The Armed Citizen® July 17, 2012

by
posted on July 17, 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

Police were called after a man shot a pit bull that had attacked his 11-year-old son. The dog belonged to a neighbor and had broken free of its leash before it bit the boy. The boy’s father retrieved a handgun and fired one shot when the dog lunged toward him. The wounded dog ran off, but was later located and taken to be euthanized. The boy was treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. (The Press-Enterprise, Riverside County, CA, 4/8/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

July 1977: A gang of juvenile delinquents was terrorizing a 67-year-old woman across the street from the Oklahoma City home of Noel D. Highfill, 72. Highfill reached for a shotgun, ran into his yard and fired, sending the youthful criminals running. (The Oklahoma Journal, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

May 1981: John and Deby Matthews were asleep early one morning in their Las Cruces, N.M., home when they heard the sounds of cabinet doors opening and closing. John leaped from bed and tackled the intruder, while Deby grabbed a 12-ga. shotgun and followed behind. They held a youthful housebreaker until police arrived. (The Sun-News, Las Cruces, N.M.)

Latest

procarry.jpg
procarry.jpg

Open Carry in California?

On January 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit struck down California’s ban on open carry in most of the state. The panel decision was 2-1.

Gun Skills | Press Check

Back when I was a new gun owner, I drilled in a habit of checking to be sure my firearm was unloaded, which was also a terrific opportunity to work on gun-handling skills like racking the action and activating the controls.

The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025

The NRA took a serious hit on December 28th. We lost Phil Schreier, director of NRA Museums. He did everything the doctors asked of him and then some. But it wasn’t enough. Leukemia won, and we all lost.

No More Tax on Suppressors!

When President Donald Trump (R) signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025, he scheduled the end of the burdensome $200 excise tax imposed on suppressors, short-barreled firearms and “any other weapons” as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA). That end came on January 1.

Armed Citizens are the “Rugged Individualists” Mamdani Despises

In his inauguration speech as the new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani said, behind his characteristically easy smile, “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”

Conscientious Carry

While going about armed, you need to fit into society responsibly and politely. Here’s how.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.