National Rifle Association: Difference between revisions

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Rescuing 176 sources and tagging 1 as dead. #IABot (v1.6.5)
Undid revision 832889715 by Blazingliberty (talk) OMG! +33,954. No, don't add until it's "deadurl=yes"
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| image = National Rifle Association official logo.svg
| image = National Rifle Association official logo.svg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| type = [[501(c)(4)]]<ref name=Guidestar>{{cite web |url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/53-0116130/national-rifle-association-america.aspx |title=National Rifle Association |website=Guide Star |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518172200/http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/53-0116130/national-rifle-association-america.aspx |archivedate=May 18, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| type = [[501(c)(4)]]<ref name=Guidestar>{{cite web |url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/53-0116130/national-rifle-association-america.aspx |title=National Rifle Association |website=Guide Star}}</ref>
| tax_id = 53-0116130
| tax_id = 53-0116130
| registration_id =
| registration_id =
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| focus = [[Gun politics in the United States]]
| focus = [[Gun politics in the United States]]
| method = [[Lobbying]] <br>[[Publications]]<br>[[Outreach]] programs
| method = [[Lobbying]] <br>[[Publications]]<br>[[Outreach]] programs
| revenue = $433.9 million (2016)<!-- Exact number: --><ref name="Form 990">{{cite web | url=http://www.guns.com/2017/05/05/nra-revenue-expenses-in-2016/ | title=NRA releases financial statement showing revenue, expenses for 2016 | accessdate=January 2, 2018 | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215220152/http://www.guns.com/2017/05/05/nra-revenue-expenses-in-2016/ | archivedate=February 15, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| revenue = $433.9 million (2016)<!-- Exact number: --><ref name="Form 990">{{cite web | url=http://www.guns.com/2017/05/05/nra-revenue-expenses-in-2016/ | title=NRA releases financial statement showing revenue, expenses for 2016 | accessdate=January 2, 2018}}</ref>
| disbursed =
| disbursed =
| expenses = $475.9 million (2016)<!-- Exact number: --><ref name="Form 990"/>
| expenses = $475.9 million (2016)<!-- Exact number: --><ref name="Form 990"/>
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| num_volunteers =
| num_volunteers =
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
| num_members = 5 million (self-reported, as of 2017)<ref name="Nra Pew Members">{{cite web| url=https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170707/remarkable-finding-from-pew-survey| title=Remarkable Finding from Pew Survey on NRA membership| publisher=National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action| accessdate=August 14, 2017| deadurl=no| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815015707/https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170707/remarkable-finding-from-pew-survey| archivedate=August 15, 2017| df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| num_members = 5 million (self-reported, as of 2017)<ref name="Nra Pew Members">{{cite web | url=https://www.nraila.org/articles/20170707/remarkable-finding-from-pew-survey | title=Remarkable Finding from Pew Survey on NRA membership|publisher=National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action | accessdate=August 14, 2017}}</ref>
| subsid = NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund<br>NRA Foundation<br>NRA Special Contribution Fund<br>NRA Freedom Action Foundation<br>NRA Institute for Legislative Action<br>NRA Political Victory Fund
| subsid = NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund<br>NRA Foundation<br>NRA Special Contribution Fund<br>NRA Freedom Action Foundation<br>NRA Institute for Legislative Action<br>NRA Political Victory Fund
| motto =
| motto =
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[[File:National Rifle Association.svg|thumb|upright=0.8|Seal of the National Rifle Association]]
[[File:National Rifle Association.svg|thumb|upright=0.8|Seal of the National Rifle Association]]
The '''National Rifle Association of America''' ('''NRA''') is an American [[nonprofit organization]] that advocates for [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]].<ref name=2013Membership/><ref name=GAS2012p616>{{cite book |chapter=National Rifle Association (NRA) |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=oD46JBOhMU0C&pg=PA616#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Gregg Lee |year=2012 |title=Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Guns_in_American_Society_An_Encyclopedia.html?id=QeGJH48PT0kC |location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=616–20 |isbn=978-0313386701 |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |quote=The National Rifle Association (NRA) is the nation's largest, oldest, and most politically powerful interest group that opposes gun laws and favors gun rights.}}</ref><ref>More ''gun rights'' sources:
