Are they doing the job?...NRA, GOA, 2nd Amendment Foundation...

[SMSgt]

The worst thing I see out of all of this is the number of supposedly Pro-gun/2A representatives who suddenly--for the sake of their political careers--do not want to be seen as associated with anything NRA.

There is the problem, not what the NRA does or does not do.

 

[brjr51]

I support the NRA as much as possible as a retired guy, including going Benefactor this year, but to me the NRA has an image problem that somehow needs to change. Too many picture it as group of old, overweight white guys sitting around in camo clinging to antiquated beliefs. Somehow they need to get the message out to urban minorities, soccer moms, whatever, that without the 2A, this country as we know it would not exist. We're not a bunch of old redneck fudds, but are mostly upstanding citizens in the community that love our country very much. The 2A is in place to protect us all, not an elite few. Sometimes these freedoms come with risks, but the alternative would eventually be worse.
With todays MSM and politicians vilifying us at every turn, a plan for going on the offensive with recruitment and image needs to be formulated. There's no easy answer, but it starts with us rank and file members spreading the word. If every member could convert or at least explain "OUR" NRA to one other person who doesn't understand what's behind our beliefs, it could eventually make a big difference.

 

[Golddollar]

I support the NRA as much as possible as a retired guy, including going Benefactor this year, but to me the NRA has an image problem that somehow needs to change. Too many picture it as group of old, overweight white guys sitting around in camo. . .

I never thought of Dana Loesch as an old, overweight white guy.

 

[BigBill]

I feel we're all in a crock pot of leftovers. It is what it is where would be without the nra?

 

[Wise_A]

The NRA would be much more capable if more gun owners would belong. Some of us are tired of pulling the wagon for those who can't be bothered, but we will continue to do so.

And some of us are tired of pulling the wagon for those that think joining the NRA is enough.

 

[rwsmith]

Well, it's a step...

And some of us are tired of pulling the wagon for those that think joining the NRA is enough.

....in the right direction.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I joined the NRA because the Anti gun groups hate them. But if we really want to cement our rights we will stop fighting among ourselves. Anti gun groups feed on petty fights in the gun community.

 

[ladder13]

I never thought of Dana Loesch as an old, overweight white guy.

Or Colion Noir.

 

[brjr51]

Or Colion Noir.

Exactly my point, outside of NRA members, who would recognize those two names. But I would bet more than one anti knows who Wayne LaPierre is.
As much as I admire Colion and Dana,, they're not getting the message out to the masses, but merely preaching to the choir.

 

[BC38]

And some of us are tired of pulling the wagon for those that think joining the NRA isn't neccessary.

Fixt it for you.

The fact is, that if EVERY gun owner just JOINED the NRA the dues alone would be a HUGE infusion of cash. 95 million more members at just $35 a year each would be over $330 MILLION per year. That would effectively DOUBLE the total amount of money collected by the entire organization.

Even more importantly, think how much clout the NRA would have if they could say
"We represent 100 MILLION people - roughly 1 in 4 Americans"
Instead of
"We represent 5 million people - roughly 1 in 80 Americans"

 

[lrrifleman]

I am a Benefactor Life Member, and both of my children (12 & 11) are Life Members. My affiliation with the NRA began in 1969 when my grandfather gave me my first gun.

I have primarily been a target shooter, and the NRA is the national sanctioning body as recognized by the ISU. While it is not required for competition, NRA membership has been beneficial. The competition activities help to not just legitimize, but advance the NRA's claim to promoting firearms safety.

Honestly, I am rather proud when the liberals put a target on the NRA's back, it means that they recognize us as an impediment to their agenda. How often do you hear the liberals put a target on the GOA or SAF, or any other "national" gun rights organization?

In all honesty, how many gun owners tend to stick with the NRA after their first year or so of gun ownership? What many don't realize is that multi-year and life members can vote and have an influence in the direction that OUR organization takes.

 

[blues7]

NRA Life Member.

GOA is a disappointment, primarily because of the leadership so I won't be renewing my contributions to that organization.

SAF has been active in litigation in the past and a five year membership is very inexpensive so I'll consider re-upping when my current membership is due for renewal in a few years.

How effective are they? I wonder where we'd be without them. I believe the NRA-ILA has very dedicated folks fighting the good fight when and where they can.

 

[Gaffer]

I do not understand statements that the NRA is only preaching to the choir. You tell me how we change the minds of people who are convinced that guns are evil and even the mention of them is forbidden.
Our nation is so badly biased with a left and right that the future is not easily seen. I dare say that most of the antis would not even consider a moment of range time, let alone spent time with a gun owner as he checks his guns and cleans them.
The one thing I do not understand is the millions of gun owners who refuse to join the NRA. To me the NRA and guns are equal and you should not have one without the other. Our local small bore indoor range has benefitted so much by what the NRA has given us in the way of equipment, ammo, target rifles, etc to foster and benefit our Junior Rifle program. That alone has made many kids pro gun who initially were from families who knew nothing about guns. Those who diss the NRA are not aware of what it does and the number of young minds who benefit from them. I know that many of our juniors have gotten college scholarships because of what the NRA did via their help to clubs like ours. That alone is enough for many of the non-joiners to change their mind.

 

[Walkingwolf]

As usual these types of threads bring about gun owners snipping at each other. It does not matter what org a gun owner belongs to the people who want to outlaw guns love the nipping at ankles between gun owners.

 

[BC38]

As usual these types of threads bring about gun owners snipping at each other. It does not matter what org a gun owner belongs to the people who want to outlaw guns love the nipping at ankles between gun owners.

I agree that these threads do often turn contentious and that our opposition loves that.
I have to say that this particular thread has been the most positive on the subject I have seen on any of the boards I frequent.
Thanks to Lee and his crew for that!

 

[Muley Gil]

I support the NRA as much as possible as a retired guy, including going Benefactor this year, but to me the NRA has an image problem that somehow needs to change. Too many picture it as group of old, overweight white guys sitting around in camo clinging to antiquated beliefs. Somehow they need to get the message out to urban minorities, soccer moms, whatever, that without the 2A, this country as we know it would not exist. We're not a bunch of old redneck fudds, but are mostly upstanding citizens in the community that love our country very much. The 2A is in place to protect us all, not an elite few. Sometimes these freedoms come with risks, but the alternative would eventually be worse.
With todays MSM and politicians vilifying us at every turn, a plan for going on the offensive with recruitment and image needs to be formulated. There's no easy answer, but it starts with us rank and file members spreading the word. If every member could convert or at least explain "OUR" NRA to one other person who doesn't understand what's behind our beliefs, it could eventually make a big difference.

When it comes time to vote for board members, I always vote for those who are female, non-white, celebrities, etc just to prove that the NRA ISN'T just a bunch of old white guys.

 

[MOONDAWG]

The first name the grabbers always mention is the NRA; and for a reason.

 

[Walkingwolf]

The first name the grabbers always mention is the NRA; and for a reason.

And that reason would be ignorance, the goal of gun control has never been guns, but control. The people who own guns on a large basis are opposite in things not just about guns. Things that cannot be discussed, but has always been the driving factor of those who hate gun owners.