The Armed Citizen® January 1, 2013

by
posted on January 2, 2013
** 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

Kendra St. Clair, a 12-year-old at home alone one day during her fall break, called her mother at work to say there was a man repeatedly ringing the doorbell and banging on the door. When no one answered the door, she said he disappeared. St. Clair's mother instructed her daughter to get her .40-cal. Glock pistol and go into a bathroom closet. St. Clair heard him break in through the back door. As the man made his way through her home, 911 dispatchers kept St. Clair on the phone. He was inside the home for approximately six minutes before he made his way to the bathroom where St. Clair was hiding. When she saw the door knob begin to turn, she fired the gun. The 32-year-old intruder was taken into custody after being treated for a gunshot to the chest. (The Oklahoman, Durant, OK, 10/20/12)

The Armed Citizen Extra

Police said a man was shot dead early Friday after he became violent and threatened his mother at a home on the Northwest side. According to an incident report, Marcello Passeri, 38, had been in a struggle with several people at a home in the 7000 block of Midway Depot just after midnight when one shot him. Eugene Binkley, 67, told police he and other residents pushed furniture and other heavy items to barricade the front door and prevent Passeri from coming inside, but he forced his way in and fought with them. Binkley reportedly told police he shot the man in the head. Witnesses said Passeri had a drinking problem and had bipolar disorder but was not taking his medication. They also said the man was upset because he had just lost his job. Passeri's mother, who was hiding in a back bedroom, told police Passeri had threatened to kill her and that he was upset because she called police the night before after he caused a disturbance at the home. Passeri was flown to University Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Police spokesman Matt Porter said it does not appear as though the shooter will be charged. (San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio, CA, 4/7/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

July 1974: As Memphis, Tenn., shoemaker E.L. King put new heels on a man's shoes, the stocking-footed patron drew a gun and demanded money. King promptly pulled a pistol and order the gunman to leave. Two accomplices vanished, but the "customer" lingered briefly to ask for the return of his shoes. King opened fire and the man raced away barefoot. (The Memphis Press-Scimitar, Memphis, Tenn.)

Latest

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.