NRA Member?

[mich buckmaster]

I was wondering how many people here are active NRA members. My father brought it to my attention that too many people want guns for hunting, practice, and even an olympic event. But, are you fighting for your rights .

I am one who is not, because they called me five times in one week asking for money. But on the other hand should I contribute and become a member so they will fight for my rights to bear arms.

My dad received a promotional video called the Dream Season by the Drury Boys. In the video it talks about Canada, Australia, and other countries with no guns, or are ready to take them away. There are close to 4,000,000 members, and we need to find an organization to fight for our rights. I am now going to become an NRA member.

I was just wondering your thoughts and ideas on the subject.

[MIBow]

I have been member of the NRA. I got tired of the seemingly endless requests for $$. I understand the need to have financial power to deal with Gov lobbiests and Big Business, but, started to wonder if (really with out basis) if they had my best interest in mind. I do believe they are working for our behalf, but sometimes feel it gets a little heavy handed.

I have always wondered if there were any other orgs. (I have belonged to MUCC in the past) that promoted similar views and programs as the NRA, but, were maybe not so "large" and corporate based.

I made a pledge to myself to try to maintain a better "relationship" and understanding with my elected govt. officials, and try to see if I could make my difference on a personal level. The power of the vote is a great tool!

[OTIS]

I am a member also and was on the "chicken Little List" ;) For quite some time. I finally told the individual calling that I pay what I can for support but the constant badgering is going to make me not renew. Hopefully they will accept my Membership fee and respect that as my contribution.

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy-
Great question, mich buckmaster! I am NRA Life (since '83 when I lived in CA and guns were very easy to come by). Now things are getting crazier with every gun-crazed killer, child kidnapping, or high school take-over.
Even though I am a Life Member, I still am asked to make donations or upgrade my membership (How do you upgrade "Life" membership; "Eternal"?) They do it because so many people join for one or two years and that's all. They do it because each year finds more obstacles in their path. Because each year the opposition raises more funds, or gains more members from the latest 'Columbine'. They do it because inflation eats away at last years contributions.
Does it get to be a bit much? Yes, sometimes it does. But who else will be YOUR voice in DC? Who else has as many members, and therefore, political clout?
You can bet your sweet ***** that without a national presense like the NRA provides, the US would be ripe for fleecing, just as Australia and Canada have proven themselves to be....
Is the NRA perfect? No, not by a long shot. But until another organization comes along that can show me the numbers in terms of members, clout, and political savvy, they'll continue to get some of my hard-earned dollars.
I suggest you join, if only to try them out for yourself. Remmber, they WILL ask for more money; you just have to decide if YOU think it is worth it.
I do.

[Hunt4Ever]

Life Member.

[Bob S]

NRA life member since 1984.

If you think the NRA gets carried away in asking for money, join a political party sometime.

[Liv4Huntin']

Most Definitely! I give extra as I can/want ....... hubby also has his own membership. So, yeah, we 'give' double, but feel it is going for a good cause. If we don't support our rights, who will? And we feel the NRA is the loudest voice fighting for those Second Ammendment rights.

~ m ~

[deputy]

i'm a member of the nra and also the michigan based mcrgo group. most likley the best pro gun pro hunting group in the state with over 24,000 members check out there web site mcrgo.com

[Shoveler]

Member NRA and MCRGO. If you are not a member of MCRGO take alittle time to look into it. www.mcrgo.org

Shoveler:D

[The Nailer]

Life Member

[Jackone]

I've been a member of the NRA since around 1974. Give or take a few years. I still think it is our best advocate in Wash. I'm going to join MCRGO this month. ;)

[Michigan Hunter]

I'm an NRA member and have been for years. We need this kind of representitive for our rights. Are they perfect? Not always but then who is? I am also a member of MUCC and Michigan Bow Hunters. I respect any group that helps me in my life hobbies.

[Jackone]

anybody got the address for MUCC's web site if they have one? :confused:

[stevebrandle]

MUCC's web address is www.mucc.org

[Jackone]

Hmph, never thought of trying ".org"

No wonder it wouldn't work. :rolleyes:

[Ringneck]

NRA Life member, and yes I get tired of all the requests for more money. However I do believe that it is neccessary and that it is well spent.

