The Armed Citizen® February 2011

by
posted on January 20, 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

*Police said a 32-year-old man was leaving a fast-food restaurant when a robber approached him, demanded cash and threatened him with a box cutter. The would-be victim, who had a concealed carry permit, acted quickly, drawing a handgun and shooting his attacker. The suspect will be arrested pending his release from the hospital. “[In a robbery], you ain’t got time to wait for police,” said local resident Billy Pompey. “Got to protect yourself.” (WALA-TV, Mobile, AL, 11/11/10)

*Stories of armed citizens defending their homes during Hurricane Katrina are well documented, but many may be unaware that the looting and burglaries are ongoing. Lionel Lewis, 61, still lives in a FEMA trailer next to his hurricane-damaged home. One evening he heard someone forcing their way into his home, likely to steal copper pipes. Lewis phoned police, armed himself with a handgun and investigated. “Don’t move,” Lewis told the suspect. Instead, the suspect wheeled around and swung a two-by-four at Lewis, who ducked the blow. The assailant prepared for another swing but, before he could make it, Lewis shot him. Police arrested the would-be burglar and took him to the hospital for treatment. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 11/12/10) Waterbury, Conn., 09/28/10)

Armed Citizen Extra

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

As an employee at a Chinese restaurant was ringing up a dinner order, a man drew a gun and began grabbing money from the register. The restaurant owner quickly drew a gun and shot the man who immediately fled and was later found dead a few blocks away. (Republican American, Waterbury, CT, 09/28/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

February 1961: Delicatessen owner Stanley Wasik snatched his cal .38 revolver from under the counter and shot 2 bandits who entered his Chicago shop brandishing guns. One was captured at the scene; the other fled the store and was put under guard when he staggered into a hospital seeking treatment for a bullet wound in the back. (Chicago American, Chicago, IL)

Latest

Stenzel SAK 21 01
Stenzel SAK 21 01

The Stenzel Industries SAK-21: A Uniquely American AK

More than an American-made AK, Stenzel Industries calls the SAK-21 “a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters.”

Review: Browning Citori 825 Field

For hunting and sporting use, Browning’s latest Citori 825 Field shotgun is more than up to the task.

The Armed Citizen® April 27, 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.

Growth in Youth Shooting Sports Signals Bright Future for the 2nd Amendment

Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, mass-media’s disinformation and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth, who are making time to head to the range.

Go-Bag Essentials: 5 Key Products for Your Escape Kit

These five products will help you remain comfortable and safe should you need to bug out in a hurry due to natural or man-made disasters.

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.