The NRA is NOT a perfect organization, they are by no means a welcomed group in most Liberal Cities around the Nation, and they are sometimes annoying - even to their Membership.

That said------

They are the BEST we have and we MUST give them as much support as we can! I frequently see guys on this and other Forums that spend all kinds of money on all kinds of shooting gear, leather, accessories, etc. etc. but do not "wear" the NRA badge next to their screen name. I know America is still a free Country and we can choose to spend out hard earned money in whichever way we deem suitable, but for us "Gun Guys & Gals" the NRA is just about all we have in our corner these days. I strongly feel ALL gun owners MUST support them in anyway they can and should not complain about gun legislation negatively affecting them if they are not supportive.

Just a quick rant, but if a few of the non members do join it was worth it.

Thank you!

Chief38

chief38, +1 on your post. It seems like a lot of members are very upset with the phone calls & junk mail the NRA sends out. I think that many members don't know that you can 'opt out' of these just by making a phone call.

As the old commercial used to say "Try it, You'll like it"


Art

Now more than ever.

I always wonder if those who have some gripe with the NRA support some other organization instead, such as Gun Owners of America, or donate to the NRA political action committee, the Institute for Legislative Action, or do anything else to help protect our 2A rights. Judging by the membership stats and etc., I guess few do.

While I am a member of the NRA, I dont put the sticker along my name, wear caps that advertise my favorite brands, badges I had or tatoo`s, logo t-shirts or whatever. No secret code rings either. I might be or was member to a few things but I dont "belong" to them. There is nothing that I feel the need to prove to anyone.

I absolutely agree. I am by nature a very private person, to the extreme (as my family would certainly agree.) I do not like unsolicited contacts of any kind, and view them as an unwanted intrusion in my life and my time. I don't do that to others, and I expect the same from them (sounds like J.B. Books, hey?) Yes, if you are coming to my house, you do need to call first...otherwise, get off of my lawn! (Now I sound like Walt Kowalski! )

I don't wear badges or logos, either...I don't have bumper stickers on my car, or even dealer advertisements. The single thing that I usually wear or display is the retirement ring I was given from my job, and the fact that I am a veteran, because I am very proud of both, and the fact that they represented a significant part of my life.

I don't think there is automatically any pride to be had in joining the NRA. Anyone can join, and for a few dollars can be a member. There isn't any screening required, nor length of service, nor service to country, nor proof of gun ownership, etc. It's not an exclusive club.

Yes, it is an organization that lobbies on behalf of gun owners, and that is a good thing. The way they conduct themselves, though, is at best irritating, and in fact a very big negative to me. I have asked - repeatedly - that they cease bombarding me with unsolicited mail and e-mails, but so far it hasn't stopped.

and both sons life members.

Can the NRA be irritating? YES. But nearly as irritating as the people trying to remove my guns and my rights

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the world is round everywhere

People complain about mailings and phone calls from the NRA. There IS a way to opt out.

I understand not showing your NRA banner here but hell, we ARE on a gun forum aren't we?!

To each their own but I don't understand the logic.

I've been known to throw a penny or two their way.

I don't advertise the fact on my vehicle but dang sure do on the guns boards that have the option.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

You are correct. I contacted the NRA requesting they save money and note send me the mailings. As a Life Member, I let them know that I would contribute extra when I'm able which I do twice a year.
I never get add'l mailings or solicitation mail.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

I have contacted the NRA by phone, mail, and e-mail, requesting that I not receive unsolicited e-mail and mail. I have called them, and asked the same. I still get them. I have unsubscribed from the e-mails that I get, and I receive a notice via e-mail that I have unsubscribed and won't get e-mails. Then I still get them.

I became a Life member about 1959 or so. Went Endowment a few years back. I send what I can afford to NRA-ILA. Like somebody just said, NRA is the only game in town.

Don't give up buddy. In contrast, it took me one phone call. But I feel your pain. They used to bug the hell out of me.

If I remember correctly I threatened to cut them off.

It's become a Seinfeld bit: I tell them I don't want e-mails, and I get an e-mail confirming that I won't get e-mails (which I still get.)

Between them and my congressman, I am never at a loss for electronic mail....

Same here...although I went Life in 1992. The odd thing is that I get very little mail from them, and I suppose as a result of never having been asked for an e-mail address, no electronic communication.

The exact same complaints are repeatedly made against the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) by their membership. Like the NRA, they are the only effective lobbying voice (for general aviation in their case) in D.C.

I hear what you fella's are saying and agree - I have even written a personal letter to Wayne LaPierre suggesting they adjust their mailing list and not pester the heck out of the Life, Endowment, and Benefactor Members and not only would they save a lot of money on mailings, but they would not piss off their the membership, - I got no response.

Like I said.... the NRA is FAR from perfect but they are truly the only one defending our rights and therefore like them or hate them it is in our own best interest to support them as best as we can.

Chief38

several pro gun organizations, but I have neverseen any of them mentioned in the media---except the NRA.

Have you??

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the world is round everywhere

I've had the same experiences.

Notice that the NRA has instead of lots of pages withing their site, they make almost every page a different website.

The consequence is that unsubscribing from one NRA website is not enough, there are several! Each has it's own unsubscribe requests, and then there are the other businesses like life insurance etc.

It's maddening.

I have called, and emailed so many times I can't begin to count.... I've unsubscribed via the email buttons at the bottom of the emails, EVERY TIME.... No success....

I almost didn't renew, but decided instead to renew, and then label all NRA incoming as Spam

I think I'll just set up a filter so that the incoming mail is directed to the trash, if I can figure out one generic enough to catch them all.

Now, if the post office would offer that for a fee, not just from the NRA but all junk mail, they'd be solvent in no time. I'm surprised the government hasn't thought of that already: charge the advertisers to send out the junk mail, and charge the recipients who don't want to receive it. That sounds like a government operation!

Several months ago I skipped a gun purchase and upgraded to life member status. That still feels like one of the better decisions I have made in recent years. Sometimes I send them a few extra bucks for their PAC, but not always.

The email barrage is over the top, but I just delete them.

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David Wilson