Yesterday I received my February Rifleman, and could not miss the fact that the NRA is imposing a dues increase. I could understand a slight increase, considering the cost of dealing with official Washington.

I am currently doing an Extended Payment Plan to Benefactor, paying a little at a time, since being a disabled, retired, single dad isn't easy. I called NRA today to see what the EPP increase would be, so I could make an informed decision about cutting corners next month to pay off the EPP, or stretch it out.

I am glad that I was sitting down. After being on hold for about 30 minutes, I had a significant shock. The Patron to Benefactor increase is going from $300 to $1200! Based on this increase, I can only imagine what the increase will be for the other levels of membership. In a bad economy with high levels of unemployment, I have to wonder how many potential members will be driven away!

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Judge control not gun control!

Glad I just bargained with them to get a reduced 5-year rate . . .

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Now go make God proud...

I already got on the upgrade bandwagon. I'm going from Patron to Benefactor membership on the $300 over a year deal. Hopefully these dues will help for next election day! Ivan

Wasn't it always considerably more than $300 per upgrade to move through the higher levels of life membership? I upped to Benefactor about 5 years ago when they had the $300 special running, but my understanding always has been that while they run that special rate pretty often it isn't always available.

Its not about getting the best deal and a cheap knife. the nra needs money to continue fighting for our 2nd amendment rights.

without the NRA....we will ALL be driven away..................

Join, Support, Contribute to the NRA.

there IS strength in numbers.................

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There's nowt so queer as folk

Just rejoined.

Last week Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and NRA Board member, spoke at our local gun club. The Association has spent a lot of money on the litigation challenging Andrew Cuomo's SAFEAct. I think the NRA has helped with those expenses, and know the NRA is involved in litigation around the country. The increase in my NRA membership dues is insignificant compared to what I would lose if "Australian style gun control" is imposed on us.

Just signed up at the sale price before the increase .. 5 years was a good deal .. even more now with that news ..

The entry level membership needs to stay low to get numbers. Raising it will only drive members away and scare new ones. They need the numbers of members more than the money. They have just a small percentage of gun owners now.

I meant to say this too. Membership numbers are very important.

Going to contribute to the NRA-ILA more this year. Just wish every gun owner would join. Can you imagine how many members we would have?

To the OP, I would think that you are locked in on price when you started your payment plan.

I had the pay as you go towards life and wanted to pay it off early. I had about $200 into it but when I called i found out they only wanted $500. I asked if they would credit me and they said I'd have to deal with corporate. I thought about it for a few and just signed up for the $500 and considered the prior payments as a donation.

I count my blessings and this time I figured it wasn't about me or the dollar.

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Dum vivo cano

If just a third of the irresponsible non-member gun owners would go ahead and sign up the NRA could probably reduce membership rates. But, alas, just like a hitchhiker they want to come along for the ride without taking any responsibility.

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- Change it back -

This for me ^^^^^
I'll keep getting paid up every two years at the large
gunshow in Indy. That is until they price me out.
Seems like we need all the new folks we can get on
our side the better. The new members will vote our
way as well as keep on top of our legislators.

Maybe less free hats and knives and monthly mailers
could help them cut costs some. Just a suggestion.

They do a fine job for us gun owners but they need to
keep in mind to NOT cut the little guy out of the mix.
Bread and Butter........

Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

At my age annual is the only way to go.

I bought my Life membership many years ago back in the 70's. IIRC, the dues then were $300. If things were doing better in my profession I would think about contributing more. But not with gas prices well below $2.00/gallon. The oil and gas drilling industry is depressed, to say the least right now.

EDIT: Also, the private outdoor range I belong to also requires you to be an NRA member. Each year you renew you have to prove that you are a paid-up NRA member.

I plan to add a 5 year membership this month. I have never got one of the gifts they give. I know what the NRA goes and has been doing and I do support then and the efforts. What I would hate to see is that the leaders are getting a pay raise. Just me thinking out load.

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Carpriver.

Rate increase? No. The five year renewal looked good to me so I chose
it. Already got my knife.

Went ahead and did the quarterly payment option towards Life membership. Now is the time to do this!

I'll pay whatever takes to remain a member and support the NRA. They're not just about defending the 2nd, there's much more to this organization than meets the media and always has been.

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I'm Proud To Be An American!