The Armed Citizen® September 6, 2019

by
posted on September 6, 2019
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (1)

A woman had walked back to her car when she was approached by an older man, who was upset because he reportedly thought she was not entitled to have a handicapped-parking decal inside her car. The woman told the man she was parked in a paid space rather than in handicapped parking. She apparently yelled at the man, who left the scene only to return with a steering-wheel lock. He allegedly swung the weapon at her as she attempted to keep him away from her by fighting him off with one hand while screaming for help. “No one would help me. I was scared. I felt like my life was in danger,” she later told news reporters. The woman held a concealed-carry license. With no alternative, she reached into her purse and pulled out her handgun, shooting the suspect in the leg. Within seconds afterward, an FBI agent in the area came to the scene and intervened. Police found that the woman had a concealed-carry permit, and witnesses supported her statement. Police determined the woman was acting in self-defense and charged the man with criminal damage to property with a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon. (wisn.com, Milwaukee, Wis., 5/31/19)

Armed Citizen Extra
A mother in Florida held a suspected intruder at gunpoint for 26 minutes while waiting for police to arrive. Just after midnight one Saturday, the mother called police on someone standing outside her door on her property. After her initial 9-1-1 call, she held the man at gunpoint for more than 10 minutes before calling police again, as no help had arrived. Luckily, an armed neighbor was available to help her detain the man while she waited an additional 13 minutes for authorities. The suspect underwent a mental evaluation, and was expected to face felony burglary charges. (Fox News, Pasco County, 6/5/19)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
September 1970
Atlanta Ga., police answering a call found Mrs. James F. Brown, wife of the night superintendent of police, calmly holding a burglary suspect at gunpoint. Seeing two men drive up to a neighboring house while the owners were away, she had grabbed a pistol and captured one. The second fled. (Atlanta, Ga., Constitution)

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.