower level of their house.

At 3 a.m., the couple was awakened by the sound of their dog barking. The man went downstairs to find that a large black bear had entered the home's living room through a cracked window. The man grabbed his gun and shot at the bear, chasing it from room to room until it collapsed from its multiple bullet wounds.

Authorities say the bear was a known problem in the area, having been attracted to residential areas by "improperly stored attractants."

"It wasn’t this specific couple’s property that had improperly stored attractants. It sounds like it was the surrounding landowners that maybe had some improperly stored attractants," Chrissy Webb, communication and education director for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Region 5, told KTVQ News."The bear became habituated and started associating homes and vehicles with getting food," Webb said. "That’s what motivated it to eventually break into this specific couple’s house, and then ended, of course, in the bear’s death."

A local warden visited the couple after the incident, and the Montana FWP department said the shooting was completely justified, with Webb saying, "It sounds like the shooting of that bear was probably the best option to keep people safe in that situation." (KTVQ News; Luther, Mont.; 8/3/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – October 1970

The Denver Post has named service station manager Dave Vigil of Denver to its “Gallery of Fame” for stopping a robbery at his station. A man pulled a gun on Vigil and took $156. As he was leaving, Vigil took a .22 revolver from a drawer, stopped the robber, disarmed him and held him for police. (Denver Post; Denver, Colo.)

Latest

25 Weatherby RPM
25 Weatherby RPM

Weatherby Revs Up With Its 25 WBY RPM

The 25 Weatherby RPM might just be the best quarter-bore rifle cartridge yet.

Beretta Releases 500th Anniversary Medal

In honor of its quincentennial, Beretta is offering a keepsake medal with the purchase of certain firearms in 2026.

New for 2026: Mission First Tactical Ultra Low Ride Holster

Mission First Tactical now offers a deep-concealment version of its Boltaron staple.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Night Guard Revolvers

Smith & Wesson brings back the Night Guard series of revolvers in .44 Special and .357 Magnum.

Battle On The Border: Pancho Villa’s Raid On America

In March 1916, Americans living in the quiet town of Columbus, N.M., suddenly found themselves attacked by Mexican bandits, and many citizens sought to arm themselves and fight back, both during the raid and afterward.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 9, 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.