The Armed Citizen® March 11, 2016

by
posted on March 11, 2016
** 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 (2)

Early one morning at Café Azzurri, in Waterbury, Conn., while eight to 10 people were inside, a man armed with a handgun came inside and tried to rob everyone. One of the patrons, who had a legally registered handgun, fatally shot the robber in response. The armed citizen remained at the crime scene until the police arrived. Police said no charges have been brought against him. (NBC Connecticut, West Hartford, CT, 10/11/15)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
A Charleston, S.C., man was sitting in his vehicle outside a local Waffle House in the early morning hours when he saw a 19-year-old armed with a gun enter the establishment and attempt to rob it. When the robber tried to leave the restaurant with a register full of money, the armed citizen drew his own weapon and ordered the criminal to throw down his firearm. Rather than comply, the suspect instead fired his gun at the man, who returned fire. The thief was struck once in the abdomen. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. No injuries to the victim (who is a licensed concealed carry permit holder) were reported, and no charges were filed against him for the defensive use of his firearm. (The Post and Courier, Charleston, SC, 10/13/15)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
January 1989

When the doorbell rang at Doug Ferdig’s Aurora, Colo., home he thought it was just a salesman. But when he looked out the window, he saw a man walking around the side of the house. Ferdig armed himself with a pistol and then dialed 911. As he talked to the dispatcher he heard noises coming from upstairs. The 41-year-old mail man rushed up and confronted the intruder as he came out of the master bedroom where his wife was sleeping. When the man did not stop, Ferdig fired, wounding the intruder—a man whose police record included several arrests for burglary and related charges. (The Denver Post, Denver, CO)

Latest

013 Rrvstr Trio End 01
013 Rrvstr Trio End 01

What Should Ruger’s Future Revolvers Look Like?

Ruger’s revolvers would benefit from a few updates if the company ever decides to bring them back into production.

Savage Arms Expands Model 334 Line with New Chamberings & Compact Models

Initially introduced in 2023, the Savage Model 334 bolt-action lineup has been an affordable, no-frills platform for hunters and shooters, and in 2026, Savage has expanded the line with new chamberings and compact models.

Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm

One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.

Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap

There’s lot to learn about the Scout Rifle, and we tested one at the inaugural Scout Rifle World Shoot.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 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.

The Six-Hour Gun: Saving a Family Heirloom

Simple math would have told anyone it wasn't worth fixing a $150 revolver. But to one family, this simple, common revolver meant everything.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.