Author Topic: NRA membership for you? (Read 4206 times)

Questor · « **on:** August 02, 2006, 03:50:44 AM »

I'm a lifer in the NRA. It's been a very worthwhile membership fo me. How about you? Are you a member of NRA? Do you like it? What are your thoughts about the NRA? Are you an annual, life, easy-pay-life, etc?

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2006, 09:33:27 AM »

Annual member...It's a worthwhile expenditure...Especially with everything that they do for gun owners and the Second Amendment.

Win 73 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:46:15 PM »

I'm paid up till 2008.

If even one half of the gun owners would join NRA and vote with one voice, we could rule Washington.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2006, 04:19:38 PM »

Lifer, NRA all the way...

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2006, 05:41:09 PM »

I'm surprised the naysayers haven't shown up yet to castigate the NRA for a variety of reasons. I'm a member because it is the ONE organisation that gets lawmakers attention in a hurry. You can bet your next paycheck that if the NRA disappeared tommorow the 2nd Amemdment would be a dead duck by the end of next week.

PaulS · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2006, 05:45:03 PM »

Life member. Too good a value to pass up.

TreyAzagthoth · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2006, 05:58:04 PM »

how much is the life membership?

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #7 on:** August 02, 2006, 10:26:17 PM »

Paid up till '08.Very happy to support the 2nd and anyone that loves to shoot and hunt as much as I do

...............Rick

Old Griz · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2006, 11:07:08 PM »

I know they do a lot of good, but some of their tactics sure tick me off. One is the stupid "survey" they send out with the multiple choice answers. If you have a gun, and care about shooting enough to join the NRA, then the answers are obvious. They don't really want to know what you think. They already know what you think. Then they end it with a plea for more money. The second thing that irked me recently was them sending me a DVD that I didn't order, and then saying I didn't have to pay for it because I didn't order it. But they would like it if I would subscribe to their DVD collection, and, by the way, pay for the one they sent. And even though they said I did not have to pay for it, I got two requests in the mail to do just that. I sent the DVD back to them. Never watched it. Sure don't care to either, now. Thirdly, all of their letters sound like the same scare tactics the Democrats use. Always trying to frighten you into sending more money.

Again, I know they do a great deal of good for us, but come on. We're not stupid. Don't treat us like we are.

GregP42 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:31:22 AM »

I am a lifer, have been for a long time. Sometimes they tick me off, but I have a big mouth and let them know it too!

Greg

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2006, 01:24:00 AM »

Quote from: Old Griz on August 02, 2006, 11:07:08 PM

I know they do a lot of good, but some of their tactics sure tick me off. One is the stupid "survey" they send out with the multiple choice answers. If you have a gun, and care about shooting enough to join the NRA, then the answers are obvious. They don't really want to know what you think. They already know what you think. Then they end it with a plea for more money. The second thing that irked me recently was them sending me a DVD that I didn't order, and then saying I didn't have to pay for it because I didn't order it. But they would like it if I would subscribe to their DVD collection, and, by the way, pay for the one they sent. And even though they said I did not have to pay for it, I got two requests in the mail to do just that. I sent the DVD back to them. Never watched it. Sure don't care to either, now. Thirdly, all of their letters sound like the same scare tactics the Democrats use. Always trying to frighten you into sending more money.

Again, I know they do a great deal of good for us, but come on. We're not stupid. Don't treat us like we are.

A very simple answer to your problem, just call them and have them remove you from there call list and mail list. Don't complain about the little stuff, why not mention all the positive they do.

Questor · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2006, 01:41:16 AM »

There was a question about how much a life membership is: I think it's about $750, but they have an easy-pay plan where you pay $25 per quarter (i.e., $100 per year, $25 every three months.) I found that to be doable. It took 7.5 years to do it, but I'm glad I did. There's no way I would have saved up $750 to pay in a lump sum.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2006, 02:01:40 AM »

I Would be the worlds biggest HYPROCRITE if i did'nt belong as much as i love my guns and freedom. Like someone said here, If we all belonged to the NRA there would be no GUN control issues Period. We spend big bucks on our Guns & Ammo, Hunting gear and all the other expenses and balk at spending a few Bucks to join the NRA, give me a break. I know they get a little overbearing with the money raising issues but it is needed to get peoples attention. I will probably catch flack for my stand as far as the NRA is concerned but so be it, That is one mans opinion,, Mine........Joe............

