The Armed Citizen® September 22, 2011

by
posted on September 22, 2011
** 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)

When a homeowner’s dogs began barking in bizarre fashion, he grabbed a handgun to investigate while his wife called the police. The victim of two burglaries in recent weeks, the homeowner cautiously approached his detached garage. He confronted two prowlers lurking inside, drew his handgun and told them not to move. Initially it appeared the suspects would wait for police, but suddenly the desperate men charged. The homeowner made quick work of the criminals, opening fire and connecting with each shot. One suspect fell dead. The other lay wounded. The homeowner grabbed a medical kit and provided assistance to the wounded man until police arrived. (The Chronicle, Centralia, WA, 05/23/2011)

The Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

A man and a woman awoke in the middle of the night to the sounds of what they figured to be someone breaking into their home. When they went to investigate, their suspicions were correct; two masked men had entered their home. One of the intruders approached the man, demanding money and jewelry, and then pistol whipped him, giving the woman time to grab their shotgun. The woman handed the gun to the man, and he and the suspects exchanged fire. One of the intruders fled, and the other was fatally shot and found by police in the driveway of the home. The male resident sustained minor injuries. (The Daily Herald, Tacoma, WA, 11/04/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

September 1971: Mrs. Edith M. Barry, 41, woke up one morning and discovered a burglar in her bedroom. Seizing a .22 revolver, she shot him. He staggered outside and was later arrested. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Ariz.)

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.