Joining the NRA

SilentSoul · 08-25-2007, 06:01 PM

I saw the thread about Jesse Jackson so it got me thinking. Should we all join the NRA that way our voices can be heard. I figure the more people that are in it, the easier it is for them to get their voice heard in congress and what not, we need that especially if Hilldog wins. So what do you think? Are you NRA'D up?

Brother Bob · 08-25-2007, 06:27 PM

I no longer belong to the NRA. They pissed me off by hitting me up for money every month and then showing and telling me about the Balls and parties they had at my expense. I wondered, just how much money would I have to send them to be invited to one of those expensive Balls?????????? They too, have lost site of their original aggenda. I feel that we are now on our own!

A-10 · 08-25-2007, 06:32 PM

Well I'm still a member, though the NRA and I arn't on the best of terms right now since they joined forces with the Bradies in the latest gun control on the agenda.
I'm considering joining the Gun Owners of America. The way I see it, the NRA is very powerful and we need them on our side so if we can just keep them pointed in the right direction, the NRA can continue to be a powerful ally in the fight for our second amendment rights.

Cyrille · 08-25-2007, 06:39 PM

I been seeing some bad things about the N.R.A. posted on this forum.
I am currently a N.R.A. member. and have been in the past. I believe that the organization could be doing a lot more than it is, and I diagree with our last decision to support the antis in their attempt to have yet more laws passed that will restrict law-abiding citizens from owning/carring guns.
I would not, however, go so far as to state that the N.R.A. is "caving in" in the face of anti gun nuts.

JoeLee · 08-25-2007, 06:49 PM

Join any Pro/Gun organization if you own a firearm,but join.GOA is the best by far.

troy2000 · 08-25-2007, 06:55 PM

Well, Wayne LaPierre dropped pretty low on my list a few years back, when he somehow thought that ranting about "jackbooted government thugs" would convince me to donate more money. Talk about a man misreading his audience...

But I sent them my membership fee a while back anyway. They're the strongest pro-gun voice we have at the national level, even if I don't always agree with them.

Chris · 08-25-2007, 07:06 PM

The NRA is the largest, I support them anyway I can. They are our voice, actually are only voice loud enough to be heard on a national level. I would recommend everyone that owns a gun pay the $35 fee a year at least.

Join a local organization so you have someone fighting for your right to carry concealed, and stop laws that would prohibit you or others from partaking in wonderful events where firearms are used.

Remember, United we stand, divided we fall.

killer · 08-25-2007, 07:23 PM

I was a member for about 15 years. I too got tired of the constant monthly request for extra money. Real tired of it. I couldn't put my finger on it but something didn't seem right. I helped them move into their new headquarters, build the firearm museum, and all the other great stuff I'll never get to use or see.

I guess the last straw was when I did decide to become a lifetime member. I tried using their website but it refused my money. I tried calling someone and got some guy in Pakistan. Ok...so they were saving money by hiring 3rd world people who barely could talk to me. Why not just stop sending me 10 pounds of bulk mail a year and save on the postage?

Something doesn't seem right and I still can't put my finger on it but the lastest blessing from the NRA on a new law aimed at preventing the mentally ill from obtaining firearms will sooner or later effect the rest of us somehow, someway it was never intended to do.

Why did we want to cooperate with the anti's at this point? What did we gain? They think gun owners are kooks regardless of what we do or say. Let them be afraid of us and our vote, it seems to be the only thing keeping their pie hole shut this election about gun control.

Something is up at the NRA and it's more than dues.

Just another disgruntled ex-member.

SilentSoul · 08-25-2007, 07:46 PM

This is why I asked, it seems split, current members are not happy with the way things are headed, but it still seems they are all we got. What about GOA what do you guys think of them?

Brother Bob · 08-25-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer

I was a member for about 15 years. I too got tired of the constant monthly request for extra money. Real tired of it. I couldn't put my finger on it but something didn't seem right. I helped them move into their new headquarters, build the firearm museum, and all the other great stuff I'll never get to use or see.

I guess the last straw was when I did decide to become a lifetime member. I tried using their website but it refused my money. I tried calling someone and got some guy in Pakistan. Ok...so they were saving money by hiring 3rd world people who barely could talk to me. Why not just stop sending me 10 pounds of bulk mail a year and save on the postage?

