The Armed Citizen® September 29, 2017

by
posted on September 29, 2017
** 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 (7)

Minding his boss’ store late one evening, a smoke shop employee in Waco, Texas, was forced to act to defend himself and the property. A man in a ski mask entered the shop, displayed a firearm and demanded money. The employee pulled his own concealed weapon in response and fired several shots at the assailant. The criminal was later admitted to a local hospital with several wounds. (KWTX.com, Waco, TX, 7/30/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
An armed robber entered a Walgreens pharmacy, jumped over the counter, pointed a gun at people and demanded opioids. A customer, who was legally armed, went into action and shot the robber, killing him. Police said it appeared to be a case of a Good Samaritan in the right place at the right time. Arizona has a “defense of third person” law, which allows a person to use deadly force if they perceive that lives are in danger. (Mohave Valley Daily News, Phoenix, AZ, 8/2/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1964
Accosted by an armed thug in his Washington, D.C., grocery store, Allen M. Firtag grabbed a cal. 25 automatic and started shooting. Five shots later the would-be robber lay on the floor critically wounded with two bullets in his right side. Firtag and his wife had been beaten and robbed once before. (Washington Post, Washington, D.C.)

Latest

Phil Schreier Obituary F
Phil Schreier Obituary F

The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

Philip Schreier, director of the NRA Museums, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

America 250: The Tradition Of The Armed Citizen Lives On

The Declaration of Independence reaffirmed the right to self-determination—and the uniquely American practice of keeping and bearing arms allowed a new nation to thrive.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 5, 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.

Too Late: The Perils Of Waiting To Buy That One Gun

Gunmakers are often quiet when they discontinue a gun model. We’ve all felt the pain of suddenly discovering a firearm we’d love to own that is no longer available.

Preview: DA Targets Half-Size Silhouette Color-Changing Target

Replacing targets, time and time again, can be costly and time-consuming, which is where this U.S.-made product from DA Targets comes into play.

Return Of The Red Label: Ruger's New Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger's Red Label III marks the third generation of Ruger's classic over-under shotgun, which is finally making a reappearance after it was discontinued more than a decade ago.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.