The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2017

by
posted on May 22, 2017
** 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. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (6)

Imagine being jolted awake by the sound of a crash, then seeing a pick axe and a man with a black bandana over his face coming through your bedroom door. A Foley, Ala., man lived through that situation because he had a loaded gun within arm’s reach. After the stranger charged toward him while he was still in bed, the homeowner fired, killing the burglar. Two accomplices, who are charged with planning the crime, have since been arrested. (The Onlooker, Foley, AL, 3/8/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one morning an intruder holding a large metal flashlight walked into a couple’s unlocked apartment. One of the residents, an ex-Marine, picked up his SIG Sauer .40-cal. pistol, and warned the intruder to leave. The man complied but returned and broke the glass out of the front door. The female resident called 9-1-1 while her boyfriend shot the intruder, hitting him in the shoulder. The would-be burglar then smashed the windows of the residents’ car and returned to sit at the front door until police arrived. He was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary. The ex-Marine was not charged. (CentralMaine.com, Richmond, ME, 3/8/17) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
May 1972
Mrs. Velma Priddle was alone in her home in Palo Alto, Calif., one morning when she heard a car drive up outside. A man with a screwdriver then approached her screen door. When Mrs. Priddle asked him what he wanted, he raised the screwdriver as if to strike her. She reached for a .22 rifle and wounded the man. Police later said the man had a long record of burglary arrests. (The Palo Alto Times, Palo Alto, CA)

Latest

Springfield Armory Hellcat .380
Springfield Armory Hellcat .380

Review: Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol

Springfield Armory just released its popular Hellcat double-stack, striker-fired pistol in .380 ACP, and it might be an ideal option for armed citizens looking for a soft-shooting handgun for concealed carry.

New for 2026: Langdon Tactical Technology Beretta Cheetah Pistol

Beretta's .32 ACP Cheetah gets the Langdon Tactical upgrade package.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 16, 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.

SAAMI Accepts and Standardizes Two New Cartridges

Both 8.6 Blackout and .25 Winchester RPM are now SAAMI-approved cartridges.

Preview: Inforce ARC 650 LR-M

Measuring 5.6 inches long with a 1.4-inch bezel, the Inforce 650 LR-M is built for hard use within a 6061-T6 aluminum body that is then Type III hardcoat anodized for added durability and abrasion resistance.

A vz. 61 Skorpion For Less: The Titus Arms TA61

This TA61 version of the famous Czech vz. 61 Skorpion is affordably priced, thanks to a polymer lower receiver developed by Titus Arms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.