Something doesn't seem right and I still can't put my finger on it but the lastest blessing from the NRA on a new law aimed at preventing the mentally ill from obtaining firearms will sooner or later effect the rest of us somehow, someway it was never intended to do.

Why did we want to cooperate with the anti's at this point? What did we gain? They think gun owners are kooks regardless of what they do or say. Let them be afraid of us and our vote, it seems to be the only thing keeping their pie hole shut this election about gun control.

Something is up at the NRA and it's more than dues.

Just another disgruntled ex-member.

Well that just means that Pred, Rufus, and Crazy Ivan can't own guns anymore ........... Just kidding guys ....... You know Brother Bob would be bored to tears if it wasn't for you three hoots! LOL

Jesse · 08-25-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentSoul

This is why I asked, it seems split, current members are not happy with the way things are headed, but it still seems they are all we got. What about GOA what do you guys think of them?

I researched pretty much all of the RTKABA organizations and I'll share with you guys what I found:

The NRA is the biggest, has the biggest budget, and the most political pull in Washington. They influence legislators with their activism as well as PAC contributions. The NRA does offer something other organizations don't, training- in just about every conceivable arena of firearms. I currently hold 3 insructors' certifications with them as well as a Life Membership in the EZ-pay plan... the best value. The Life Membership comes with many perks. The NRA is stellar in combating anti-2nd Amt legislation on the federal level but can sometimes be out of touch on the state level. The NRA offers insurance plans for everything related to firearms, programs to help hunters, and support for building firearms ranges. Despite their problems, they offer the firearms owner a lot to consider.

The Second Amendment Foundation is not as big as the NRA but I joined them because you are instantly plugged into their contribution alert if you ever are prosecuted for justifiably using a firearm in self defense. They usually follow the NRA's lead as far as legislation. They are a well run organization in my dealings with them.

Gun Owners of America is a no-compromise pro-2nd Amt. organization that sometimes is at odds with the NRA's political decisions on both the federal and state levels. They are about as pro 2nd Amt. an organization as there is in theory, ie: they send out alerts and keep up with legislation on anything that comes up. Where the GOA differs from the NRA is their lack of dealing with representatives in crafting legislation. This is normally where these two organizations disagree the most. The GOA often cites the NRA as being lax by working on "compromise" legislation at the expense of gunowners. I cannot disagree with this and I know this has happened. GOA usually offers their reaction to legislative issues for their members to act upon. The GOA has a HUGE payroll for the executives in its organization considering its size.

Grassroots of North Carolina- for all of you tarheels, this organization could be considered a pro-2nd Amt. attack organization for the State of North Carolina. They are really agressive with newsletters, e-mail alerts, e-mail database software (to e-mail all representatives or select representatives at once), educational classes, and active participation in crafting bills with legislators. This organization tells it like it is and can upset the NRA as well as liberal anti 2nd Amt. legislators. Overall a great organization, first class people and very smart management.

I know there are other organizations, but these are all I have time to list. Hope that helps...

cubbieman · 08-25-2007, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentSoul

This is why I asked, it seems split, current members are not happy with the way things are headed, but it still seems they are all we got. What about GOA what do you guys think of them?

why not just join both?

SuckLead · 08-25-2007, 09:15 PM

I let my membership to the NRA lapse and I am considering maybe rejoining, but I don't know yet. I love the letter I got that started out with, "Is something wrong?" Would you listen to me if I said there was?!

I am a member of GOA, Grassroots NC, and the Second Amendment Foundation. I like that those three keep you informed and updated but don't toss a bunch of crap at you weekly begging for money.

The NRA catalogue came tonight and I made a comment to my mom, "They were quick to stop sending me my magazine, but those catalogues are still coming!"

Brother Bob · 08-25-2007, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

The NRA is the largest, I support them anyway I can. They are our voice, actually are only voice loud enough to be heard on a national level. I would recommend everyone that owns a gun pay the $35 fee a year at least.

Join a local organization so you have someone fighting for your right to carry concealed, and stop laws that would prohibit you or others from partaking in wonderful events where firearms are used.

Remember, United we stand, divided we fall.

Ok, Chris! As of 5 minutes ago, I rejoined the NRA! It cost me $35 and you owe me a "get out of trouble, free" card! That means if Brother Bob should experience a freudian slip or suffer a temporary loss of good judgement, you will find it in your heart to forgive me without having to go to Confession! Savvy???????

