The Armed Citizen® June 23, 2017

by
posted on June 23, 2017
** 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 (6)

Justifiable self-defense. That’s how Oklahoma officials have described a triple shooting by a 22-year-old who used an AR-15-style rifle to kill three intruders who broke into his home. The young man was asleep when three strangers, all clad in black, broke into the house. After being awakened by noises made during the break-in, the resident grabbed his semi-automatic rifle. Seeing the intruders, whose faces were covered with masks, the armed citizen fired, killing two suspects on the spot; the third ran away, but died in the driveway. After the young man shot the home invaders, he barricaded himself in his room and called 9-1-1. When the police arrived, they discovered that one of the troublemakers was armed with a knife, while a second had a pair of brass knuckles. A weeklong investigation led officials to determine that the shooter apparently was in fear for his life when he shot, thus he was protected under Oklahoma’s “Stand Your Ground” law. A woman has since been arrested and charged in connection with planning the burglary. (Tulsa World, Tulsa, OK, 4/4/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one Sunday morning, a masked and armed criminal attempted to crawl through a bedroom window of a house only to find the homeowner armed as well. The homeowner shot the intruder, who then fled on foot. Shortly after, police found the trespasser and took him to the hospital, where he passed away. Authorities stated that the homeowner appears to have acted within the law. (Courier Press, Evansville, IN, 5/21/17)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
June 1959
Hope Crane opened fire with a cal. .22 pistol when burglars attempted to gain entry to his Atlanta store. Crane had returned to his place of business late in the evening and found evidence of theft. He fired at the burglars when they returned to come through the window for the second time. Four suspects were arrested with part of the loot, one requiring treatment for a bullet wound. (Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, GA)

Latest

Hk G36 22Lr 1
Hk G36 22Lr 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 17, 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.

Standing Strong for Colorado’s Law-Abiding Gun Owners Ahead of Critical Midterms

NRA EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford traveled to Denver this week to discuss gun rights.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot Sight

The optic giant has updated its flagship red-dot sight with a host of upgraded features.

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.