The Armed Citizen® Reload December 12, 2025

Nothing raises the hair on the back of your neck like your security system picking up movement in your home.

by posted on December 12, 2025
** 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. **
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol

The following accounts of brave armed women who defended themselves appeared in earlier editions of The Armed Citizen®:

A woman was doing yardwork outside her home in the early morning when she was startled by a loud noise. Her phone then alerted her that the security system had picked up movement near her carport. The woman retreated into her home only to find a strange man standing in her kitchen. She repeatedly ordered him to leave, but he wouldn’t move. The woman retrieved a firearm from another room and returned to find the man had armed himself with a large kitchen knife. The intruder aggressively advanced toward her, forcing her to shoot him once in the abdomen. The intruder survived and underwent emergency surgery. Upon his release he was remanded to jail after being booked on suspicion of first-degree burglary and aggravated assault. (azcentral.com, Mesa, Ariz., 09/24/20)

A woman, on her way to visit her family, was attacked—punched, kicked and bitten—by a woman who believed she was romantically involved with her boyfriend. The victim denied the accusations, but the beating continued. Terrified for her life, she drew her legally concealed firearm. The aggressor attempted to take the gun, so the woman fired at her, causing a wound that halted the attack. The victim immediately called authorities and cooperated with police upon their arrival. The attacker was taken to the hospital and treated for the gunshot wound that caused a collapsed lung. Both women will make full recoveries. The aggressor will face charges, while the victim, who was deemed to have acted in self-defense, will face no charges. The district attorney told the local press, “If you’re going to go after someone like that, you’d better be aware that there are people out there who are armed legally.” (MCall.com, Easton, Pa., 08/17/20)

A mother and her infant were home one evening when a strange man appeared in their doorway. He was intoxicated and agitated, refusing to leave them alone. The woman retrieved a firearm and called a neighbor for help. She held the stranger at gunpoint while the neighbor attempted to convince him to leave. Eventually, police arrived and escorted him away. (krem.com, Federal Way, Wash., 2/15/19)

 

 

Latest

Rao Wood Turkish Walnut Photo By The=Hallowell&Coillustratedfirearmsdirectory Lede
Rao Wood Turkish Walnut Photo By The=Hallowell&Coillustratedfirearmsdirectory Lede

Gun Stocks: Which Wood—You Choose!

The stock is the first thing you notice about a rifle. Here's why the wood chosen for a particular model firearm is anything but random.

Three Tips for Summer Road Trips While Carrying Concealed

It seems like an easy task to just pack your CCW and be on your way to your summer destination. But wait—there's more.

Where Memories Take Flight: A Mother-Son Tower Shoot

As shared by the author, the most meaningful moments with our children are the ones without distractions, when phones are put away and we can focus on simply making memories.

Terminology Wars: Seasoned Firearms Instructors vs. Younger Students

With each generation, archaic phrases can seem like a whole new language. If you are from "back in the day," here's how to handle the passing of the torch to new—and younger—instructors.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 8, 2026

A trio of brave women lived to tell their tales of non-victimhood.

Range USA Celebrates Mother’s Day with Lady Sure Shots Events Across All Locations 

This session of the shooting club will offer exclusive merchandise and limited time offers in honor of Mother’s Day, while continuing to promote firearm safety and education. 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.