Thoughts on NRA

[truegrit]

It's probably been 15yrs since I was a member of the NRA now that I live in Indiana and have a LTCH I'm thinking of joining again especially with the Dems attacking our gun rights.15yrs ago the NRA seemed more active in firearms education and training now they seem to focus more on politics. has the NRA become more of a Political action group or are they still active with localized traing courses for young hunters etc. ? I know many of you are members ?

 

[redneckmedic]

It's probably been 15yrs since I was a member of the NRA now that I live in Indiana and have a LTCH I'm thinking of joining again especially with the Dems attacking our gun rights.15yrs ago the NRA seemed more active in firearms education and training now they seem to focus more on politics. has the NRA become more of a Political action group or are they still active with localized traing courses for young hunters etc. ? I know many of you are members ?

YES
YES
And Not sure what the last sentence is asking, yes most of us are members.

 

[Indecision]

YES
YES
And Not sure what the last sentence is asking, yes most of us are members.

The second yes makes no sense. That's like me saying "Do I need to turn left or right?" and you answering "yes."

 

[truegrit]

the last sentence meant that they used to offer NRA sponsored hunter safety courses etc. now when I get offers to rejoin they mostly focus on their political agenda not their community involvement. It's almost like opening a letter from the RNC. (Republican National Committee) asking for a handout. I quit donating to the RNC because they quit listening. and before rejoining the NRA I'd like to make sure I'm giving my money during the tough times to an organization that is not only politicly active but also active in the community (helping educate gun owners etc.)

 

[WhitleyStu]

...and before rejoining the NRA I'd like to make sure I'm giving my money during the tough times to an organization that is not only politicly active but also active in the community (helping educate gun owners etc.)

All special interest groups have to change with the current political issues. With the Dems in control of the White House and in the majority of Congress it would only be prudent to focus on national issues so we don't get tied up with gun restrictions enacted during this administration. There is still plenty of gun education in the NRA's programs. Lots of info on their web site...

 

[Ogre]

I picked up a free one year membership last year, but honestly I wouldn't pay for one. Last go round I got so much junk mail I felt that I would have to double my contributions just to make up for all the money they waste sending out requests for money throughout the year. This time around it doesn't seems as bad, but I have a feeling once the year is up I will be getting "hit up" once or twice a week again.

If you want to contribute to an organization defending 2nd amendment rights, check out GOA
Gun Owners of America

 

[antsi]

It's still true that the vast majority of NRA operations are based on training, competition, and actual shooting-related activities. The NRA-ILA is the political lobbying arm, and is a relatively small percentage of the overall organization.

Funny, I don't see many threads where people are wondering whether the NRA is too focused on politics. Most of the criticism comes from the other direction.

The stuff you get in the mail is designed to motivate you to join. If you're taking a class or shooting in a match, you're already engaged. I guess they figure if you aren't engaged by competition or training, you might be motivated by political concerns.

 

[Rollo]

I have also been kicking around the idea of joining the NRA. I like the idea of a group looking out for my rights as a gun owner. On the flip side I think that some of the rhetoric could use toning down a bit. Public oppinion is a large part of any social issue and I dont think language like "You can have my gun when you pry it from my cold dead hands" is a good way to advance the cause.

 

[Adrenaline]

I have become a member of NRA just recently, I had meant to become one eventually but my man made sure I was one asap. I do believe it is important to back up a respected group that is out there fighting for my rights to be a gun owner. Most of the events they put on are get togethers/dinners/money raising events it seems, as I have gotten no information from them yet about classes they are putting on in my area. I still believe it is the right group to become a lifetime member of, because if you don't stick up for your right to carry and attach yourself to a group that is for it, you have no right to complain when the government takes your guns away. AND BOY oh boy they will have to take my gun from my cold dead hands, so even if it is maybe a bit harsh of a saying/motto...well you have to give kudos for being honest and forward.

 

[Rollo]

I have become a member of NRA just recently, I had meant to become one eventually but my man made sure I was one asap. I do believe it is important to back up a respected group that is out there fighting for my rights to be a gun owner. Most of the events they put on are get togethers/dinners/money raising events it seems, as I have gotten no information from them yet about classes they are putting on in my area. I still believe it is the right group to become a lifetime member of, because if you don't stick up for your right to carry and attach yourself to a group that is for it, you have no right to complain when the government takes your guns away. AND BOY oh boy they will have to take my gun from my cold dead hands, so even if it is maybe a bit harsh of a saying/motto...well you have to give kudos for being honest and forward.

I have no issue with being honest and forward but in terms of public oppinion I think that phrase makes us look like a bunch of para military gun packing nut jobs. Where in reality I think the majority of gun owners are just "Average citizens that just happen to own firearms". I think the latter is a lot more likley to sway public oppinion in our favor then the former. That being said though I probably still will join as they do a good job of protecting my rights.

 

[Adrenaline]

That being said though I probably still will join as they do a good job of protecting my rights.

That's the spirit!!

 

[haldir]

I know there are some people on here that like to jump all over the NRA every chance they get. Maybe they don't do everything the way you would want. But make no mistake there is no other gun group that has the clout they do. When the NRA calls politicians jump. Only in the safest of districts will a politician ignore the NRA.

