Gun Dog Forum

Are you an NRA member or just along for the ride? Residents of England, Australia and Canada have repeatedly stated "You wouldn't have your guns either, if you didn't have the NRA." If you are not an NRA member, why not? I see in the NRA publication, American Hunter, how one of the biggest gun shows in the country ( Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, Harrisburg,Pa) canceled, because of vendors protesting/pulling out because of prohibition of displaying AR-15 rifles! Thank You, Cabela's, Keep up the good work! This was not an NRA sanctioned pullout, but many followed Cabela's lead! ROD

I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

I am a member & believe if it wasn't for NRA & other gun rights groups we would already have more gun laws then we do now.I Also believe if every one that owned a gun were members NRA would be much stronger &
even more of a influence on our gun rights.
Whether we like it or not money & numbers carry a very heavy weight when it come to politics in this country.AR groups have a lot of big money & backers behind them & we are fighting new rules & regulations every day to keep our
pets,dogs,& right to breed dogs because of it.
It doesn't matter if you like the NRA or any of the other groups fighting to keep our rights if we just set back & say it don't do any good we are going to find out pretty quick how much we are wrong!!
Then it's TOO LATE to make excuses.

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

You may want to educate yourself on how they will defend/represent Joe Blow Citizen in a court of law. The outcome in court sets precedence in state law. Then come back and tell us they don't do much good.


Life Member here.

Sure am, even though I get upset with them occasionally, I am smart enough to know how much they do and where we would be today without them to speak for us. Not many hear you when you sit at home wishing everyone would just drop this gun control thing.

Vonzeppelinkennels wrote:I am a member & believe if it wasn't for NRA & other gun rights groups we would already have more gun laws then we do now.I Also believe if every one that owned a gun were members NRA would be much stronger &
even more of a influence on our gun rights.
Whether we like it or not money & numbers carry a very heavy weight when it come to politics in this country.AR groups have a lot of big money & backers behind them & we are fighting new rules & regulations every day to keep our
pets,dogs,& right to breed dogs because of it.
It doesn't matter if you like the NRA or any of the other groups fighting to keep our rights if we just set back & say it don't do any good we are going to find out pretty quick how much we are wrong!!
Then it's TOO LATE to make excuses.

Amen!!!! I am a life member.

Charlie

Yes I am. Sure glad someone is out there to fight fire with fire for me.

If not the NRA then who would be defending the 2nd ammendment in Washington?
Life member here.

Life member here. Keep up the fight men!

Dedicated NRA member here!

Member here, too. About to be a life-time member.

My wife and I are both members.

I've never understood hunters / shooters / second amendment enthusiasts who criticize the NRA. Were it not for their efforts, our gun cabinets would have a far different look to them today. When I find an organization doing more to protect our gun rights, I'll support them. So far, I haven't come across one.

Life Member for the last 20 some years.

I'm an NRA member to I don't hang on every word they say better having someone in your corner than not
cc

A retired army bird colonel I know has been buying his anti-gun, left-wing sister an
NRA membership for years. Trying to convert her or to piss her off, who knows.

Just became one today.

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

Them---They, Just happens to be ME--US AND MILLIONS LIKE, ME, US, That are forced to spend millions of hard earned dollars, because of the ignorance of you and others that are spoon fed by our socialist media and society. The NRA is running a special, $300 for a life time membership, why don't you contact them, find out how they do, help you, and join us, thereby helping to stop that corrupt cog in the political machine? Do you own a gun? Don't worry, though, we, I, us, fellow NRA members, WILL CONTINUE, to give our hard earned dollars, to DEFEND, YOUR, MY, OUR and even THEIR gun rights!!I have heard, If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!! Thank You very much, ROD

Amen.....

Rod W wrote:

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

Them---They, Just happens to be ME--US AND MILLIONS LIKE, ME, US, That are forced to spend millions of hard earned dollars, because of the ignorance of you and others that are spoon fed by our socialist media and society. The NRA is running a special, $300 for a life time membership, why don't you contact them, find out how they do, help you, and join us, thereby helping to stop that corrupt cog in the political machine? Do you own a gun? Don't worry, though, we, I, us, fellow NRA members, WILL CONTINUE, to give our hard earned dollars, to DEFEND, YOUR, MY, OUR and even THEIR gun rights!!I have heard, If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!! Thank You very much, ROD

IMO one of the better posts I've read in a while.