The '''National Rifle Association of America''' ('''NRA''') is an American [[nonprofit organization]] that advocates for [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]].<ref name=2013Membership/><ref name=GAS2012p616>{{cite book |chapter=National Rifle Association (NRA) |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=oD46JBOhMU0C&pg=PA616#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Gregg Lee |year=2012 |title=Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Guns_in_American_Society_An_Encyclopedia.html?id=QeGJH48PT0kC |location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=616–20 |isbn=978-0313386701 |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |quote=The National Rifle Association (NRA) is the nation's largest, oldest, and most politically powerful interest group that opposes gun laws and favors gun rights.}}</ref><ref>More ''gun rights'' sources:
* {{cite book |last=Carter |first=Greg Lee |year=2006 |title=Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DhRzjUeZK4oC&pg=PA285#v=onepage&q&f=false |publisher=ABC-CLIO |page=285 |isbn=978-1851097609 |quote=Almost all of [the groups listed] are readily classifiable as either advocating a 'gun control' or a 'gun rights' position. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017190931/https://books.google.com/books?id=DhRzjUeZK4oC&pg=PA285#v=onepage&q&f=false |archivedate=October 17, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}
* {{cite book |last=Carter |first=Greg Lee |year=2006 |title=Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DhRzjUeZK4oC&pg=PA285#v=onepage&q&f=false |publisher=ABC-CLIO |page=285 |isbn=978-1851097609 |quote=Almost all of [the groups listed] are readily classifiable as either advocating a 'gun control' or a 'gun rights' position.}}
* {{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA159#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |page=159 |quote=One of the few advantages – possibly the only advantage – that supporters of gun rights hold is the fact that there are more one-issue voters on the pro-gun side than on the anti-gun side. |isbn=978-0976863304 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405071309/https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA159#v=onepage&q&f=false |archivedate=April 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}
* {{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA159#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |page=159 |quote=One of the few advantages – possibly the only advantage – that supporters of gun rights hold is the fact that there are more one-issue voters on the pro-gun side than on the anti-gun side.|isbn=978-0976863304 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Patterson |first1=Samuel C. |last2=Eakins |first2=Keith R. |year=1998 |chapter=Congress and Gun Control |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&pg=PA61#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=0847686159 |oclc=833118449 |accessdate=April 8, 2014 |quote=During the gun control legislation battles of the 1960s, the NRA, although it had no registered lobbyists, was the most powerful gun rights organization. It still enjoys this distinction, although it has undergone significant change. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703184656/http://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |archivedate=July 3, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}
* {{cite book |last1=Patterson |first1=Samuel C. |last2=Eakins |first2=Keith R. |year=1998 |chapter=Congress and Gun Control |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&pg=PA61#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=0847686159 |oclc=833118449 |accessdate=April 8, 2014 |quote=During the gun control legislation battles of the 1960s, the NRA, although it had no registered lobbyists, was the most powerful gun rights organization. It still enjoys this distinction, although it has undergone significant change.}}
* {{cite book |last=Utter |first=Glenn H. |title=Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mBJ4SQAACAAJ |publisher=Grey House |isbn=978-1592376728 |year=2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925102843/https://books.google.com/books?id=mBJ4SQAACAAJ |archivedate=September 25, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}
* {{cite book |last=Utter |first=Glenn H. |title=Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mBJ4SQAACAAJ |publisher=Grey House |isbn=978-1592376728 |year=2011 }}
* {{cite book |editor1-first=Charles F |editor1-last=Wellford |editor2-first=John V |editor2-last=Pepper |editor3-first=Carol V |editor3-last=Petrie |title=Firearms and Violence: A Critical Review |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10881&page=283 |year=2013 |edition=Electronic |origyear=Print ed. 2005 |publisher=National Academies Press |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=0309546400 |page=283 |quote=Another commentator pointed out, however, that a significant number of the articles supporting the individual right model published between 1970 and 1989 were written by lawyers who had either been employed by or who represented gun rights organizations, including the NRA. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630045701/http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10881&page=283 |archivedate=June 30, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* {{cite book |editor1-first=Charles F |editor1-last=Wellford |editor2-first=John V |editor2-last=Pepper |editor3-first=Carol V |editor3-last=Petrie |title=Firearms and Violence: A Critical Review |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10881&page=283 |year=2013 |edition=Electronic |origyear=Print ed. 2005 |publisher=National Academies Press |location=Washington, D.C.|isbn=0309546400 |page=283 |quote=Another commentator pointed out, however, that a significant number of the articles supporting the individual right model published between 1970 and 1989 were written by lawyers who had either been employed by or who represented gun rights organizations, including the NRA.}}</ref>


