Trouble In Packs

by
posted on March 4, 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. **
sagi_ammo.jpg

The increase in criminal “strike team” size signals it’s time lawful citizens take a close look at their home-defense gun’s magazine capacity. Some politicians claim a double-barreled shotgun is enough, but I’ll let you decide.

In Illinois, a trio beat a 71-year-old man to death (only two of the alleged perpetrators are currently charged). This threesome likes to beat fathers in front of his kids. An undisclosed number beat an 80-year-old couple so bad it required hospital care. A gun-toting Florida duo kidnapped a 2-month-old baby. In Ohio, a pair of invaders used a hammer on residents.

A trio in North Carolina gained entry with pepper spray and tire irons and it was a foursome in another part of the state. Four in Alaska used bats to beat a resident and in Pittsburgh, it’s not nails on the receiving end of that pounding. In Illinois, multiple-sized groups  are on the prowl. Here’s four more in Vegas.

It happens all times of the day and no one is immune. If criminals will invade a mixed martial artist’s home (in New Mexico), fatally stabbing one person, then it’s obvious they don’t rule out a victim because there’s a chance of getting a good “whuppin’.” Sometimes they simply pose as utility workers, like this pair in the Bronx. And they can be so organized that they carry notebooks detailing their next targets.

There are plenty of warnings about Internet exposure, but this case proves males need to heed the warnings, too. Sexual assaults in invasions are too common, and once again, men can be the target.

The recent stories are ugly reminders that we’re the first line of defense when it comes to personal security. Check ID or call companies before workers are allowed entry. Don’t open the door if a stranger is knocking and claims to need help. Call 9-1-1—if it really is an emergency, they need to respond, anyway. Social media is diseased with criminals. And, should the unthinkable happen and you’re bunkered down until authorities arrive, the assumption that it’s only one violent criminal in your home could be fatal. It can be two, three, four, maybe more. Add big perps, or those on drugs, who take several shots to stop and, maybe it’s time to think take serious inventory of your home-defense gun’s capacity or at least keep a spare magazine nearby. 

Latest

Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 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.

In Memoriam: Lt. Gen. William Morgan Keys (1937-2026)

Lt. Gen. William M. Keys, a decorated war veteran and former President and CEO of Colt Defense and Colt’s Manufacturing Company, passed away on Jan. 24.

2026 NRA Board Election Results (Updated)

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 elections for the NRA Board of Directors.

A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.