Why I Keep It Cocked, Locked and Close

by
posted on June 23, 2016
** 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. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg

In case you missed these stories from the last couple of weeks, here’s a potpourri of incidents that emphasize why law-abiding citizens should get training, own a gun, and be prepared to use it to ensure their well-being—and that of their loved ones—until law enforcement arrives.

Home invaders yelled “cops,” beat down the front door and killed a dad in Houston, at 7 a.m. on Father’s Day. His surviving wife and children, upstairs, were unharmed in the incident, but they’ll carry the scars forever. The ending might have been different if the law-abiding citizen was armed and trained.

In South Carolina, that same morning, a woman was shot and later in Rhode Island, a 72-year-old man was beaten badly enough by two home invaders that he required hospitalization. Criminals don’t discriminate by age, a fact made obvious by the four who broke into a California home to rob an elderly couple.

An active community volunteer, and father, was killed at his own home in Florida. It’s not bad enough that they dress up like law enforcement to gain entry into your home, sometimes they pose as utility workers, shoot dogs, more dogs and steal puppies.

Bear in mind all of these incidents occurred in the past few weeks while the victims were at home. They weren’t commuting to work, at a theater or some place with a perceived high risk of criminal encounter. They answered the door, let who they thought were authorities in, bought into the gas leak story or woke to the sound of a door breaking.

These headlines didn’t gather national attention for obvious reasons, but each of the incidents makes a case for the right to self-defense—and explains why I intend to keep my 1911 cocked, locked and close at all times.

Latest

New Large-Format Pistols for 2026
New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 11, 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.

Ukraine Operators Use Drone Round to Defeat UAS

Ukrainian operators recently tested and defeated drones with the Drone Round—a purpose-built cartridge that requires no firearm modifications, no new equipment and no additional training.

From The Counter: The Gun Store Prime Directive

When visiting a firearm retailer, know when it’s appropriate to interject, and when you should keep quiet.

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.