NRA Member?

[Robert J McElwain]

I attended the Kansas City Sports Show last night and the NRA had a booth there. The guy on the other side said new member growth was down. I've got my beefs with some NRA actions but it's the only game in town. And I'm a member. In fact, I enjoy letting that information out to some of my bleeding heart friends.

Any other thoughts?

Bob

 

[Rembrandt]

NRA membership is cyclic....goes up when gun owners fear legislation and threats to the 2nd amendment....goes down when everyone feels there's no threat.

 

[TexasRifleman]

And remember this is NEW member growth only, not overall membership numbers.

 

[12GA]

Although I've been a member of the NYS Rifle & Pistol Assoc (NYSRPA) for a number of years, I've just become a member of the NRA this month and am more than a little ashamed it took me this long to join.

 

[Camp David]

I've got my beefs with some NRA actions but it's the only game in town.

Bob... I enthusiastically support your sentiment above; I too have "beefs" with the NRA but support it nonetheless...

I do wish the organization would return to its roots of supporting hunters rather than lawyers!

But alas, I understand why...

 

[gt3944]

I will be joining the ranks for good..

 

[NineseveN]

Bob... I enthusiastically support your sentiment above; I too have "beefs" with the NRA but support it nonetheless...

I do wish the organization would return to its roots of supporting hunters rather than lawyers!

Not to pick on Camp David but this sentinment is exactly why I "used" to be a member. Too much pressure from Hunter-types that don't truly support the Second Amendment, they just support it a little more than the VPC does. I am not saying this is what Camp david meant, but it's an issue raised by his post.

The NRA is more of a sporting purposes advocate than a true 2A group. The last thread on this ended up getting pretty ugly, I hope this one does not go that route.

I won't slam someone for belonging to the NRA, I expect the same courtesy in regards to my supporting other groups.

 

[Robert J McElwain]

NRA membership is cyclic....goes up when gun owners fear legislation and threats to the 2nd amendment....goes down when everyone feels there's no threat.

That's almost exactly what the NRA guy said. I ranted to him about getting into Kansas and getting us CCW and he said they're working on it, but I haven't seen it. It's embarrassing being in such a backward State.

Bob

 

[Robert J McElwain]

........I do wish the organization would return to its roots of supporting hunters rather than lawyers!

But alas, I understand why...

Amen Brother!!! I know too many rich lawyers but, as you said, they're a necessary evil

Incidentally, I talked to the NRA guy about having a few "Open Carry Gatherings" here in Kansas, which is legal. I understand that's part of how Ohio got their politicos off their duffs.

Bob

 

[MarshallDodge]

Not to pick on Camp David but this sentinment is exactly why I "used" to be a member. Too much pressure from Hunter-types that don't truly support the Second Amendment, they just support it a little more than the VPC does. I am not saying this is what Camp david meant, but it's an issue raised by his post.

The NRA is more of a sporting purposes advocate than a true 2A group. The last thread on this ended up getting pretty ugly, I hope this one does not go that route.

I won't slam someone for belonging to the NRA, I expect the same courtesy in regards to my supporting other groups.

I have only been an NRA member for the last 15 years but I have seen some changes for the good. In the last year I have seen more articles on black rifles and accessories than I can remember. They have taken a strong stand for the CCW laws and I know I few hunters that think CCW is bunk.
I think the NRA learned their lesson in the Clinton era about compromise.

If you want to join other groups that's OK by me but I never hear any anti-gunners talking about how they fear group X, it's always about the NRA.

 

[Camp David]

Not to pick on Camp David but this sentinment is exactly why I "used" to be a member. Too much pressure from Hunter-types that don't truly support the Second Amendment, they just support it a little more than the VPC does. I am not saying this is what Camp david meant, but it's an issue raised by his post..

Can you name me one (1) real hunter group or organization that does not support the 2nd Amendment? I'll wait...

 

[pharmer]

Yes,Endowment member. Joe

 

[ReadyontheRight]

I still do not understand why anyone needs to "choose" an RKBA organization. I belong to NRA, GOA and JPFO. They all fight in their own way.

Without the NRA, our rights would be even more limited than they are today. A very recent example: the NRA jumped in and got the "authorites" in New Orleans to stop taking away citizens' firearms.

 

[BozemanMT]

Best reason to join the NRA?
Scares the poop out of the blissninnies.

Life member
HUGE sticker on the back of the truck (surrounded by libertarian stickers)
I love driving to work with it in Boulder colorado (Berkley east).

 

[Rem700SD]

+1
NRA Life member here. I'm a little more hopeful for the future with Sandra Fromen(sp) as president as she owns class 3 toys. I just keep hoping for an amnesty....

 

[Robert J McElwain]

+1
NRA Life member here. I'm a little more hopeful for the future with Sandra Fromen(sp) as president as she owns class 3 toys. I just keep hoping for an amnesty....

I understand one of the greatest increases in gun ownership is with women, so you're probably right that it's good the new Pres. is a very capable woman.

And, suddenly, my two daughters, who are both in their 30s love going to the range with me. Of course, their husbands have always enjoyed burning up my ammunition.

Bob

 

[benEzra]

The guy on the other side said new member growth was down.

The second derivative is negative, but the first derivative is still positive, with a total membership way over 4 million, not even counting affiliated clubs and organizations. I'll bet the Bradyites and the Hundred Mom March wish they could say that...

I do wish the organization would return to its roots of supporting hunters rather than lawyers!

Only 20% of gun owners are hunters. So if the NRA spends 20% of its resources defending hunters and 80% of its resources defending the ownership of nonhunting style guns, it's giving hunters at least their fair share. And I dare say most hunters probably also own at least one nonhunting/defensive style gun.

 

[GRB]

lifer...

 

[Camp David]

Only 20% of gun owners are hunters...

Could I trouble you for proof for that statement Ben? I have seen proof of some states showing almost the reverse of this being true; i.e., upwards of 80% of gun-owners being sportsman...

But, I'll wait and see your evidence...

 

[Colt]

The NRA is more of a sporting purposes advocate than a true 2A group.

I agree with this sentiment, but keep in mind that some hunters see it as exactly the opposite.

I know sportsmen that won't join the NRA "because they support the right to own guns designed for the sole purpose of killing lots of people as quickly as possible. That's not self-defense."

I believe the NRA walks a fine line between satisfying 2A folks and sportsman
at the same time. Neither group can be ignored, IMHO.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've been a life member at least 40 years.

Like everyone else I've have complaints with the NRA, but I can tell you for a fact, if it wasn't for us (the NRA) fighting for our rights for all these years we would be lucky to be able to own a bolt action 22 rifle today.

So join and support the NRA and other gun organizations, because the only reason you need a gun safe today is because the people before you (NRA) made it possible.

Now it's your turn.

 

[davera]

NRA membership

I'm a member and gave a buddy a membership for Christmas.

 

[cosine]

Where's the option for "definitely will be some day?"

I voted "not yet," but when I become an adult and buy my first firearm I definitely will join the NRA.

 

[wmenorr67]

Lifer.

 

[Pilgrim]

Endowment Life Member since 1996.