Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > The Lounge
o

Notices

The Lounge A Catch-All Area for NON-GUN topics.
PUT GUN TOPICS in the GUN FORUMS.
Keep it Family Friendly. See The Rules for Banned Topics!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-04-2009, 01:26 PM
Wayne02 Wayne02 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Western WA
Posts: 938
Likes: 5
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default NRA Endowment Life membership

I'm sure others have received the same letter from the NRA offering an upgrade from life to endowment for $275. Seems like a good deal if the endowment level usually costs $1000?

You get either the Legacy of Freedom Bowie Knife or the Howard Miller desk clock. Does anybody have one of these?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-04-2009, 01:34 PM
smitholdtimer smitholdtimer is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: N.C.
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 5,920
Liked 1,822 Times in 810 Posts
Default Endowment Upgrade

I upgraded a year or so ago and got nothing, I'm so jealous.
__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-04-2009, 02:27 PM
johngalt's Avatar
johngalt johngalt is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 1,443
Liked 6,647 Times in 2,564 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by smitholdtimer View Post
I upgraded a year or so ago and got nothing, I'm so jealous.
Don't be jealous, I upgraded and got the knife. It is strictly ornamental, it's not a real knife. It isn't sharp, and is made in China from some kind of **** metal that I doubt would hold an edge.

The NRA should save their money and use it for something worthwhile instead of wasting it on trinkets.
__________________
Common sense isn't so common.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-04-2009, 03:35 PM
smitholdtimer smitholdtimer is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: N.C.
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 5,920
Liked 1,822 Times in 810 Posts
Default I"M really not jealous

That was "tongue in cheek", it really confuses me to see them and many others go to China for gifts that aren't worth carrying home. We are already "owned" by too many other countries. time to say enough is enough! IMHO
__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-04-2009, 03:56 PM
Firehouse Firehouse is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Alabama
Posts: 2,222
Likes: 2
Liked 56 Times in 25 Posts
Default

I got one of those letters too. I got the knife already when I went to a regular life member. I would get the fabulous desk clock worth hundreds given to me free with my upgrade to Endowment member. Decision decisions.

Really as for as a personal benefit, I don't see it. The upgrade for $275 sounds like a deal over $1000. Otherwise I can't see doing it, for any other reason. Besides our 2nd Amendment rights. SO I guess I will probably save my pennies and go ahead and do it before the deadline in Dec. If I don't change my mind.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-04-2009, 04:30 PM
Knightrider03m's Avatar
Knightrider03m Knightrider03m is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 18
Liked 132 Times in 70 Posts
Default

I never gotten that letter
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-04-2009, 05:08 PM
bk43 bk43 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times in 26 Posts
Default

I upgraded to Endowment a few years ago and got a hooded rain jacket. Made in Vietnam. I cut them some slack though as it's a good cause and it's a decent jacket.

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-04-2009, 08:10 PM
johngalt's Avatar
johngalt johngalt is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Posts: 5,335
Likes: 1,443
Liked 6,647 Times in 2,564 Posts
Default

If you are already a life member, the Endowment status gives you absolutely nothing, except for a new title. I did it because I decided to give them some money, and I thought I might as well get a title upgrade for it.

But the "Endowment" membership is worth exactly zero over a "Life" membership.
__________________
Common sense isn't so common.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 10-04-2009, 09:04 PM
sureshotbob sureshotbob is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: western Connecticut
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 13,079
Liked 2,901 Times in 932 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by johngalt View Post
If you are already a life member, the Endowment status gives you absolutely nothing, except for a new title. I did it because I decided to give them some money, and I thought I might as well get a title upgrade for it.

But the "Endowment" membership is worth exactly zero over a "Life" membership.
Just as Johngalt said. I did it and got the knife some time ago.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-04-2009, 09:30 PM
Old 44 Guy Old 44 Guy is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sierra Nevada foothills
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 4
Liked 4,386 Times in 1,673 Posts
Default

I upgraded to Endowment last year. Did it not because of the Viet Nam made jacket but because I had been life since 1959 & I needed to give something back. Good cause.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10-04-2009, 09:54 PM
jrm53 jrm53 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Rogers Arkansas
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 4,785
Liked 1,085 Times in 468 Posts
Default Up grade

I upgraded from life to endowment in the late 90's seems like it was a 100 or so, I did it because i thought they could use the money, Clinton was still the president and I dont send a great amount to them yearly any more. Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-05-2009, 06:55 AM
2Loud4You 2Loud4You is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

I upgraded to Endowment a few years ago for $250 but no special gifts.
__________________
NRA Endowment Member
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10-05-2009, 10:52 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

I upgraded to Endowment about 10 years ago and got a "Thank You".

