I am not a life time member of the NRA, but I have paid annual dues for over 30 years and contribute a little on the side when I can. No, the NRA is not perfect, few organizations are, if any. They are one of the strongest lobbyists in Washington, very influential. But that is what they are influential, not demanding and getting. If you push too hard, congressman are going to shut down and you will have no influence at all. That is the way some of the other gun rights groups are. Very militant so in the end they have little influence. They are written off as militant. The NRA have to pick the fights too, you can not win them all. Nope the NRA is not perfect, they do not line up the same as me, but they have done more for gun owners than any other organization, so they will continue to get my membership and small donations on a continuing basis, until the fight is over. Good Luck to all and I hope Good Shooting.