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2006, 02:40:11 AM »

Quote from: Questor on August 03, 2006, 01:41:16 AM

There was a question about how much a life membership is: I think it's about $750, but they have an easy-pay plan where you pay $25 per quarter (i.e., $100 per year, $25 every three months.) I found that to be doable. It took 7.5 years to do it, but I'm glad I did. There's no way I would have saved up $750 to pay in a lump sum.

When I upgraded to a Life membership, I was going to do the payment plan also. It was $750.00. I got a letter from the NRA stating if I paid the full amount, I could get a free leather life member jacket. Well my jacket looks real good.

I have now up graded to an Endowment member, I figure my money goes to a good cause.

To me those that don't belong to the NRA are on a free ride. They enjoy the benefits of all the work the NRA does for there gun right's, but won't support the NRA. The NRA may not be 100% to your satisfaction in the way they operate, but it is just about the only thing we as gun owners have. If you own guns and don't belong to the NRA, I hope you are involved with you politicians on gun issues. I am always going to legislative hall supporting or fighting gun control issues. WHAT AE YOU DOING?

lashlaruhe · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2006, 05:34:08 AM »

Life member since 1967. No NRA = No guns or shooting.

Old Griz · « **Reply #15 on:** August 03, 2006, 09:51:23 AM »

Hey guys, I'm not against the NRA, because they are doing a great job standing in the gap between gun owners and the brain dead liberals. However, if I'm giving my money to any organization, or anyone for that matter, I expect to be treated with respect and maturity. Not pressured with coercive tactics. How about a letter once in a while that lists all the bills in Congress that pertain to guns, good and bad? What about the lobbying efforts to get handgun licenses valid in all 50 states like drivers' licenses, etc.? What are they doing? What's going on? How about a letter like this in the mail every now and then? Even in The American Rifleman magazine they tend to use "the sky is falling" technique in their columns.

I'm just want to be treated like an intelligent adult. They will still get my support ($) regardless. They just don't have to scare me into it.

DWTim · « **Reply #16 on:** August 03, 2006, 11:29:12 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller on August 02, 2006, 05:41:09 PM

I'm surprised the naysayers haven't shown up yet to castigate the NRA for a variety of reasons. I'm a member because it is the ONE organisation that gets lawmakers attention in a hurry. You can bet your next paycheck that if the NRA disappeared tommorow the 2nd Amemdment would be a dead duck by the end of next week.

You'll never get one voice, because we're paying the NRA to do it for us. Not the NRA's fault, I understand, but this is why I dislike lobbying groups. Like any other human quality, if you don't work it, it gets atrophied. I have no doubt that there'd be a total ban in a week if the NRA folded, and that's because most of us are figuring, "meh, the NRA'll take care of it." I know I'm guilty of this. I rarely take up a pen and write my representatives. And I'm sure that non-members reason this way as well.

In a way, the NRA's dominant position as one of the single most effective lobbying groups is also its greatest weakness. It was chartered to teach marksmanship, but I daresay the majority of what it does is on the ILA side. The result is that we have strong representation, and a dwindling ratio of shooters to the general population. I wish the NRA had the luxury of promoting the shooting sports full-time, but I suppose it will never be the case as long as the shooters don't take up pens, instead of arms, in their own defense.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #17 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:07:33 PM »

I'm on the easy pay plan also. Almost paid off. I went to the nra convention in milwaukee this year, if you go to the show they have special deals on upgrades on your membership.

Regarding the letter to let you know the laws they are pushing for, I get an e-mail a couple of times a month telling me exactly that. They also give you links to contact your representatives on special issues.

Anyone who questions the nra should go to the banquet at the convention. It is movingly patriotic, color guard, Everyone stands and says the pledge of allegiance, one man started singing America the beautiful and everyone joined in. I saw grown men actually moved to tears. I was a little misty myself.

As soon as my membership is paid I plan on upgrading at the nest show. I want that jacket too!

Old Griz · « **Reply #18 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:41:10 PM »

Do you have to be a life member to get the emails? I haven't seen one yet.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2006, 01:33:23 PM »

Quote from: Old Griz on August 03, 2006, 12:41:10 PM

Do you have to be a life member to get the emails? I haven't seen one yet.

