The Armed Citizen Reload® September 11, 2026

Coast to coast—from California to Florida—women are saving their own lives via the Second Amendment.

by posted on September 11, 2026
** 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 Drawn

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

A 29-year-old man who was acting in an “erratic and paranoid” manner was shot early one morning after he broke into a home, according to reports. The intruder had forced his way into a home as a resident answered the door. The would-be burglar reportedly entered the home behaving erratically, and frightening the homeowner as she ran outside to call for help. While the victim was trying to gain the attention of neighbors, the assailant kicked the door of another home in an apparent attempt to break in. As the initial victim sought help from a neighbor, the miscreant approached the home “acting in a suspicious manner” before he ran up to the door and followed the victim and neighbor inside. It was then that the intruder was shot, suffering non-fatal wounds. Authorities said alcohol and/or narcotics appear to have played a factor in the incident. The man was charged with two counts of burglary to an occupied dwelling. (wfla.com; Pinellas County, Fla., 7/13/22)

A woman who was reportedly physically and mentally abused for days by a man gained control of his gun during a struggle and turned it on him, fatally wounding him. Sheriff’s office reports said that "[the man] repeatedly made threats to kill the domestic violence victim while brandishing a firearm at her." The woman subsequently went to the hospital for treatment of the injuries incurred during the incident and from past physical abuse, the sheriff’s office said. She has since been released from the hospital, and has not been arrested. The sheriff’s office said the perpetrator had been prohibited from owning firearms because of his criminal history. (redding.com, Redding, Calif., 8/11/22)

Latest

Horman Savagerx Lede
Horman Savagerx Lede

Savage Arms RXR22: An All-Purpose Family Carbine?

This handy little rifle stands out from the crowd by embracing readily available components.

3 Compact Defensive Pump-Action Shotguns

There is more than one way to shrink the size of popular defensive shotguns.

Jessie Harrison Wins the U.S. IPSC Nationals

Widely regarded as the winningest female competitive shooter in history, no other woman has amassed as many championships or set as many speed-shooting records.

NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Now Open for 2027

The Y.E.S. program gives rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience American government, history and the Constitution firsthand.

Remington Launches Branded Hunting Dog Products

Remington-branded pet products are now available in approximately 275 Walmart stores nationwide and on Chewy.com, extending the brand's reach into the growing pet category.

Team PROOF Research Women Finish on Top at 2026 IPRF World Championship

Kate Estes of Huffman, Texas, captured 1st place and World Champion title in the Ladies Division, followed by teammate Grace Vaughn of Oviedo, Fla., finishing in an impressive 4th place.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.