The Armed Citizen® July 21, 2023

by
posted on July 21, 2023
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

An Albuquerque, N.M., smoke shop hadn't even opened to the public yet when it suffered two break-ins, and the latest robbery attempt ended with the store owner shooting and killing one of the alleged burglars.

After the first break-in attempt, one of the shop owners began sleeping at the store. Around 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, the owner was awakened by an odd scratching sound coming from the side wall of the shop. Unbeknownst to the shop owner, the sound was being created by a man attempting to tunnel his way into the store. An hour later, the alleged intruder broke through the wall.

When the burglar emerged from the tunnel and stood up, he was waving a large hammer and an axe or chisel. The shop owner grabbed his gun and told the intruder to leave. Instead, the suspect walked toward him, swinging his implements, so the owner fired, shooting and killing the intruder. (KOB4; Albuquerque, N.M.; 4/22/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – August 1973

Hearing noises over the intercom that connects the hallways of his Middletown, R.I., motel, Fred Armbrust got his pistol and investigated. Armbrust found a prowler in a darkened room and fired once. The man ran from the motel. Police picked him up when he sought aid for a gunshot wound in his shoulder. (The Newport Daily News, Newport, R.I.)

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.