The Armed Citizen® September 5, 2014

by
posted on September 5, 2014
** 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

When a dog broke from its leash and attacked one of two young girls walking nearby with their father, the man drew his firearm and shot the dog. The woman walking the dog in front of a local grocery store had tried to call to it when it broke loose, but the aggressive dog ran over to the girls and bit one of them several times until it was shot. Everyone involved in the incident agreed that the girls' father was justified in shooting the dog to protect his children. (The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction, Colo., 2/3/14)

Benny Lee Smith, 69, used his shotgun to return fire from inside his home when a man started shooting at his guests. All four people at Smith's residence claimed they were shot at. The man was allegedly motivated by his ex-girlfriend, who he saw there with another man. The shooter sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He managed to drive his pickup truck a short distance before crashing into a trash can. The suspect did not survive his injuries. No other injuries were reported. (San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio, Texas, 7/11/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives June 1973: Esther Long of Toledo, Ohio, was awakened by a man walking out of her bedroom. She took a pistol from under her pillow, fired and wounded the intruder. The man fled but was arrested three hours later and charged with felonious breaking and entering. (The Blade, Toledo, Ohio)

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.