The Armed Citizen® October 21, 2011

by
posted on October 21, 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

Upon stopping at an intersection, a motorist noticed a man approaching. Before he could react, the man reached through the window and punched him several times. Stunned by the blows, the motorist reached for his handgun, which he has a permit to carry. As his attacker reached behind his back, as if for a weapon, the motorist drew his gun and fired a shot, striking the assailant in the upper torso. The suspect will be charged following his release from the hospital. (WZXT-TV, Jacksonville, Fla., 7/15/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

A Tenneesee man was at home in his bedroom late one evening when he heard loud banging on his front door. When he went to see who it was, three men burst through his door and approached him. The homeowner grabbed a shotgun and fired one round, causing the men to flee. He later found one of the suspects collapsed in his driveway with a bullet wound. The suspect was in serious condition at the time of this posting. (timesnews.net, Piney Flats, TN, 06/22/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

October 1979: After repeated break-ins at his father's Moses Lake, Wash., gas station, Michael Curtis began sleeping at the station. The vigil ended when Curtis, armed with a shotgun, apprehended three burglars, two of whom were former employees. (The Daily Herald, Moses Lake, Wash. 7/11)

Latest

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.