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

Sauer 38H Ihtog 1
Sauer 38H Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Sauer 38H

During the inter-war years in Germany, domestic makers produced many well-regarded handgun designs, but one of the least-known is the Model 38H from Sauer & Son.

Review: EOTech Vudu 3-9x32 mm SFP

Smaller than most LPVOs, this more traditional riflescope setup is compact enough to be useful for multiple shooting tasks.

Remington Reintroduces .22 Short Loads

Remington Ammunition announced that it is once again producing the versatile, user-friendly .22 Short.

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.