ACooper wrote:

Rod W wrote:

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

Them---They, Just happens to be ME--US AND MILLIONS LIKE, ME, US, That are forced to spend millions of hard earned dollars, because of the ignorance of you and others that are spoon fed by our socialist media and society. The NRA is running a special, $300 for a life time membership, why don't you contact them, find out how they do, help you, and join us, thereby helping to stop that corrupt cog in the political machine? Do you own a gun? Don't worry, though, we, I, us, fellow NRA members, WILL CONTINUE, to give our hard earned dollars, to DEFEND, YOUR, MY, OUR and even THEIR gun rights!!I have heard, If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!! Thank You very much, ROD

IMO one of the better posts I've read in a while.

I couldn't agree more. I only wish I could put my thoughts in words that well.

LOL Maybe that is why he is a displaced texan instead of a Texan. My wife and I are both members.

Rod W wrote:

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

Them---They, Just happens to be ME--US AND MILLIONS LIKE, ME, US, That are forced to spend millions of hard earned dollars, because of the ignorance of you and others that are spoon fed by our socialist media and society. The NRA is running a special, $300 for a life time membership, why don't you contact them, find out how they do, help you, and join us, thereby helping to stop that corrupt cog in the political machine? Do you own a gun? Don't worry, though, we, I, us, fellow NRA members, WILL CONTINUE, to give our hard earned dollars, to DEFEND, YOUR, MY, OUR and even THEIR gun rights!!I have heard, If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!! Thank You very much, ROD

Well spoken from a fellow Wisconsinite. Yes, I am a member.

I'm looking at the Grand scale when I say that. If the government decides to ignore the bill of rights, they will certainly ignore the NRA.

I never said they don't do any good, I just have low faith in any of the large political groups. I believe they are out for their own interests, not ours.

Yes proud member and have bought other friends that had yet to become members a year or two membership. While I can agree with displaced Texan that some political groups are hard to stand behind or with the NRA and groups like them (NSSF, SCI) and many state level groups are there fighting so I-we can go shooting. Do I always agree.... Maybe not but it is groups like them that try to offset those groups that don't want you to shoot and hunt. Think not... In California they just banned hound hunting for bear, the same groups that pushed that can next say bird dogs should be banned, or just slowly pick states off one at a time. Should our rights be taken away at least I know I and others tried.......

displaced_texan wrote:I'm looking at the Grand scale when I say that. If the government decides to ignore the bill of rights, they will certainly ignore the NRA.

I never said they don't do any good, I just have low faith in any of the large political groups. I believe they are out for their own interests, not ours.

So what are you doing to help protect and preserve the Second Amendment? If you belong to another other pro-gun organization, or are active in the legislative process, good for you. Otherwise, sitting in the cheap seats and criticizing the NRA probably isn't going to get the job done. Hopefully you're engaged in the fight at some level.

NRA member here as well. i hand out membership pamphlets to my customers who are not. I am also a members of the California Rifle and Pistol association. Another to look into is shooting sports foundation.
It is also good to look at conservation organizations. Here in California, California Waterfowl Association fight harder than any other organization for guns and hunting. Years ago they stopped the anti"s from taking bear hunting away from us by crreating a plan for the department of fish and game. They also fought for the recent hound hunting but lost. So its good to know if your conservation organizations are willing to go the extra mile for hunters rights.

There are plenty of questionable organizations out there, but anyone who questions the NRA commitments to defending freedom should visit their website, read a few of the American Hunter articles and possibly attend an NRA meeting before passing judgment.

Life member here.

Nate

Nope. I've seen them on the wrong side of too many resource issues, and after Sandy Hook, no way forever.

hyperb wrote:Nope. I've seen them on the wrong side of too many resource issues, and after Sandy Hook, no way forever.

What did they do after Sandy Hook that you didn't like?

If Hillary follows Obama and they put two more supreme court justices in. All Gun owners had better consider being a member of the nra. If not we will be back breeding shorthairs with low tails so they don't tangle our nets. Speaking of shorthairs I don't see one on the new calendar. What were they thinking.

Life member here.

I first joined the NRA in the late 1970's. Over the years, I've learned that the gun grabbers will never rest until they have rounded up ever single firearm, including your hunting rifles and shotguns. Their cry is always for more "sensible" gun laws that further restrict my constitutional rights. That's why today, I'm a Benefactor Life Member of the NRA and will fight ANY new gun legislation - no matter how small - with both my time and my money. Gun confiscation is incremental and the ultimate goal is the complete elimination of all firearms, along with the American way of life. I thank God that the NRA is there to thwart the gun grabbers plans. If you're not an NRA member and hope that someday your kids and grand kids can enjoy the same hunting and shooting sports that you have throughout your life, please - take a moment and join the NRA today!

http://membership.nrahq.org/default.asp ... Mgod2TwAUg

Richk I didn't like how they opposed gun registry and mega mag ban. I've had personal experience with an unstable person who has access to weapons galore; the current laws and enforcement are inadequate to keep people like that away from weapons that amount to a dangerous hobby, even in their safest application.

