The Armed Citizen® September 19, 2016

by
posted on September 19, 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 (3)

A Detroit-area man used a gun to save himself and his wife from two armed intruders. The criminals accosted the couple outside of their home, then ordered them inside the house and into the basement. With a gun pointed at his head, all Daniel McNamara could think about was how to get to his firearm that he kept in the basement. After the intruders took the couple’s wedding rings, cell phones and wallets, one of the miscreants turned to head out of the basement. That’s when McNamara found his opportunity. He grabbed his gun and fired two shots, hitting one bad guy before both fled. “Of course I was scared. Who wouldn’t be?” McNamara told reporters. “Some goon has a gun to your head and tells you he’s going to shoot you because you’ve seen his face.” The injured suspect was arrested at the hospital. There was no report of his accomplice being caught. (WXYZ-TV, Detroit, MI, 5/24/16) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra 
Two men were wounded, one fatally, when they tried to rob a house in Everett, Wash., only to find that they had brought pepper spray to a gun fight. The pair broke into the home brandishing and discharging pepper spray and demanding money from the residents. One of the roommates, hearing a commotion, armed himself and went to investigate. Believing his friends were being held at gunpoint, the armed citizen fired upon the two intruders, striking both of them. One robber died at the scene, the other fled and is still being sought by the authorities. (The Daily Herald, Everett, WA, 6/26/16)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1982
A hold-up artist pointed a small semi-automatic pistol at Cindy Branford and demanded the contents of the till at her Anchorage, Alaska, gas station. But she pulled out a .357 Magnum-chambered revolver instead of the cash, and the criminal took to his heel in response. (The Daily News, Anchorage, AK)

Latest

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

A Surprising Conversation on Just How Far an Anti-Gun State Can Go

In Massachusetts this fall, ballot question 9 is an effort to repeal 2024 legislation known as “An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws,” a complex package of fees, red tape, training requirements, and other burdens placed on law-abiding gun owners. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 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.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.