The Armed Citizen® Reload November 14, 2025

One woman defends the life of her infant child, while another defends herself from an abusive adult daughter.

by posted on November 14, 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 and their families appeared in earlier editions of The Armed Citizen.® 

A 76-year-old Orlando, Fla., woman was assaulted by her own daughter. The daughter, 54, had an extensive criminal record that included aggravated battery, domestic violence and driving under the influence. After an argument between them ensued, the daughter began beating her on the chest. Fearing for her life, the mother pulled a .22 cal. handgun from her pocket and shot at the attacking daughter, hitting her in the leg. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive, but faces charges for the physical attack. The mother will not face charges. (clickorlando.com, 4/23/20, Orlando, Fla.)

A mother and her infant child were home alone when she was awakened by a car door slamming outside. The woman then heard her screen door open, spurring her into action. She grabbed her firearm and approached the front door. A man was standing in the doorway, intoxicated and refusing to leave. The woman called her husband, who was at work, and also roused her neighbor, who quickly arrived with his own gun. Both the homeowner and neighbor held the stranger at gunpoint until police arrived. Since no crime was determined to have been committed, the drunken man was returned home to his wife. The homeowner told the local newspaper, “There’s no doubt in my mind I would have pulled the trigger to protect myself and her if he got in the house.”  (Krem.com, Federal Way, Wash., 02/15/19)

Latest

Horman 21 Cover 1
Horman 21 Cover 1

Winchester's .21 Sharp: The Future of Rimfire?

Will Winchester's new twist on an old cartridge be the next big thing or the latest niche option?

What Is Still-Hunting?

When treestand hunting isn’t practical or you want to mix up your hunting method, try a still-hunt. How?

How Bad Is It: to Sight in at 25 Yards?

If you have only a short range at which to sight in, will you be OK to shoot at 100 after sighting in at 25?

New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

6 Wild Game Apps for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party to ring in 2026? Whip up these wild-game appetizers to use up some of this year’s bounty from the freezer.

What’s a Deer Drive?

Deer drives are popular in many parts of the country. How do you pull one off?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.