Trouble In Packs

by
posted on March 4, 2016
sagi_ammo.jpg

The increase in criminal “strike team” size signals it’s time lawful citizens take a close look at their home-defense gun’s magazine capacity. Some politicians claim a double-barreled shotgun is enough, but I’ll let you decide.

In Illinois, a trio beat a 71-year-old man to death (only two of the alleged perpetrators are currently charged). This threesome likes to beat fathers in front of his kids. An undisclosed number beat an 80-year-old couple so bad it required hospital care. A gun-toting Florida duo kidnapped a 2-month-old baby. In Ohio, a pair of invaders used a hammer on residents.

A trio in North Carolina gained entry with pepper spray and tire irons and it was a foursome in another part of the state. Four in Alaska used bats to beat a resident and in Pittsburgh, it’s not nails on the receiving end of that pounding. In Illinois, multiple-sized groups  are on the prowl. Here’s four more in Vegas.

It happens all times of the day and no one is immune. If criminals will invade a mixed martial artist’s home (in New Mexico), fatally stabbing one person, then it’s obvious they don’t rule out a victim because there’s a chance of getting a good “whuppin’.” Sometimes they simply pose as utility workers, like this pair in the Bronx. And they can be so organized that they carry notebooks detailing their next targets.

There are plenty of warnings about Internet exposure, but this case proves males need to heed the warnings, too. Sexual assaults in invasions are too common, and once again, men can be the target.

The recent stories are ugly reminders that we’re the first line of defense when it comes to personal security. Check ID or call companies before workers are allowed entry. Don’t open the door if a stranger is knocking and claims to need help. Call 9-1-1—if it really is an emergency, they need to respond, anyway. Social media is diseased with criminals. And, should the unthinkable happen and you’re bunkered down until authorities arrive, the assumption that it’s only one violent criminal in your home could be fatal. It can be two, three, four, maybe more. Add big perps, or those on drugs, who take several shots to stop and, maybe it’s time to think take serious inventory of your home-defense gun’s capacity or at least keep a spare magazine nearby. 

Latest

250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition
250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition

From Paper Cartridge To PMAG: 250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition

Any survey of military firearms isn’t complete without also discussing the development of ammunition across this past quarter-millennium. From a conceptual standpoint, very little has changed.

Review: IWI Carmel

Initially introduced in 2019 to the international military market in a select-fire format, the IWI Carmel is a modular, durable and thoroughly modern sporting rifle.

Ruger Reaches New Milestone In Support Of Youth Shooting Sports

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year.

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 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.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.