NRAJOE · 08-25-2007, 10:57 PM

Good man! Been a Lifer 3 yrs now...don't listen to the radical naysayers...they are the type that fracture the bonds of gun ownership with the others...usually some fringe political leanings also....

The other gun orgs wouldn't even be here without the NRA having been around.

troy2000 · 08-25-2007, 11:20 PM

That was pretty much the same impressions I had of NRA and GOA, but I didn't really have much to base it on. Nice to get some input from someone who's paid a lot of attention to the subject.

By the way: to quote Otto Von Bismark, "Politics is the art of the possible." And it could be that when the NRA makes a deal we don't approve of, it's because they're at ground zero getting a read of the mood and politics in Washington, and they've decided that's what was possible.

Brother Bob · 08-25-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troy2000

That was pretty much the same impressions I had of NRA and GOA, but I didn't really have much to base it on. Nice to get some input from someone who's paid a lot of attention to the subject.

By the way: to quote Otto Von Bismark, "Politics is the art of the possible." And it could be that when the NRA makes a deal we don't approve of, it's because they're at ground zero getting a read of the mood and politics in Washington, and they've decided that's what was possible.

Troy is quoting Otto Von Bismark! I new that guy was German! LOL!

SilentSoul · 08-26-2007, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubbieman

why not just join both?

I may do that but I want to make sure that my money is going toward helping our second ammendment rights with a good group and not just a waste.

Triggerjerk · 08-26-2007, 06:17 AM

I had not had any guns except a S&W Model 34 (.22 Snubby) for about 10 years. I decided to start shooting again, and joined the NRA again. I wrote them a polite note telling them that if they bugged me for money the way they used to, it would be the last NRA membership that I ever took. I have not received any solicitations from them, so they must have a do not call/mail list. If you take a membership, I suggest you do that.

I remember reading Jeff Cooper saying that he does not agree with all the positions of the NRA, but felt that everybody should be a member.

hunterspistol · 05-15-2008, 10:20 PM

I've been NRA for 5 years, have absolutely nothing against the truthful GOA. What's been said seems accurate, the NRA is bigger, has more stroke. GOA is the better watchdog.

08-25-2007, 06:01 PM	#1
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	Joining the NRA I saw the thread about Jesse Jackson so it got me thinking. Should we all join the NRA that way our voices can be heard. I figure the more people that are in it, the easier it is for them to get their voice heard in congress and what not, we need that especially if Hilldog wins. So what do you think? Are you NRA'D up?

08-25-2007, 06:55 PM	#6
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 9,457 Images: 9	Well, Wayne LaPierre dropped pretty low on my list a few years back, when he somehow thought that ranting about "jackbooted government thugs" would convince me to donate more money. Talk about a man misreading his audience... But I sent them my membership fee a while back anyway. They're the strongest pro-gun voice we have at the national level, even if I don't always agree with them. __________________ If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing. -Anatole France

08-25-2007, 07:06 PM	#7
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,167 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 18	The NRA is the largest, I support them anyway I can. They are our voice, actually are only voice loud enough to be heard on a national level. I would recommend everyone that owns a gun pay the $35 fee a year at least. Join a local organization so you have someone fighting for your right to carry concealed, and stop laws that would prohibit you or others from partaking in wonderful events where firearms are used. Remember, United we stand, divided we fall. __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members No one has the right to deny my personal safety Please be descriptive in your thread titles!

08-25-2007, 07:23 PM	#8
killer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the rat race Posts: 905 Images: 6	I was a member for about 15 years. I too got tired of the constant monthly request for extra money. Real tired of it. I couldn't put my finger on it but something didn't seem right. I helped them move into their new headquarters, build the firearm museum, and all the other great stuff I'll never get to use or see. I guess the last straw was when I did decide to become a lifetime member. I tried using their website but it refused my money. I tried calling someone and got some guy in Pakistan. Ok...so they were saving money by hiring 3rd world people who barely could talk to me. Why not just stop sending me 10 pounds of bulk mail a year and save on the postage? Something doesn't seem right and I still can't put my finger on it but the lastest blessing from the NRA on a new law aimed at preventing the mentally ill from obtaining firearms will sooner or later effect the rest of us somehow, someway it was never intended to do. Why did we want to cooperate with the anti's at this point? What did we gain? They think gun owners are kooks regardless of what we do or say. Let them be afraid of us and our vote, it seems to be the only thing keeping their pie hole shut this election about gun control. Something is up at the NRA and it's more than dues. Just another disgruntled ex-member. __________________ "Yeee Hawww...I'm a cowboy on an iron horse." Killer's cabin: http://buckmountainchateau.com/ Last edited by killer; 08-25-2007 at 08:17 PM.