 

[Prometheus]

I know there are some people on here that like to jump all over the NRA every chance they get. Maybe they don't do everything the way you would want. But make no mistake there is no other gun group that has the clout they do. When the NRA calls politicians jump. Only in the safest of districts will a politician ignore the NRA.

Thats like saying everyone whose older should join the AARP. Its ridiculous. Sure they have a lot of clout, but are they working in the best interests of you?

As someone who believes socialism is wrong, I could never join the AARP and all the welfare (also read socialized medicine) they push for... aside from the fact I'm to young, lol.

Same goes for the nra. I own guns. Not just bolt action hunting rifles and double barrel shotguns, but all sorts of guns. I do not hunt (although I have nothing against hunting).

I'd be quite about the nra if they pushed for what they believed in and didn't throw MY GUNS under their political expediency bus to get what they want.

That is what they do. In order to protect their hunting guns they do as they've done since 1934, they throw the Rights of many gun owners under the bus so they can have the privilege to own their 'deer guns'.

I've had it with the NRA. I'm only a member because of the free 1 year and during this year they've done nothing to earn my money for another year.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

I was a member for several years, when I was a little younger. I was trying to raise a family and all that goes with that, on not a very big salary at all. And every other day there was a piece of junkmail in my mailbox pleading for just a little more money. At that time the basic membership fee was an amount I really had to think about before shelling out, and it really turned me off to see the NRA and ILA coming to me so often with their hands out. When they started calling me on the phone I complained, and explained my situation. They had no solution for me that didn't involve me giving them more money. I'd have stayed a member for sure if not for the constant hounding for money. I do believe in what they do, and appreciate all the training and events they put on, but enough is enough!
Lately some of the guys at work say that if you complain about the junkmail, they'll put you on their own "do not solicit" list. Is this true? If it were, that might be influential to me and others.
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[NWIeng]

Here's my two cents.

Yes, I have received the deluge of mailings, one phone call in the evening, and fully expect them to keep coming. Yes, they can get quite annoying.

But as a gun-favoring radio personality likes to point out, the power of the NRA comes from the quantity of the members. The more that join, the more swing they have when they walk into a congressman's office. Plain and simple. Obviously they would like everyone to be a life member who answers every mailing with a check, but I'm sure they know that that will not be the typical member.

With membership numbers in mind, I feel that everyone on this forum, regardless of what they think of the organization should find a way to pony up for at least a $10 associate membership. No magazine, no frills, throw out all their mailings if you want, but pay the tiny freight so that the next time Wayne walks into an office of someone in Washington, he can say that he has 4,000,001 members as opposed to 4,000,000.

It is upsetting hearing some of the gun-lovers on here who want nothing to do with the NRA. If nothing else, please put differences aside, pony up $10, and allow them to add your name to their list.

Does this qualify as a rant? (i really just wanted to use that smiley once!)

 

[sloughfoot]

And after joining the NRA, don't forget to join the Indiana Rifle and Pistol Association. They are the ones that keep track of what our State Legislature is doing and they are the ones who go to bat for us in local issues. They can call on the NRA for help if needed. We as individuals can't do that.

ISRPA is made up of guys that go to work every day just like all of us and testify and fight for us in their off time. GOA, JPFOA, and the other 2nd Amendment organizations do not have grass roots organizations like the NRA does.

Remember, it is always the local issues that directly effect you.

ISRPA deserves your consideration. Indiana State Rifle And Pistol Association - Home

 

[243rem700]

I've got a life membership to the NRA. And while it was enough to buy one or two very good guns, I think joining the NRA was the much better decision. When I go to buy the guns I want in the future, the NRA helps insure they will be legal to own.

 

[longbarrel]

I don't like the NRA. I don't want any part of that evil empire. And just so it is clear..I am nothing more than a gun-having hillbilly. I just feel like they are the main reason for high ammo prices and ammo shortages all together. I wouldn't walk across the road to go to one of their conventions and I definetley would not give them any of my hard earned money. Maybe they should use some of their lobby money and get Winchester, Remington, CCI, Hornady, and it goes on and on, to drop the prices on their ammo. Why don't they quit using scare tactics to help the firearm industry prosper? Nobody is taking our guns, but if they can get just a small percent to believe this it will work because we are all cattle in one way or another. I could elaborate more, but am done.

 

[Mgderf]

READ MY SIG LINE!

YES, you CAN ask, and be added to the NRA's "no-solicitations" list, and the mailings will cease!

The NRA still runs educational programs, safety programs, and the like.
There are now two arms of the NRA dealing with politics, the NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative action), and the NRA-PVF (Political Victory Fund).

These are BOTH worthy causes in my eyes, and they have garnered a LOT of support in the 15 or so years I've been a Life member.

I believe enough in what they do to have up-graded my membership, first to Endowment member, and two years ago, to Patron Life member.

I talked one brother into a Life membership. I've talked my step-dad into an annual membership, and I've "Gifted" 3 nephews with Life memberships.

Yes, you CAN opt out of the solicitation mailings if you wish. I have not, and I continue to support (financially) the NRA in spite of them.

 

[tharlow514]

I've had it with the NRA. I'm only a member because of the free 1 year and during this year they've done nothing to earn my money for another year.

You dislike the NRA so much yet you are still a member. If I was as angry as you seem to be at the NRA I don't think I would join even for free.