Concealed carry in Missouri is still in its infancy, but citizens are already using firearms to defend themselves.

Robbers pointed a gun at Bryan Rutherford and demanded that he hand over valuables from his pickup Tuesday evening in Lemay.

Rutherford didn't pull out cash or jewelry. He pulled out a .22-caliber pistol hidden in his vehicle and opened fire in what authorities believe is the first instance of self-defense with a concealed firearm since the Missouri Legislature loosened the state's gun laws.

The man holding what turned out to be a BB gun on Rutherford was hit several times in the torso before he and two accomplices fled. Three suspects were later captured and charged.

Whether Rutherford had obtained a concealed carry permit for his gun isn't known, but prosecutors have already said that he won't be charged. Three hits and the goon still ran away. Rutherford should consider upgrading to a larger caliber.