The Armed Citizen® April 19, 2024

by
posted on April 19, 2024
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A lone female homeowner in Fruita, Colo., was able to defend herself against an unwanted intruder using a handgun, according to local reports.

Police say that early on Sunday, Jan. 21, a suspect made his way into the house. The woman was armed with a handgun and defended herself using the gun, causing the man to flee the house. No injuries were reported at the scene, and police were not able to locate the suspect.

"Make sure that your doors are locked to your house, your doors are locked to your cars," Fruita Police Dept. Lt. Nick Peck told KJCT News 8. "A lot of times, people will have garage openers in their cars, so you want to make sure your house and cars are locked. Ring cameras are great because they give us information that we can use, keeping an eye on your neighbor’s property as well. And then immediately call 911 any time that you see something suspicious, or if you hear something suspicious. Don’t wait to report it." (KJCT News 8; Fruita, Colo.; 1/21/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1965

When Jacksonville, Fla., storekeeper Homer Thomas was confronted by an armed man who said, "Give me what you've got under the counter," Thomas whipped out a .25-cal. pistol and fired. The bandit fled but was later found dead under a nearby porch. His .38-cal. pistol was found on the floor of Thomas' store. (Jacksonville Journal)

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.