The Armed Citizen® August 4, 2017

by
posted on August 4, 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

During a road trip, a Texas man and his wife received an unpleasant late-night visit to their hotel room in the town of Hot Springs, Ark. The couple heard someone banging on their door in the overnight hours. Not knowing who it could be, the man armed himself with his firearm before he answered the door. One assailant struck the man in the face as soon as he opened the door, causing the Texan to fall backward into the room. Three men and a woman then forced their way into the room. The armed citizen responded by firing at the man who hit him and at a second assailant, hitting each and scaring off the others. The four were later apprehended. The suspects told the police that they were retaliating against the couple for a suspected burglary of their rooms a few days prior. (Arkansas Democrat, Hot Springs, AK, 5/11/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Late one night, two would-be burglars were staking out neighborhood homes before choosing to enter one of the homes through a garage. Luckily, the act was caught on film from a neighbor’s surveillance camera. The footage showed the two intruders, one of whom was wearing a mask, entering the garage where the homeowner often watched television with the door open. The intruders ordered the homeowner to open a safe that was in his garage. Police said, “After being confronted by the armed suspects, the resident/victim retrieved a firearm and fired at the victims in his own defense,” killing the two intruders. The homeowner was not charged as the police lieutenant stated, “You have a right to defend yourself in your home.” (Ventura County Star, San Francisco, CA, 6/23/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
July 1983
Carolyn Bennett had her reading interrupted by noises late at night in her Tice, Fla., home. She picked up a gun before investigating, then discovered a masked man in the hallway. Bearing a knife, he threatened to kill her. Instead, when he advanced, she shot him dead. Police said the man recently had been paroled from a Florida prison. (The News-Press, Ft. Myers, FL)

Latest

Galactic Pistol Alliance 1
Galactic Pistol Alliance 1

The Galactic Pistol Alliance: An Entry Point For New Competition Shooters

Galactic Pistol Alliance jettisons rule confusion and offers a much more relaxed model for newcomers to competition shooting, all while keeping cool shooting stages and an emphasis on safety.

Keepin’ It Simple: Chiappa Wildlands 92 Field & Core Models

Chiappa USA is returning the Wildland series of lever-action rifles to its roots with the 92 Field and Core, designs that keep it simple while still offering modern features.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 5, 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.

Gunsite Marks 50 Years With Alumni Shoot in Paulden

More than 400 competitors gathered at the Arizona academy founded by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, as elected officials urged turnout ahead of the midterms.

I Have This Old Gun: Standard Arms Model G

There is an adage that goes something to the effect of, “just because one can do something doesn’t mean it necessarily should be done.” This thought may aptly be applied to the short-lived Standard Arms Model G rifle.

NRA Partners with Guidefitter to Support Industry Professionals

The new alliance between NRA and Guidefitter provides VIP access to the company’s exclusive gear benefits from more than 300 leading outdoor brands, educational opportunities and community tools. 

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.