I have seen reports that the NRA is one of the most respected of all the lobbies in the political arena and also one of the most effective. That at least shows that they are using the money they get effectivly.

[mich buckmaster]

Thanks for the advice and I am also a member of the MUCC. We get a membership with our conservation club. I am really wondering how many people are not members, but complain about the government taking our rights to bear arms. I guess I am just trying to get everyones opinions.

[farmlegend]

Been a proud NRA member for many years, and am not offended at all by the requests for money.

Remember, the enemies of our way of life never rest, and the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

[The Nailer]

Ringneck-

Originally posted by Ringneck
and yes I get tired of all the requests for more money.

I know how you feel and in fact several years ago I requested I be taken off the legislative fund raising list. I figured all the money they spent on postage and thick weekly mailings could be used to better fight for our rights. So if anyone out there feels the same way and never donates extra money solicited for this fund you would be doing all NRA members a good deed by stopping the mail they send and saving them the cost of it.

Just my $.02

[BEAGLEMAN]

Long time member,ILA,Golden Eagles contributer.
Also NAHC life member.
The requests for money do get to me sometimes but I hate to think where we would be without these organizations.
Tom

[Swamp Monster]

NRA Member, Mucc member, NAHC Member, and soon to be MCRGO Member.
I really have no problem with the requests for money from the NRA. If the majority of folks had a clue what kind of budget the ant-gun lobbyist work with, you'd be damn happy to send a few xtr bucks when you can. For example, the owner of Monster.com, Andrew Mcklevey(sp) dumps millions of dollars a year of his own money into anti-gun lobbyist pockets. the majority of us can't match his funding so we need strength in numbers. If you use his website, shame on you. I don't send money every time the NRA asks', but I give when I can. Your freedom to own a gun is hardly free and this battle will never ever be finished. The NRA is the 800 pound Gorilla in Washington and everyone may not agree with all they do but they are fighting for your rights. Educate yourself on the anti gun lobby and what they are about, the more you now the better you will be able to defend yourself. Most importantly, you must VOTE to keep those rights. You can bet the people that want to take your rights away vote every time and they are counting on your apathy! It has always been my opinion that if you are not a member of a group of your choice that is fighting for your rights, your part of the problem, and don't deserve the right to own a gun. Those will be the folks that will be asking "What happened? after its too late. Keep informed on upcoming legislation and make your opinion known to your representatives. Phone calls, letters, email, whatever it takes. Our representatives work for us (hard to remember at times) so make sure they know how you feel.
If you absolutely can't give financially, then donate time to your local gun club for youth education or any other worth while project. The hunting population is aging and we need to take steps to get any and all involved if we want to keep our hunting heritage alive.
I apologize for the rant, but few things are as important to me as my rights.

[Jackone]

Swamp Monster,

What kind of proof do you have of this guy at Monster.Com of being an anti? Not that I doubt you, it's just that I've heard of so many people and companies of being anti's and no proof of it what so ever.

Just like AOL. I've heard that they dump tons of money into anti-hunting but when I've written them letters and asked other AOL people, they deny it. They say that AOL is a business and it would be against their policy to do such stuff. I am getting so that I am "curious" when I hear of such people and companies doing "anti" tactics.

AOL, Ameritech, AT&T, Earthlink, Microsoft, now Monster. com are just a few of companies that I have heard of being "antis". Anybody care to add or delete from this list? Matter of fact, I would like to see a complete list of companies that contribute to anti gun/hunting and a list of those that are pro gun/hunting. I don't know, maybe I'm asking too much. :confused:

[Swamp Monster]

Well, I have to re do the research and find some links but he used to be a big supporter of Handgun control inc. (now they are Americans for gun safety) and was not very happy with their effectiveness. He has donated money politicaly for anti-gun legislation and politicians in Washington state and colorado. I will see what I can do to offer you proof.
Other companies that contribute to the anti-gun/antihunting and peta are:
Levi Straus (I have known this for some time and there is a sidebar article in the NRA American Rifleman mag)
Sprint
Hallmark
And others I can't remember at the moment.
You see these companies don't necessarily have to tell you what causes they choose to support and they aren't readily going to admit to them all the time so proof can be tough to come by. I haven't heard that about At&T or Ameritech but I will check.
If you check out some of the anti's web sites, they often times mention some of their supporters. Just make sure your at a legitimate sites because there are sites that claim to be the real deal and are basically making fun of the real anti sites.
I will try to get you some web address, I don't know them offhand.