08-25-2007, 10:57 PM	#15
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,052 Images: 3	Good man! Been a Lifer 3 yrs now...don't listen to the radical naysayers...they are the type that fracture the bonds of gun ownership with the others...usually some fringe political leanings also.... The other gun orgs wouldn't even be here without the NRA having been around. __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

08-25-2007, 06:27 PM	#2
Brother Bob The Mayor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Olive Branch, MS. Posts: 2,691 Blog Entries: 3	I no longer belong to the NRA. They pissed me off by hitting me up for money every month and then showing and telling me about the Balls and parties they had at my expense. I wondered, just how much money would I have to send them to be invited to one of those expensive Balls?????????? They too, have lost site of their original aggenda. I feel that we are now on our own!

08-25-2007, 06:32 PM	#3
A-10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 732	Well I'm still a member, though the NRA and I arn't on the best of terms right now since they joined forces with the Bradies in the latest gun control on the agenda. I'm considering joining the Gun Owners of America. The way I see it, the NRA is very powerful and we need them on our side so if we can just keep them pointed in the right direction, the NRA can continue to be a powerful ally in the fight for our second amendment rights.

08-25-2007, 06:39 PM	#4
Cyrille Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 1,850	I been seeing some bad things about the N.R.A. posted on this forum. I am currently a N.R.A. member. and have been in the past. I believe that the organization could be doing a lot more than it is, and I diagree with our last decision to support the antis in their attempt to have yet more laws passed that will restrict law-abiding citizens from owning/carring guns. I would not, however, go so far as to state that the N.R.A. is "caving in" in the face of anti gun nuts.

08-25-2007, 06:49 PM	#5
JoeLee Banned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North New York State. Posts: 1,241	Join any Pro/Gun organization if you own a firearm,but join.GOA is the best by far.

08-25-2007, 07:46 PM	#9
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Images: 1	This is why I asked, it seems split, current members are not happy with the way things are headed, but it still seems they are all we got. What about GOA what do you guys think of them?

08-25-2007, 09:15 PM	#13
SuckLead Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Posts: 600	I let my membership to the NRA lapse and I am considering maybe rejoining, but I don't know yet. I love the letter I got that started out with, "Is something wrong?" Would you listen to me if I said there was?! I am a member of GOA, Grassroots NC, and the Second Amendment Foundation. I like that those three keep you informed and updated but don't toss a bunch of crap at you weekly begging for money. The NRA catalogue came tonight and I made a comment to my mom, "They were quick to stop sending me my magazine, but those catalogues are still coming!"

08-25-2007, 11:20 PM	#16
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 9,457 Images: 9	Thanks for the rundown, Jesse That was pretty much the same impressions I had of NRA and GOA, but I didn't really have much to base it on. Nice to get some input from someone who's paid a lot of attention to the subject. By the way: to quote Otto Von Bismark, "Politics is the art of the possible." And it could be that when the NRA makes a deal we don't approve of, it's because they're at ground zero getting a read of the mood and politics in Washington, and they've decided that's what was possible. __________________ If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing. -Anatole France Last edited by troy2000; 08-25-2007 at 11:28 PM.

08-26-2007, 06:17 AM	#19
Triggerjerk Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 978	I had not had any guns except a S&W Model 34 (.22 Snubby) for about 10 years. I decided to start shooting again, and joined the NRA again. I wrote them a polite note telling them that if they bugged me for money the way they used to, it would be the last NRA membership that I ever took. I have not received any solicitations from them, so they must have a do not call/mail list. If you take a membership, I suggest you do that. I remember reading Jeff Cooper saying that he does not agree with all the positions of the NRA, but felt that everybody should be a member. __________________ We old dogs can learn new tricks. We just may not like performng them. TJ

05-15-2008, 10:20 PM	#20
hunterspistol Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Panhandle Posts: 18	I've been NRA for 5 years, have absolutely nothing against the truthful GOA. What's been said seems accurate, the NRA is bigger, has more stroke. GOA is the better watchdog.