The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2011

by
posted on July 13, 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

When a noise woke an 84-year-old grandmother, she noticed her hall light was on and knew something was awry. The sharp-thinking, independent woman opened a nightstand drawer and quickly grabbed her .38-cal. revolver. “My mind told me to get that gun,” she explained. No sooner had she done so than an intruder appeared at the bedroom door. The woman fired a shot, striking the wall. The intruder ran out the back door, which he had kicked in. (KTVU-TV, Oakland, CA, 03/03/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A 26-year-old man's burglary attempt was foiled when the homeowner of the house he was attempting to break into ended up being at home. When the homeowner discovered that his door was being forced open, he approached the would-be burglar with a gun, causing the man to flee on foot. He was arrested shortly after by police and charged with second-degree burglary. (Press-Republican, 02/05/11)

 

From The Armed Citizen Archive

July 1961: Because of recent burglaries, druggist John Skinner had been sleeping in his San Francisco store. Awakened by sounds of drilling, Skinner armed himself with a cal. .32 pistol and went around back to accost 2 men. Told to halt, they began edging in opposite directions. Skinner fired a warning shot, then felled one with a bullet to the leg as both ran. (Oakland Tribune)

Latest

Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 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.

Plinking Perfect: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Rimfire Shoot

What better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than to go out plinking this summer? Here are five great products that will make your next rimfire range trip better than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.