That said I don't have too much confidence anything is going to change. NRA has too much money pouring in from manufacturers for them to be ignored in Congress.

I am not currently a member, I realize that I should be. I have been a member in the past and I will tell you that I do not understand their business model. I pay them $35, to be a member for a year. In that year, they spend at least $70 on paper, printing, and postage to send me letters asking for more money. I got frustrated with this and didn't renew, I felt I was saving them money. Maybe this has changed.

Wish NRA helped the hunting community and the slow steady backdoor efforts of the animal rights groups....they are after our gun rights too, just in a sneaky stealthy way.

Yes and glad to be ! I have been for about 18 years and feel they are necessary in this political climate . I will tell you I am tired of their phone calls, e-mails, and regular mail asking for more donations.

Yes I am a Life Member.

We have had gun control since 1938. Yet they want more so called common sense gun laws after another until there is no private ownership. Step by step they take one gun at a time, if it takes 200+ years to get it done. There is no gun show loophole, only a few of the guns sold are from private collections, the vast majority are sold by dealers and require background checks.

No current proposed laws would have stopped Sandyhook, nothing short of confiscation would, and then the nut would have used a bonb or poison, or something.

They do not enforce the laws now, it is about grabbing guns, not preventing deaths.

We need the NRA more than ever.

Oh, I am sure we will lose, they will get our guns, the NRA will just make them work harder and take longer.

displaced_texan wrote:I'm not a member because I see them as another money hungry, corrupt cog in the political machine.

In the big picture I don't think they really do much good.

Life member also! I bet you don't go to hearings to protect your own gun /hunting rights. I do! NRA is there also. Here in leftist California the fish and game commission was considering a motion. " Dogs will not be used in taking of any wildlife" NSTRA trials still must meet game regulations even if we own the birds and they are considered wildlife. NRA was there protecting your right to use your bird dog. With your attitude, you may as well sell your guns and get a cat.

[quote="hyperb"]Richk I didn't like how they opposed gun registry and mega mag ban. I've had personal experience with an unstable person who has access to weapons galore; the current laws and enforcement are inadequate to keep people like that away from weapons that amount to a dangerous hobby, even in their safest application.

That said I don't have too much confidence anything is going to change. NRA has too much money pouring in from manufacturers for them to be ignored in Congress.[/quot
Life member and sent them another $400.00 this year. Sensible gun registration???? DID YOU READ THE LEGISLATION? When I leave my home with my house sitter for more than 11 days and NOT transfer my firearms to her, I am in violation of the proposed law. All my weapons are in a gun safe. She does not have the combination. Still I am breaking the law. Obviously you do not need NRA protecting you but you do not take the time to even research the proposed law. You only bought into the liberal press spin on the law.

hyperb wrote:Richk I didn't like how they opposed gun registry and mega mag ban. I've had personal experience with an unstable person who has access to weapons galore; the current laws and enforcement are inadequate to keep people like that away from weapons that amount to a dangerous hobby, even in their safest application.

That said I don't have too much confidence anything is going to change. NRA has too much money pouring in from manufacturers for them to be ignored in Congress.

There is no great flow of money pouring in from gun manufacturers, the bulk of funds come from members. It is all disclosed, proudly. The sporting arms manufacturers are not all that profitable (the military/police division do pretty well) and do their own lobbying.

Rather than repeat the left's agenda points, please do your own research.

Neil

Life member.
Anyone who owns a firearm or intends for their children or grandchildren to own firearms should be a member. We see the battle everyday in California, if not for NRA or other local/state organizations like them we would be overrun worse than it is. For those outside California, these laws that are proposed are just the stepping stone for other states. The left will not stop. I hope everyone on this site joins today and then gets someone else to join. If you don't like all of the mail you receive just throw it out, but join every year.

P&PGunsmith wrote:Life member.
Anyone who owns a firearm or intends for their children or grandchildren to own firearms should be a member. We see the battle everyday in California, if not for NRA or other local/state organizations like them we would be overrun worse than it is. For those outside California, these laws that are proposed are just the stepping stone for other states. The left will not stop. I hope everyone on this site joins today and then gets someone else to join. If you don't like all of the mail you receive just throw it out, but join every year.

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charllie

I'm not a member because I don't have the extra cash to support them. The Texan made a good point in that if the government decides to ignore the Bill of Rights then they can shut down the NRA any time they choose. What's sad here is that you are all kind of right as gun owners and hunters to support the NRA in that it seems the only way to protect our laws or rights is with money, and lots of it. So what does that say for all those who lost life and limb to protect our so called freedoms? Maybe I'm a little out of line here but this is still the USA isn't it?

