The Armed Citizen® September 7, 2014

by
posted on September 7, 2014
** 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

Joseph Sherman, owner of Westwind Automotive, was working late one evening after closing the shop when he heard someone turning the handle of the garage door. At first, he ignored it. But then he noticed the deadbolt being jostled. He glanced out the window and saw the shadow of someone trying to break in through the door. Sherman grabbed his shotgun and opened the door, startling the teen on the other side. The would-be burglar carried a knife. Sherman ordered him to drop the knife then held him at gunpoint until police arrived. The teen was charged with attempted third-degree burglary and possession of burglars' tools. (Daily Sentinel, Rome, N.Y., 12/4/13)

Arthur Lewis, an 89-year-old World War II veteran, was working at his jewelry store around 3 p.m. when a man entered the store carrying a revolver. Lewis responded by pulling out his .38 caliber handgun. Gunfire was exchanged before the would-be robber fled, getting into an SUV that was waiting outside. After seeking medical attention for his gunshot wounds, the suspect was arrested and faces charges of armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and armed burglary. Lewis' left arm was grazed by a bullet, but he was otherwise unharmed during the incident. (Brietbart, Lake Park, Fla., 8/23/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives June 1962: Investigating noises in the basement of his  home in Milwaukee, Wis., Robert G. Schumaker encountered a prowler with a deer rifle and shotgun taken from Schumaker's locker. Neither gun was loaded, but Schumaker's revolver was, and he held the intruder at bay for police. (Milwaukee Journal)

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.