[Swamp Monster]

Well I did some quick searches and didn't find anything on McKlevey or monster.com but when I have time I will dig deeper.
I do have a small handfull of sights that are interesting to look at when it comes to gun rights both pro and anti. They offer a ton of links once your at the pages.....enough to open some eyes as to the number of well organized groups hammerring away at our rights.
Guntruths.com
Handguncontrol.org
Gunfree.org
Safecolorado.org
......and hundreds of links....
Here is Safecolorado.orgs mission statement:
Safe Colorado is a bipartisan organization formed to advocate the reasonable regulation of the manufacture and distribution of handguns, semi-auto assault weapons, ammunition and related paraphanelia, while recognizing the right of the Colorado citizens to own and use firearms designed for legitimate hunting, sport and defensive purposes.
Now, thats sounds all nice like they aren't after your rights and it does sound about perfect to the general un-informed public. BUT all it really is, is good BS!! The first part....Reasonable regulation....What the heck is that? You can bet your idea of reasonable regulation and theirs is two totally different things! Then theirs that ugly term assault weapons......They can't define that term so keep an eye on your Browning BAR or your Remington 11-87...!! Then the best part....Related paraphenalia??? Well that just about covers anything that has to do with shooting sports. Are you going to have a say in what that covers? I doubt they will listen to you. Next we have "use firearms designed for legitimate hunting, sport, and defensive purposes" ??? Who decides whats legitimate and what isn't??
That mission statement is full of holes but they purposefully make it sound like they are not after us legitimate gun owners so we will keep our mouth shut. That is a spoon fed mission statement aimed squarely at the media and the un-informed non gun owning public. These people want to reach those folks who don't own guns but aren't necessarily against them either....the folks the we gun owners must educate!! If we don't educate them, they will!!
Jackone, I will see if I can get any "solid" info for you on the companies you mentioned..... McKlevey(sp) as been mentioned in several magazines also, I will have to see if I have the issues. I keep most but its a daily battle with the wife!!
I'll keep looking........

[Swamp Monster]

One other quick point while I'm on my soap box is the fact that gun owners need to stand together and draw a line in the sand and say "No More" These groups know they can not succeed by going after every type of gun at once, they slowly chip away a little bit here, a little bit there so we may not notice. Where does it end? I personally don't own military style assault weapons but my neighbor might and I will gladly fight for his right for a law abiding citizen to own that type of weapon if he or she chooses. If gun owners don't stand together, the anti's job will be easier.
Losing one right, is one to many.

[Bob S]

http://www.wmsa.net/mckelvey.htm

Swamp Monster, try this link. You couldn`t find anything because you were spelling his name wrong.

[Swamp Monster]

Bob S,
Thank You!! I knew I had his name wrong but I thought I could get close. Thats a good article but it makes him out to be a good guy....good for public relations. Check out the link on that page for Tanya Metaksa's take on McKelvey. She tells it like it is! Most anti-gun lobby groups are using "political correct" names especially after this last presidential campaign. These groups want us to think they are taking the middle ground and aren't a threat to our rights but its purely public relations, nothing more. Unfortunitely, these groups do a better job of winning over public support than we do and thats not good news. Luckily, most of the big city lawsuits have been thrown out and the judges are re-affirming what we already know to be true about the 2nd. Anyway, there is good information out there that every gun owner needs to be aware of.

