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

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.