Still on the fence regarding the NRA

[Steve in Vermont]

Back in the 60's and 70's I was a member of the NRA. Being a police officer I was concerned with issues that dealt with officer safety. One such issue was ammo that was basically a mini armour piercing round, in .38 caliber if I recall correctly. The government wanted to make the ammo illegal while the NRA argued for its public use. The NRA prevailed. That left a bad taste in my mouth and I haven't been a member since. I find myself in agreement with almost all the NRA stands for, but at times it seems that in their interest for gun rights they go to extremes. (When I wrote them about my concerns they replied using the term "slippery slope" and didn't seem interested in my concerns). I wonder if any members out there have these same conflicts and how they resolved them, if they did.

 

[bk43]

I don't ask the NRA to be perfect, I ask that they fight for the cause. They do and have my support.

In passing, I will never accept that banning "armor piercing ammo" is a good idea. And in .38? Must be some kind of joke.

Please join us.

Bob

 

[max]

There is a current NRA thread you need to look at. The reason the NRA opposed the ban on "cop killer" bullets was that the law would have banned every single jacketed rifle round.

 

[keithpip]

NRA

Steve,

You have legitimate concerns and I would respond by pointing out that many people are married. Most would tell you that they love their spouse dearly even though they disagree with them on occasion. There's a bigger picture here. You decide.

Keith

 

[redlevel]

If I had not taken time to go read Steve's introductory post, I would have shouted "TROLL!"

Hopefully that isn't the case here. It seems sort of funny, though, that one would take a stick and stir a hornet's nest, so to speak, with his first or second post.

"Cop killer bullets" is a loaded phrase with negative connotations, much like "Saturday Night Special" or "high-capacity, assault rifle, capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute," or "high capacity handgun magazines, making it possible to fire dozens of rounds in a few seconds."

The "Saturday Night Special" legislation proposed back in the day, designed to get "cheap, poorly made handguns used in most police shootings" off the street would have outlawed my Model 60 S&W, one of the finest revolvers ever made, because it has a two-inch barrel. It would have outlawed the Colt Single Action Army, the famed "Peacemaker," because it wouldn't pass the drop test. Those press releases by Brady and others never, ever tell the truth about the actual intended effects of proposed legislation.

Steve, anyone can find a reason not to support the NRA. For some, it is because they are too liberal, and too willing to compromise. For others, it is because they are too dogmatic, not willing to give in on something so innocuous as banning hated "cop killer" bullets.

There is plenty I don't like about NRA. The one overriding fact that makes me support the organization is that every politician, no matter dem or rep, fears them. We gun owners need an organization that can impose our collective will on the policy-making process. NRA is it.

Edit: Steve, welcome to the forum. Pardon me for a less than gracious lecture. It is something I feel strongly about. Jump in with stories, questions, tales, and opinions about S&W revolvers and any other subject. I am just a cantankerous old curmudgeon.

 

[BikerRN]

I would ask you to look at the bigger picture, nevermind your self interest against armour peircing rounds.

Biker

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I find myself in agreement with almost all the NRA stands for, but at times it seems that in their interest for gun rights they go to extremes.

There's a saying that goes something like this --- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

 

[feralmerril]

I dont like the constant begging, pressure, marketing tatics. Still, I hate to think how things would be without them. I pay my dues but seldom even read the magazines or countless mail. They have a way of trying to get you to pay your dues early and most the time I dont know when my subscription is really due!

 

[Rule3]

With the tragic shooting in Arizona recently by one "crazed individual" the Anti Gun lobby is already gearing up proposing all kinds of ridiculous bans of magazines of more than 10 rounds no guns allowed with x number of feet of any political member etc etc,

Who fights these people and has the clout to stand up to them? Certainly not you or I individually.

You may disagree on one particular matter but I really think without the NRA we would not be having this discussion or even this forum .

Florida is now trying to re enact the open carry law we used to have, with this recent event, I doubt it will happen, If it does it will be primarily through the power of the NRA.

Of course it is your decision, but I can not see where joining will hurt you in anyway.

 

[handejector]

I am going on vague memory here, but I think it went like this-

The bullet you speak of was, I think, the Nyclad, which were teflon coated. Whatever bullet it was, it was NOT developed to defeat vests. That was merely the way it worked out.
As I recall, they were pulled from the market, vests got better, problem SOLVED without legislation.

So yes, I am glad the NRA opposed it, because, as stated abbove, it could have been twisted to outlaw many bullets. NEVER count on a fair or honest deal from the anti-gunners. NEVER!

Should you join?
YES.

I made payments in 78, paying off my life membership in Dec, 78.
I believe they are our only significant defense- period.

 

[Road Rat]

I dont like the constant begging, pressure, marketing tatics.

feralmerril; do what I did...tell them to stop all the mailings always asking for something!! They will........

 

[redlevel]

Relevant to the discussion:

GunCite-Gun Control: "Cop-killer" Bullets

Points out the origins of the "cop-killer" name and the part played by NRA.

It points out that the proposed legislation, as stated by an earlier poster, and before the NRA got involved, would have banned virtually every centerfire rifle round on the market. Even the hunting bullets from a 30-06, .270, etc will defeat a ballistic vest.

 

[beerdog]

on the surface banning armor piercing ammo may seem like a good idea,but the politicians always manage to encompass many other items into the legislation.Over the years I have grown to oppose any law that would restrict ammunition or firearms of any sort for this reason.I believe that self protection is an absolute freedom that should not be impeded by laws instituted by by political figures with extreme anti-gun agendas.

 

[NE450No2]

Still ALL things considered, you should join the NRA...

Without them we would probably not have even BB guns...

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Nor websites like this. The enemies of the RKBA view even thinking about firearms as "thoughtcrime."

 

[bigtime460]

I believe that all the good the NRA does far out weighs any disagreement I have with them from time to time. I am a proud life member and hope you decide to rejoin.

 

[dave b]

Most gun owners who are not NRA members are just too cheap to send the $30. They are pretty typical of most people. Most people would rather ride in the boat than row.

 

[Steave]

I don't always agree with the NRA, but thank God we have them. IMO, anyone who owns a gun and isn't a member of the NRA does not deserve to own a gun.

Steave, life member

 

[Babalooie]

If not the NRA, then what other organization? I don't know of many (or any) other groups fighting for our second ammendment rights.

 

[monet61]

NRA

They drive me crazy sometimes, but I agree with most all the posters here.
My wife drives me crazy sometimes, but she always has my back.
Kinda, sorta like that...