The Second Gun Rights Group to Join

[Mark Tyson]

Speaking only of national organizations, what is the best gun rights group to join after the NRA?

I know there are those who don't like the NRA at all because of its compromises, but let's leave that issue alone for the moment.

 

[vi9er]

Well, for a national orginazation I like the GOA http://www.gunowners.org , but if you can afford it I would say go with a state orginasation in addition to another National. In Va the best is VCDL, but I don't know about where you live.
Take this for what it is worth!
Ed

edit
after reading the first line of your post I noticed you said National only, sorry!

 

[Peetmoss]

I would have to say GOA and a locol group or two.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

I like the JPFO personally.

I refuse to join the NRA, as every report from the "front lines" as it were has the NRA fighting to oppose gun rights rather than fight for them. They even argued for GCA68 guys -- they're no friends of gun rights.

The GOA had me pretty impressed, until I read Vin S's comments on their support of Bush Jr. It seems that some in that organization are willing to overlook gun-right issues as long as the candidate is strong enough on pro-life issues. I don't join gun-rights orgs for their stance on anything other than gun issues, so this strikes me as a big warning flag...

I understand that I might be in the minority, however.

 

[G-Raptor]

Originally posted by Peetmoss
I would have to say GOA and a locol group or two.

Ditto!

A lot of time we get so focussed on Federal laws, we forget what's going on in our backyard.

If you're so inclined, you might also consider a donation to one or more of the pro-gun websites. They do a great job of getting the word out and they could use a little help.

 

[JeFF D]

GOA or JPFO but I prefer to go local Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners

 

[2dogs]

Couldn't make up my mind so I joined NRA, GOA, JPFO, Second Amendment Foundation, CCRKBA, and LEAA.

Now I've cut back (to save $$) to the first three, although all are worthy organizations. I am tending to give more $$ to JPFO these days.

LEAA is geared toward law enforcement issues mostly, but strongly supports civilian issues such as concealed carry laws, victims rights, citizens right to self defense etc.

Of course now there is also SAS, Pink Pistols, and a slew of other national organizations, as well as tons of local ones.

If you can't afford to donate might I suggest other ways to contribute- I have a credit card that donates a certain % of purchases to Second Amendment Foundation; my long distance company contributes to (I think) JPFO and so does my ISP. So by getting stuff I would have to pay for anyway, I can contribute and not really miss the money. Most of their websites give info on how to hook up one of these deals.

You can even contribute to NRA and GOA through payroll deductions via United Way.

 

[BenW]

I have to mirror posts above -- join your state's Rifle and Pistol Assoc. or equivalent.

 

[slick slidestop]

In Texas, I also belong to the TSRA (Texas State Rifle Association)

 

[MuzzleBlast]

I refuse to join the NRA, as every report from the "front lines" as it were has the NRA fighting to oppose gun rights rather than fight for them. They even argued for GCA68 guys -- they're no friends of gun rights.

One has to stop thinking of the NRA as "the gun lobby." Consider all the other good work they do in the form of instructor training and certification, education, competitions, self-defense training, etc. These are good reason enough to send off your measly $35 a year. You don't even have to put the sticker on your car if you don't want to.

Now for real 2nd Amendment advocacy, the GOA is the way to go, IN ADDITION TO your NRA membership. When the Beltway Bushwacker thing was going on, Larry Pratt was all over the place. Where was Wayne LaPierre?

 

[Nanook]

"Where was Wayne LaPierre?"

Trying to raise money via the telephone to fight McCain's anti free speech law. He still is doing that, not sure what the outcome will be.

I belong to NRA, and also Illinois State Rifle Ass'n. I'm considering GOA. While I'm aware of some of the charges against NRA, they are still the 300 lb. gorilla when it comes to lobbying efforts. And as MuzzleBlast mentioned, they have many programs that are worthwhile. For $35 per year, not exactly a small fortune.

JFPO has many great pamphlets intended to sway those people who are on the fence. They won't change the ardent antis, nothing can change them but a mugging or two.

 

[Mark Tyson]

My Choice, and why

The JPFO looks most interesting of the organizations mentioned. I was about to choose GOA but people tell me that as a member you just get too many letters begging for money. It seems that SAF is focused mostly on legal research. I'm not a police officer so I wouldn't fit in LEAA.

JPFO's literature and other media products look promising, so I will give them a try. I believe I will also join a local/state rights group eventually.

 

[Diesle]

If your in MN,>>> Minnesota Concealed Carry Reform

http://www.mnccrn.org/