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

Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

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.

New Digital Surveillance Tools Threaten Gun Owner Privacy

Technology contained within new digital surveillance hardware recently introduced by defense contractor Leonardo could conceivably track who has recently purchased firearm and where they're taking it.

First Look: Shell Tech Ammo Dog Bowl

The materials used in your dog’s bowl matter for all the same reasons the materials in your own water bottle matter. That's why this dog bowl from Shell Tech Ammo is worth looking at.

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.