The Armed Citizen® July 3, 2012

by
posted on July 3, 2012
** 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

Rev. Henry Guyton, 71, a Baptist church pastor, called 911 one afternoon when a man at the church began acting as if he was having a heart attack. The man, 38-year-old Jesse Gates, left the church after being examined by EMS. Gates returned to the church later that day carrying a shotgun. The reverend’s grandson, Aaron Guyton, 26, spotted the shotgun and locked the doors. Gates, however, kicked open a side door of the sanctuary and pointed the gun at the pastor and congregation. As a concealed carry permit holder, Aaron acted quickly to detain Gates at gunpoint until police arrived. Everyone was reportedly unharmed. (goupstate.com, Boiling Springs, S.C., 3/25/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

July 1977: Two holdup men, disguised as electric company employees, entered the New York City apartment of Carlos Rodriguez and forced his wife and small son into a rear room. As the two thieves ransacked the place, Rodriguez and a friend, Manual Liriano, unexpectedly walked in. The robbers opened fire, wounding Rodriguez, but Liriano, firing his own legally-registered pistol, killed on thug and wounded the other. (The Daily News, New York, N.Y.)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

August 1978: Hearing screams, Perfect Oliver, a retired Army officer, grabbed his pistol, and ran out behind his diner in Hamilton Township, N.J. and came upon a man raping a woman on the sidewalk. Seeing Oliver, the attacker left the woman where she was lying and advanced toward him, whereupon Oliver raised his gun and fired one fatal shot. (The Daily Advocate, Dover, N.J.)

Latest

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 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.

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.