Should I join the NRA?

Joining the NRA costs the price of a box of ammo. Make it ten million members, and no administration will tamper with the 2nd Amendment.

Even if you don't like the NRA, join anyway, as well as your preferred RKBA organization.

How much is that in a year? Three boxes of ammo? A tank of gas, a brick of .22, and a trip to the country for some plinking?
 
I don't agree with everything the NRA does or says.
That said, I am a member despite my disagreements, and think that everybody that is serious about defending their freedoms and firearm rights should join, as they are the biggest and most effective advocate for firearms and firearm rights.
Strength in numbers.
 
I tried, but I can't let this go. Saying the NRA did was at all positive in this case is a joke. From trying to torpedo it at the beginning to taking up Gura's time at SCOTUS NRA's involvement was shameful.

Putting aside the evolution of Parker/Heller, which was already addressed, I was not at all impressed with the NRA's antics in demanding some of Gura's time for oral arguments during McDonald. However, the NRA came out looking pretty good on that decision. Clements did a tremendous job at orals - which given his all-star status at SCOTUS is no surprise. I was angry with NRA when I first read about it but after listening to the orals, I was glad the NRA did it.
 
However, the NRA came out looking pretty good on that decision. Clements did a tremendous job at orals
The thing was, Gura argued that the issue should have been handled via the Privileges or Immunities clause. I'd have love to have seen the whole doctrine revisited, but Scalia threw it out almost immediately. Clement was prepared to argue along Due Process grounds, and he handled that angle with aplomb.

Honestly, I'm glad we had both of them on hand for that one.
 
Yes, and to be fair to Gura, he might have spent more time on Due Process had he not had to share his time; but I think the effect of having Gura argue P&I (which was a longshot) and have a solid standby like Clements for Due Process worked well for everyone.
 
just to say I'm in the NRA

If that's the reason you think people join, you'e entirely missed the point.

Of course, every gun owner should be a member. But if you don't, at LEAST join one of these others instead, roughly in preference order: SAF, GOA, JPFO.
 
IMO Anyone that owes a firearm should be a NRA member. And if you believe in the 2nd A you should also. And if you are not an NRA member you should be a shamed of your self! Just remember if it was not for the NRA we would not have any 2nd A gun rights left. Join up the NRA need as all.
 
If that's the reason you think people join, you'e entirely missed the point.
I've met quite a few who have little idea what the NRA does or any clue as to 2A issues beyond the absurd rumors that are constantly floating through the community. Usually quite vocal about how their $15 a year, that doesn't even go to the fight, is winning the fight.

Did I misunderstand a previous post or did someone actual suggest people should pay $15 a year to join the NRA so the NRA will send them reminders to send money to the NRA-ILA?
I'll set-up a public google calendar that sends anyone subscribed to it a text message reminder once a month if that is a real problem. Won't even charge.
 
Just got my card and an absolutely ridiculous "new member confidential survey" in the mail, in addition to the paperwork to activate the insurance.

I think my favorite question on the survey was a version of "If you leave us stuff in your will, we have a gift for you, may we contact you about this gift?".

But all in all, I'm happy to have the insurance.
 
When I was selling insurance I looked at the NRA firearms insurance in comparison to other policies. I didn't think the additional insurance was such a great deal.
 
IMO Anyone that owes a firearm should be a NRA member. And if you believe in the 2nd A you should also. And if you are not an NRA member you should be a shamed of your self! Just remember if it was not for the NRA we would not have any 2nd A gun rights left. Join up the NRA need as all.

Like the AARP, the NRA officials make a living off guys like you.

Many years ago when I was a NRA member, they had a poll in an issue of the 'Rifleman. There was no way you could answer the poll questions without supporting their position. I don't even remember what the poll was about but I found it insulting. I won't be insulted by anyone for any reason. When my renewal came up, I found a better way to spend my bucks. The NRA is much like the AARP, people feel they are required to join, not me. I make my decisions on how I live my life, spend my money and how or what I support. You might be "a shamed", but I'm not.

For the record, I own two Corvettes, two motorcycles, I've been a ham 54 years, I own 23 hand guns, seven rifles and one shotgun. I don't belong to any organizations or clubs that are related to these interests or activities.
 
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For the record, I own two Corvettes, two motorcycles, I've been a ham 54 years (...) I don't belong to any organizations or clubs that are related to these interests or activities.
Last time I checked, there aren't constant attempts in the legislatures to ban sports cars or motorcycles.
 
"Like the AARP, the NRA officials make a living off guys like you."

And, conversely, you continue to enjoy Second Amendment rights that - if not for NRA and its members - would have long ago disappeared, all by riding the coattails of every NRA member in the country.

You're welcome.

"I own two Corvettes, two motorcycles, I've been a ham 54 years, I own 23 hand guns, seven rifles and one shotgun. I don't belong to any organizations or clubs that are related to these interests or activities."

Of your interests, your firearms are the only ones that are under pretty much constant attack, and the one only ones called out specifically for protection in their own Constitutional Amendment.
 
vulcan73 said:
... I've been a ham 54 years, ...I don't belong to any organizations or clubs that are related to these interests or activities.
The American Radio Relay League has for many years been helping educate and train folks interested in amateur radio to qualify for their licenses. I'd think someone who has been a ham for 54 years would want to support an organization which has been so helpful to those wanting to enter the world of amateur radio.

The NRA's training and educational programs are in some ways similar.
 
vulcan73 said:
Like the AARP, the NRA officials make a living off guys like you....

Are the people who work for the NRA not entitled to salaries consistent with what they could earn elsewhere in jobs requiring similar skills, training, education and experience -- and having similar responsibilities? Choosing to work full time for the RKBA should not require that one take a vow of poverty. The NRA is not a monastic order.
 
"The NRA is not a monastic order."

Well, having worked at NRA in the early 1990s.... at the salaries they were paying then, yeah, it sort of was. :)

That's always really ****** me off, honestly, is the expectation that some people seem to have that anyone who works for an advocacy organization of any kind should do so for free because, well, it's their interest, so doing it should be more than enough compensation!

I WISH NRA had paid me enough to afford two Corvettes. :rolleyes:
 
And, conversely, you continue to enjoy Second Amendment rights that - if not for NRA and its members - would have long ago disappeared, all by riding the coattails of every NRA member in the country.

You're welcome.
Well said. Frankly, some of us are sick of carrying the water for the tens of millions of gun-owners who have never supported the NRA, but would be screaming the loudest about why the NRA didn't do something, should the 2nd Amendment go away.
 
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