The Armed Citizen® August 4, 2011

by
posted on August 4, 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

Seeking help following an assault at the hands of her boyfriend, a woman phoned her parents. They quickly picked her up and brought her to their home, calmed their terrified daughter and she went to sleep. Then a banging at the door arose-the boyfriend had found her hiding place. The parents would not answer, so the suspect kicked in the door and began assaulting them. The mother was able to struggle free and ran to the bedroom to get her pistol. Meanwhile, the suspect turned his attention to the father. The mother returned to find the suspect badly beating her husband. She opened fire, killing the suspect. (The Orange Leader, Orange, TX, 05/16/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A 40-year-old man was asleep in his mobile home when he heard loud music and screeching tires outside. Within moments, two men forced their way into the mobile home, and shoved the homeowner to the ground. The homeowner ran to his bedroom, shut the door and grabbed a semi-automatic pistol. When the intruders forced their way into the bedroom, the homeowner fired at the men, injuring one and killing the other. (The Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM, 04/12/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

August 1976: A lone gunman entered a Bellville Ill., pharmacy and at gunpoint demanded drugs from store manager Leonard Lautz. Instead of handing over the drugs, Lautz drew a pistol and fired one shot over the would-be robber's head. The surprised crook quickly surrendered. (The Steeleville Ledger, Steeleville, Ill.)

Latest

couple in dark alley
couple in dark alley

Criminal Clues: Tips to Avoid Appearing Like a Soft Target

You don’t have to be the hardest target, but you don’t want to be the softest. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a target for a criminal looking for his or her next opportunity.

Beretta A400 Solo: For the One-Gun Hunter

The new Beretta A400 Solo is designed as a no-nonsense hunting shotgun that is an entry point to the company’s premium semi-auto shotgun family.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 10, 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.

Review: FK Brno PSD-C

Manufacturers have achieved excellent results with small-caliber bottleneck designs, as evidenced by cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 5.7x28 mm. The .30-caliber 7.5 FK continues this legacy and is now chambered in the FK Brno PSD-C.

Firearm Industry Celebrates America's 250th With More Commemorative Options

For the entirety of 2026, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the firearm industry continues to roll out commemorative products to mark the occasion.

Maxed Out: Derya's New MAX Shotgun

The Derya Arms MAX is a new semi-auto shotgun designed for serious competitive shooters that is made entirely in the USA.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.