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

New Taurus Judge 1
New Taurus Judge 1

Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge

For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 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.

This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil

Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.

Review: Ruger American Gen II Patrol

Ruger's American rifle line represents a good balance between cost and performance, and the latest generation offers many welcome upgrades, as seen on this Gen II Patrol model in 5.56 NATO.

SOG Knives Celebrates 40 Years in Business

SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The History of Repeating Arms Gun-Control Groups Don’t Want the Courts to Know

This episode of NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast refutes one of the biggest false claims gun-control groups and the politicians they support repeat ad nauseam by asserting that the Founding Fathers could not have imagined the AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.