At lest all my money went to fight for us to keep our 2nd Amendment rights. I'm satisfied. Had to turn down an invitation to Patron awhile back as I don't have as much extra money since I retired. Maybe next time.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-05-2009, 11:11 AM
Andy Griffith's Avatar
Andy Griffith Andy Griffith is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Out for the duration
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 62
Liked 520 Times in 264 Posts
Default

Do they quit sending requests for cash after becoming an endowment member?
__________________
Lost it all in a boat accident
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10-05-2009, 11:15 AM
MKT's Avatar
MKT MKT is offline
SWCA Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 11
Liked 88 Times in 56 Posts
Default

I may have to call and ask about the "special". This is, at least, the second time I've heard of the Endowment upgrade mailings but I've never received one. Of course, once I made the jump to Life it seems I completely stopped getting NRA mailings all together.
__________________
Non illegitimae carborundum
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 10-05-2009, 12:43 PM
2Loud4You 2Loud4You is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Griffith View Post
Do they quit sending requests for cash after becoming an endowment member?
That's a joke right? Seems to me the requests increased.
__________________
NRA Endowment Member
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 10-05-2009, 02:29 PM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 3,260
Likes: 1,224
Liked 2,526 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

Got that offer; not interested. Paid full bore for Life long ago and that will suffice. Some months ago I started sending NRA-ILA X dollars per month just like another bill. They haven't sent any back, so I figure it's doing a little good. They can keep the come-ons and we're both ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 10-05-2009, 04:16 PM
m657's Avatar
m657 m657 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: sunny Orygun
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 392
Liked 307 Times in 195 Posts
Default

re: "But the "Endowment" membership is worth exactly zero over a "Life" membership."

at least we get a little fancier logo here on THIS forum....and I get very little of the well-known 'advertising'.

And I *like* being "Endowment" member.
What I have got for a *long* time now, it the pleasure of a mostly decent magazine, written by *mostly* decent staff.

And their basic informational articles have improved in recent years IMHO.

Yes....."I" am the NRA......
__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-05-2009, 07:25 PM
dg101win's Avatar
dg101win dg101win is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 353
Likes: 233
Liked 135 Times in 45 Posts
Default

I did it several years ago and got the jacket also.
I went from annual to life back in 1971 for $125. I consider it an investment.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 10-05-2009, 09:02 PM
Wayne02 Wayne02 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Western WA
Posts: 938
Likes: 5
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

I don't think I received anything from going to life member but I have been eyeballing the leather jackets recently. Might have to order one of those.

and get something for my dog.

Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 10-14-2009, 04:02 AM
Babalooie's Avatar
Babalooie Babalooie is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Chi-town
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 215
Liked 193 Times in 99 Posts
Default

I upgraded just before Christmas last year. It took about six months to get the knife. As others mentioned, it's a Chinese copy of a nice knife. I threw away the ****** wooden mount and replaced the plastic scales with jigged buffalo horn. Then, I got a Case leather scabbard for it and sharpened the blade. It's kinda cool now, even if it's not perfect - my first attempt at "making" a bowie knife.

BTW I tried to drill a hole into the grip area but was unable to do it with my Taiwan made drill press, so the steel may be better than I originally expected.



I think it's worth the upgrade just to provide a little financial support for the NRA. I would have done it even if they didn't offer the knife.

Last edited by Babalooie; 10-14-2009 at 05:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 10-14-2009, 10:12 AM
bk43 bk43 is offline
Member
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times in 26 Posts
Default

Babalooie, FYI when I went to look at your knife my antivirus program(Avast) picked up a trojan horse virus and blocked it. Can't tell you any more about it because I had Avast abort the download but you may want to check it out. I am not computer smart enough to tell an innocent cookie from a trojan horse program so I don't mess with this kind of thing.

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 10-14-2009, 12:27 PM
Babalooie's Avatar
Babalooie Babalooie is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Chi-town
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 215
Liked 193 Times in 99 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bk43 View Post
Babalooie, FYI when I went to look at your knife my antivirus program(Avast) picked up a trojan horse virus and blocked it. Can't tell you any more about it because I had Avast abort the download but you may want to check it out. I am not computer smart enough to tell an innocent cookie from a trojan horse program so I don't mess with this kind of thing.

Bob
Thanks for the information. I'll run Avast post haste.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 10-14-2009, 03:41 PM
Babalooie's Avatar
Babalooie Babalooie is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Chi-town
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 215
Liked 193 Times in 99 Posts
Default

I had a piece of "Malware" on my computer. It has been neutralized. I deleted the photo of the knife and put on a clean version.

Sorry for the hassles.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10-14-2009, 05:10 PM
S-W4EVER's Avatar
S-W4EVER S-W4EVER is offline
US Veteran
NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership NRA Endowment Life membership  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 8,451
Liked 1,635 Times in 591 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Griffith View Post
Do they quit sending requests for cash after becoming an endowment member?
Well, they quit sending me the 'membership upgrade' letters... that's gotta count for something. Like the rest of you that upgraded, I figured they needed the money.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
leather, nra

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anyone know what an NRA Endowment membership is? sar4937 The Lounge 34 08-21-2017 06:59 AM
NRA Life Membership zonker5 FORUM OFFICE 4 07-10-2016 08:55 PM
NRA Endowment membership 41 fan The Lounge 6 01-29-2016 06:52 PM
NRA Endowment Membership leswad The Lounge 15 07-24-2014 01:29 PM
NRA Life Membership woodsltc The Lounge 1 01-29-2013 02:27 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:44 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)