The Armed Citizen® September 20, 2021

Law-Abiding Citizens Using Their 2nd Amendment Rights In Self-Defense

by
posted on September 20, 2021
** 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 resident of a San Antonio, Tex., home acted in self-defense when an armed intruder made his way in on July 28, 2021.

It all started when the would-be burglar, a 17-year-old, targeted the home and forced his way in armed with a rifle and handgun around 11 p.m. that Wednesday night. What the younger armed burglar was not aware of was the fact that four residents were inside the home at that time. As the intruder made his way through the home, at some point, he was confronted by a resident, who was also armed. The resident opened fire on the armed intruder as he was seeking out valuables, and a firefight broke out inside the house between the two.

During this exchange, the resident managed to land a hit on the young crook, which encouraged him to flee the residence and drive off. The stricken robber ended up driving himself to a children's hospital, and he was later taken to Santa Rosa Downtown Hospital in serious condition. Other than the bullet wound, the only other thing the teenage intruder got out of his failed robbery attempt is a criminal charge for burglary. The resident who opened fire on the armed youth said they were defending themselves, and they will not face charges for the defensive act. (news4sanantonio.com, San Antonio, Tex., 07/29/2021)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives - January 1987

A man browsing in a Colorado Springs, Colo., coin shop turned as if to leave, but suddenly wheeled around and pointed a gun at co-owners David Bayuk and Art Jorgensen, and a customer. The gunman demanded money and motioned one owner toward the safe. Bayuk grabbed a revolver from under the counter and fired, fatally wounding the armed robber. The assistant district attorney ruled the shooting as self-defense. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, La.)

Latest

firing a musket rifle
firing a musket rifle

Today’s Makers of Yesterday’s Firearms

Original firearms from the American Revolution era are valuable and best preserved for posterity. For those who want to shoot them, several modern makers offer quality reproductions.

Left Turn (Bolt): Tikka's New Left-Handed T3x Ace Rifles

Lefties of the world unite and rejoice, as Tikka has announced left-hand versions of its award-winning T3x Ace chassis rifles.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 14, 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.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as distance decreases and time compresses.

Gun Sales Up for the 7th Month in a Row in 2026

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) estimate of last month’s gun sales was up 2.2 percent compared to August 2025.

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.