Bounty_Hunter wrote:I'm not a member because I don't have the extra cash to support them. The Texan made a good point in that if the government decides to ignore the Bill of Rights then they can shut down the NRA any time they choose. What's sad here is that you are all kind of right as gun owners and hunters to support the NRA in that it seems the only way to protect our laws or rights is with money, and lots of it. So what does that say for all those who lost life and limb to protect our so called freedoms? Maybe I'm a little out of line here but this is still the USA isn't it?

The government does not have the option of ignoring our Constitution of which the Bill of Rights is part of. I understand the short of money argument but you should stop right there and not try to justify your position with other excuses. Yes, this is still the USA but probably won't be for long if we all decide to follow your lead. I think you and many others forget that freedom isn't free, never has been and never will be. Someone has to be willing to pay for it, either with cash or their life so that others who are unable or unwilling to do their part can enjoy those freedoms. When our founding fathers decided to fight for our freedom they offered everything they owned including their lives to the cause. Seems that many have had it too easy for too long to realize just what it takes.

Yes I am and proud of it!!!!!

ezzy333 wrote: The government does not have the option of ignoring our Constitution of which the Bill of Rights is part of. I understand the short of money argument but you should stop right there and not try to justify your position with other excuses. Yes, this is still the USA but probably won't be for long if we all decide to follow your lead. I think you and many others forget that freedom isn't free, never has been and never will be. Someone has to be willing to pay for it, either with cash or their life so that others who are unable or unwilling to do their part can enjoy those freedoms. When our founding fathers decided to fight for our freedom they offered everything they owned including their lives to the cause. Seems that many have had it too easy for too long to realize just what it takes.

I believe and trust in your 1st sentence so I guess that's why I don't feel the urgency of giving away my hard earned money. I'm not trying to justify anything, just trying to see how many out there still believe our constitution is alive and strong. I know freedom is not free but I just don't like the idea of paying organizations to protect the rights that have been put in place under our Constitution. The question is, can we trust the Constitution to protect our rights like it was meant to do, or is it just if we fork over enough cash?

Bounty_Hunter wrote:

ezzy333 wrote: The government does not have the option of ignoring our Constitution of which the Bill of Rights is part of. I understand the short of money argument but you should stop right there and not try to justify your position with other excuses. Yes, this is still the USA but probably won't be for long if we all decide to follow your lead. I think you and many others forget that freedom isn't free, never has been and never will be. Someone has to be willing to pay for it, either with cash or their life so that others who are unable or unwilling to do their part can enjoy those freedoms. When our founding fathers decided to fight for our freedom they offered everything they owned including their lives to the cause. Seems that many have had it too easy for too long to realize just what it takes.

I believe and trust in your 1st sentence so I guess that's why I don't feel the urgency of giving away my hard earned money. I'm not trying to justify anything, just trying to see how many out there still believe our constitution is alive and strong. I know freedom is not free but I just don't like the idea of paying organizations to protect the rights that have been put in place under our Constitution. The question is, can we trust the Constitution to protect our rights like it was meant to do, or is it just if we fork over enough cash?

I can answer that for you. A piece of paper will not guarantee anything whether it is the Constitution, your Marriage License, or even your Driver's License. And cash will have little effect other than paying someone else to do what you should be doing. A little personal effort though will go a long way, especially when you have everyone putting out a little of their own. However, when you have a few trying to do what everyone should be doing then it takes money to pay for their full time efforts. Your very first sentence says exactly what is wrong with the whole process. Your hard earned cash is no more important than my hard earned cash or anyone else's. The difference is in the importance each of us puts into doing what it takes to keep those pieces of paper meaning something in your life as well as mine. I will try and do my share as well as having to do yours. Just pray it is enough. Years ago I volunteered my life to protect those pieces of paper and I still think that was at a much higher cost than yours or my hard earned money. And it was done for yours and my kids benefit and I will continue to do whatever I can to protect those God given Rights. Hard Earned Cash is just money but the ability to earn it is what those papers are about. I'll work at keeping and protecting them.

Just extended the membership for 5 years. The Republican party is in shambles...not a decent water carrier in the bunch. I'll give my money to the NRA..at least I may keep my hunting and gun ownership rights.

Endowment member of NRA.

Not just member but actively write and call legislators.

Also member of the FOAC as an in state org.

Don't even try oh they blah blah blah. If you don't agree with the NRA then tell them.

If you are tired of them soliciting you then call them and tell then.

You must not just send in money but must be active!

Yes, I have been since I was 12. That's when Mom found me a gun club that had a junior division.

When I had spare cash, I upgraded to lifetime membership.