[uncletj]

I have been a member since 1987,upgraded to Life member in 1999. I agree with the Party Mollusk 100% and would like to add this. The N.R.A. is not only fighting for your right to bear arms but for all rights of all Americans.Because if we lose the 2nd. amendment it will allow the Schumer`s, Kennedy`s and Fienstien`s of congress to chip away at all the other`s leaving us no way to stop it. Remember Somalia and Rawonda, people in those places had no defense against their leaders.This country was started because folks told them Redcoats we`re not living like this any more and it took brave men armed with the ol` smokepoles to GET-R-DONE!

[Sawcat]

I've been a member for years, I also got tired of the phone calls so I asked to be put on their do not call list, it took a few weeks for it to go into effect but it worked. :cool:

[alex-v]

I've been a member for years, I also got tired of the phone calls so I asked to be put on their do not call list, it took a few weeks for it to go into effect but it worked. :cool:
Bingo! That is all it takes. Tell them that you will support when you can but to put you on the "do not call" list. And, while they are at it, to put you on the "do not mail" list.

After being an annual member since the mid 1970s I became a Life Member in the early 1980s. I make donations. If they call and I do not have the money I just tell them that and they go their way. If a solicitation comes in the mail it goes into the trash unless I have a couple of extra bucks burning a hole in my pocket.

I am also a member of the MUCC (for over 20 years) through several other clubs. And, a member of other state level gun rights groups. But, I dropped my membership in MCRGO. Still, I am curious on how they can have that many members (24,000) when so many are dropping out of the organization.

[Violator22]

NRA life member, Gun Owners of America member, 2nd Amendment Foundation members, Colorado Sportmans Association. Do everything I can, including contributing my time for youths. :D Les

[safetreehunt]

NRA Member and supporter for years!!!

Not life yet, but getting there.

I don't send too much extra money, however, I buy some of their catalog products from time to time.

My own extra way of contributing is through other memberships. A $25-$35 membership fee for someone else is what I like to do. I currently pay for 3 of 4 kids memberships every year. Eventually they will take on their own payments and as I have asked them to do...pay it forward. Then it will be their responsibility to add new members by buying memberships for their friends or neighbors.

The right to arms "is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence. The second amendment declares that it SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED."

[bucknduck]

Life member here. My father was a life member, and I'm just following in his footsteps(trying). I still have many of the old magazines that he recieved. I don't mind getting the NRA store catalog in the mail. The phone calls haven't been a problem either.

[Jackone]

Life member here. My father was a life member, and I'm just following in his footsteps(trying). I still have many of the old magazines that he recieved. I don't mind getting the NRA store catalog in the mail. The phone calls haven't been a problem either.

I just get the phone calls around election time. :lol:

[ScottC]

I just get the phone calls around election time. :lol:
It's about the same for me. When I first became a Life Member though, I got calls and mailings often. I am a new NAHC member too.

[victor mi pro bowhunter]

Not a member probly should be wish the nra called me asking for money.
only people calling me are some freaks talking about why doves should not be hunted they just cant take a hint. :rant:
Still dont know how they got my phone number i told them i was a hunter and would love to hunt doves but nothing works so now i look at my caller id :bash:

[Bwana]

Been a proud NRA member for many years, and am not offended at all by the requests for money.

Remember, the enemies of our way of life never rest, and the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

I think farmlegend summed it up beautifully!

I am a Life Member of the NRA. I also belong to Gun Owners of America and Safari Club International as well as a few other Hunting Orgs.

[Bluegill]

Life Member



Bluegill

[NATTY BUMPO]

Been a proud NRA member for many years, and am not offended at all by the requests for money.

Remember, the enemies of our way of life never rest, and the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

Life Member, since the 70s sometime. I have no doubt that without the NRA, we'd be in the same boat as England and Australia and Canada, where gun rights and hunting rights are being taken away from the people one by one.

If you value your hunting and guns (hard to have one without the other), you should belong to the NRA.

Natty B.

[hunterrep]

Been a member for 15 years and will be forever. All of you that are bothered by the mailings need to look at these mailings as a "gun control newsletter". Read all but the last page and get informed on what is going on in DC and the UN with your gun rights. The reason you don't read the last page is that is where they will always ask for money. By the way, send money when you can as it takes $$$ to fight this battle. You should all be members of this organization if you value your rights. To say you quit because they sent you a hat made in Japan is ridiculous.