The Armed Citizen® Reload November 28, 2025

Go ahead and break and enter—but don't be surprised when your intended victim is armed and ready for you.

by posted on November 28, 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 Drawing A Pistol

These accounts of brave armed women who defended themselves and their families appeared in earlier editions of The Armed Citizen®.

A 27-year-old Philadelphia woman who was legally licensed to carry her firearm was forced to use it in self-defense after a man smashed her passenger-side window with a crowbar. In fear for her life, the woman fired at the man, 22, hitting him in the groin. The man then dropped the crowbar in the woman’s car and retreated to his own car, driving away to the city center. Authorities say they found the man outside of his vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital in critical condition. (cbsnews.com; Philadelphia; 5/25/23)

A man armed with a hammer forced his way into a Lucerne Valley, California, home through the back door at 9:15 a.m. The homeowner confronted the intruder and he threatened to kill her. Fearing for her life, she shot the man. He fled from her home, but didn’t make it far. Police found him lying on the side of the road. The homeowner was unhurt. (vvng.com, Lucerne Valley, CA, 2/16/21)

In two more cases of women defending themselves with firearms, a woman shot an intruder and another was able to stop her abuser. The first incident was reported on April 6, 2021, when a woman called 9-1-1 after having shot and killed a man who broke into her Lexington, Kentucky, apartment. The second incident occurred when a woman fatally shot her abusive boyfriend on April 8, 2021. Police found evidence to suggest an aggressive confrontation at the scene in Atmore, Alabama, but the woman fought back. (wkyt.com; wkrg.com)

 

Latest

Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede
Julie Golob Bianchi Cup 2026 Lede

Springfield Armory Announces Julie Golob's 2026 Bianchi Cup Record-Setting Achievements

Golob used the Echelon 4.0FC 9 mm over the Memorial Day weekend competition, earning top women's honors in multiple divisions and historic placements.

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 29, 2026

An uninvited hotel guest who threatened employees with a knife learned the opposite of hospitality the hard way.

3 Pieces of “Expert” Advice New Gun Owners Can Ignore

With more than 20 years as an NRA Training Counselor, the author is an actual expert firearms instructor. Here's what to watch out for if you are just beginning your journey.

New Guns 2026: CZ 75 Legend Now Shipping

Introduced in early 2026, the pistol is built to honor one of the most influential handgun designs of the modern era.

New Gear 2026: Ruger ReadyDot Micro Reflex Sight System for LCP MAX Pistol

This new reflex sight requires no batteries, allowing the shooter to focus on acquiring and staying on target without worry.

5 Items You Need to Butcher Your Own Venison

Butchering your own deer isn’t really all that complicated, but there are a handful of gear items you absolutely have to have to get it done.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.