The Armed Citizen® April 26, 2011

by
posted on April 26, 2011
** 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 (2)

It was less than a year ago that Chicago's government was forced to repeal many of its rights-infringing laws, and a southside resident recently joined the growing list of armed citizens owing their lives to the Supreme Court's ruling. Hearing glass breaking in her basement, a 45-year-old got her handgun and confronted two intruders already inside the home. "I was scared for my life," she explained, "I've never been so scared before in my entire life." One of the men wielded a tire iron, and the woman opened fire on him. He fell and died. His accomplice fled. "I thank God that I'm still here," the woman said. (The Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL, 02/21/11)

Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the print version of American Rifleman.)

Around 9 p.m. in the evening, a homeowner heard a noise at his back door and went to investigate. He discovered that someone had put a hand through an exterior door and was attempting to rip the door down. The homeowner returned to the door with a shotgun and warned the suspect to leave, but the person continued to try and break the door latch. The homeowner then fired one round from the shotgun, causing the suspect to flee. (Lewistown Sun Journal, Lewiston, ME, 02/23/11)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

May 1980: John F. Tress recently put 3 would-be bandits to flight by yanking out a pistol when they announced a stickup of his Baltimore liquor store. When another gunman tried the same thing in recent weeks, Tress again grabbed his cal .32 and shot him in the stomach. The wounded bandit gasped, "I was only fooling," and staggered out the door. Hospital officials later reported his admittance for treatment, and responding police placed him under guard. (Baltimore Evening Sun, Baltimore, MD)

Latest

Red Dot Revolvers 1
Red Dot Revolvers 1

Putting Red-Dot Optics On Revolvers

The red-dot trend is so pervasive that consumers can choose from a range of semi-automatic handguns that are cut to accept optics. But what about adding red-dots to revolvers?

Quiet Trend Defies Retail Challenges

The business of protecting shooters' hearing is booming—quietly, of course.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Revolver

Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson offer a Field Ethos-themed revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon

It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.

New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols

Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.