The Armed Citizen® September 12, 2016

by
posted on September 12, 2016
** 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 (2)

An armed citizen in Bastrop County, Texas, knew he had to do something when he encountered a sheriff’s deputy grappling on the ground with a suspect. When the criminal went for the officer’s firearm, the bystander—who also happens to be a veteran of the Marines—drew his own gun and ordered the 32-year-old man to freeze. The intervention by the concealed carrier caused the attacker to stop pummeling the deputy and to flee, and he was immediately apprehended by other law enforcement officials responding to the scene. “I’m alive today because of him,” the deputy later said of the armed citizen. The suspect now faces charges of aggravated assault of a public servant, taking an officer’s weapon, evading arrest and driving while under the influence with a child under 15—the offense that instigated the initial traffic stop. (Austin American-Statesman, Austin, TX, 1/31/16) 

The Armed Citizen® Archives
December 1964
When a Chicago, Ill., housewife, Mrs. Tommie S. Owen, heard someone tell her husband, who had just answered the door, “This is a stickup,” she retrieved a .25 ACP-chambered pistol and went to aid him. As the bandit started toward her with a raised gun, Mrs. Owen fired once. The bandit, clutching his midsection, tried to fire his gun, but it misfired. He then fled, but was found by the police a few doors away, mortally wounded. (Chicago Daily News, Chicago, IL)

Latest

Winchester Super Match 01
Winchester Super Match 01

Competition Ready: Winchester's New Super Match Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition has answered the call of competitive shooters with its new Super Match lineup, comprised of cartridges tailored to perform in a variety of events.

A Brief Beginner's Guide to Buying a Defensive Handgun

After running a gun shop and an indoor range for more than a few years, one American Rifleman contributor has a few tips for those looking to buy their first handgun.

Gun of the Week: Wilson Combat Bulwark

Wilson Combat has long been known for its custom work on 1911-style designs, but the company also develops its own firearms, and one of its latest in-house creations is the new Bulwark.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 4, 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.

NFA Wait Times Continue to Drop

In early 2021, it took the ATF about 280 days to process a Form 4 NFA transfer. In August 2026, using the recently implemented eForms system, that wait time had dropped to only nine days.

Pelican Air Carry-on Case Review

An industry staple just made air travel more convenient.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.