Not really sure, but I suggest you contact the NRA and see if you can be added to there e-mail list. I have been a life member for quit a few years now. The information is great. You will get local issues as well as what is happening in other States. I get address as to whom to write letter's to when any legislation is coming up concerning gun issues.

alamogunr · « **Reply #20 on:** August 03, 2006, 03:12:19 PM »

The last two times I have renewed, I used the 5 year plan. I'm good until 2010. The life membership just doesn't meet the economic requirements for me. I wouldn't break even until I am 97. Wish I had done it 20 years ago but couldn't afford it. Now I put any extra into GOA and NRA memberships for my sons. They are raising my grandchildren and establishing careers and don't have extra $ for such things.

Swamp Yankee · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2006, 06:33:01 AM »

I'm a proud member of the NRA and GOAL [gun owners action league]....Jim

DWTim · « **Reply #22 on:** August 04, 2006, 08:52:57 AM »

For those of you looking for instant alerts, an alternative is the ILA's RSS feed, if you happen to have a news ticker program:

http://www.nraila.org/xml/newsRSS.aspx

I can sit there and watch the headlines go by without having a browser open to their page.

Savage · « **Reply #23 on:** August 04, 2006, 10:34:20 AM »

Life member. I want my grandkids to have the right to own guns too.
Savage

Old Griz · « **Reply #24 on:** August 04, 2006, 11:50:25 AM »

DWTim: Thanks for the website.

1marty · « **Reply #25 on:** August 07, 2006, 04:00:45 PM »

the reason the NRA is aggressive in fund raising and lobbying is if they weren't you would windup like in the UK and certain "civilized" countries stripped of your right to own any firearm. I've been a member for 45 years and think they do a great job.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #26 on:** August 07, 2006, 05:38:17 PM »

I have been a union member for 29 years. I do not think the NRA likes unions, or union members. I have been a competition shooter since i was 12. A hunter since I was 12. An NRA member until GW took office. I own a room full of guns of every configuration. At times I am conflicted. I am no longer an NRA member.

Cheese

PaulS · « **Reply #27 on:** August 07, 2006, 06:39:36 PM »

Cheesehead,
Its not that the NRA doesn't like the unions - the union leadership is so far left wing that they don't like the NRA - or any conservative group. I am retired union member and former shop steward. The union leadership was always pushing me to push for the democratic candidates. Some of what they do is ok - some of what the republicans do is ok - neither party follows the Constitution of the USA. Everybody wants the feds to take care of their problems - they forget that the feds get money from us - us most of it to pay salaries and retirement benefits and then we beg to get a little bit back to fund programs that we could fund a lot easier without the feds getting our money in the first place.
It turns out that back in 1773 the anti-federalists were right - a centralized federal government will take power away from the states for itself and become a monster of taxation and regulation - the very reasons that the states united to fight ugainst the king to begin with. The federalists thought that with the proper safegards in place a central federal government could be controlled.
Hind-sight is always 20/20.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 08, 2006, 12:39:52 AM »

Quote from: Cheesehead on August 07, 2006, 05:38:17 PM

I have been a union member for 29 years. I do not think the NRA likes unions, or union members. I have been a competition shooter since i was 12. A hunter since I was 12. An NRA member until GW took office. I own a room full of guns of every configuration. At times I am conflicted. I am no longer an NRA member.

Cheese

Am I missing something in your post??? I hope you are doing something to support your gun rights.

Questor · « **Reply #29 on:** August 08, 2006, 03:21:03 AM »

Cheesehead's post makes perfect sense to me. I can completely understand the conflict, particularly given the universal Democrat affiliation of union leaderships. You just have to pick your sides and vote your concience.

If there's any real conflict between NRA and union leaderships it's probably due to the Democrat/Republican split that divides the two.

I'm married to a union member. The union doesn't do a thing for her, and I'm convinced that her pay and benefits would be better if there was no union. All other union members I know get no benefits at all from their unions unless two things occur:
1) They work until retirement
2) The union's pension fund is solvent to fund the retirement. (This is very questionable in most of today's non-government-worker unions.)

I've seen too many shops close up and fire all the workers during the past 30 years to have any faith in the union system. The saddest things I've ever seen was in a railroad where people who had worked their entire lives for the railrod lost their pensions just before retiring. It's a pattern that's repeated itself over and over for me. It's amazing how many people there are in this country who have worked for a union for 30 years only to lose benefits and recourse only months before retirement.