Founded in 1871, the group has informed its members about firearm-related bills since 1934, and it has directly [[lobbied]] for and against legislation since 1975.<ref name=NRABriefHist>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrahq.org/history.asp |title=A Brief History of NRA |publisher=National Rifle Association HQ|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703020459/http://www.nrahq.org/history.asp |archivedate=July 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=July 19, 2013}}</ref>
Founded in 1871, the group has informed its members about firearm-related bills since 1934, and it has directly [[lobbied]] for and against legislation since 1975.<ref name=NRABriefHist>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrahq.org/history.asp |title=A Brief History of NRA |publisher=National Rifle Association HQ|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703020459/http://www.nrahq.org/history.asp |archivedate=July 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=July 19, 2013}}</ref>


Founded to advance rifle [[marksmanship]], the modern NRA continues to teach [[firearm safety]] and competency. The organization also publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events.<ref name=NRABriefHist/> According to the NRA, membership surpassed 5 million in May 2013.<ref name=2013Membership>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/04/nra-meeting-lapierre-membership/2135063/|title=Post-Newtown, NRA membership surges to 5 million|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 4, 2013|first=Gregory|last=Korte|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902115110/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/04/nra-meeting-lapierre-membership/2135063/|archivedate=September 2, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The organization is led by a board of 76 elected members who are nominated by committee or by petition from the membership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pagunblog.com/2009/02/11/nra-board-nominations/|title=NRA Board Nominations|website=pagunblog.com|accessdate=March 7, 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151157/https://www.pagunblog.com/2009/02/11/nra-board-nominations/|archivedate=March 7, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Founded to advance rifle [[marksmanship]], the modern NRA continues to teach [[firearm safety]] and competency. The organization also publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events.<ref name=NRABriefHist/> According to the NRA, membership surpassed 5 million in May 2013.<ref name=2013Membership>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/04/nra-meeting-lapierre-membership/2135063/|title=Post-Newtown, NRA membership surges to 5 million|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 4, 2013 |first=Gregory|last=Korte}}</ref> The organization is led by a board of 76 elected members who are nominated by committee or by petition from the membership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pagunblog.com/2009/02/11/nra-board-nominations/|title=NRA Board Nominations|website=pagunblog.com|accessdate=March 7, 2018}}</ref>


Observers and lawmakers see the NRA as one of the top three most influential [[lobbying groups]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name=FortuneSurvey1999>{{cite press release |title=FORTUNE Releases Annual Survey of Most Powerful Lobbying Organizations |url=http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/1999/11/15/fortune-releases-annual-survey-of-most-powerful-lobbying |publisher=Time Warner |date=November 15, 1999 |accessdate=November 21, 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530231217/http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/1999/11/15/fortune-releases-annual-survey-of-most-powerful-lobbying |archivedate=May 30, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=James Q.|last=Wilson|title=American Government: Institutions & Policies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DZbQoMBzQW0C&pg=PA264|year=2011|publisher=Cengage Learning|page=264|display-authors=etal|isbn=978-0495802815|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127182500/https://books.google.com/books?id=DZbQoMBzQW0C&pg=PA264|archivedate=November 27, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is its lobbying arm, which manages its [[political action committee]] (PAC), the Political Victory Fund (PVF). Over its history the organization has influenced legislation, participated in or initiated lawsuits, and endorsed or opposed various candidates.
Observers and lawmakers see the NRA as one of the top three most influential [[lobbying groups]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name=FortuneSurvey1999>{{cite press release |title=FORTUNE Releases Annual Survey of Most Powerful Lobbying Organizations |url=http://www.timewarner.com/newsroom/press-releases/1999/11/15/fortune-releases-annual-survey-of-most-powerful-lobbying |publisher=Time Warner |date=November 15, 1999 |accessdate=November 21, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first= James Q.| last= Wilson|title=American Government: Institutions & Policies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DZbQoMBzQW0C&pg=PA264|year=2011|publisher=Cengage Learning|page=264|display-authors=etal| isbn= 978-0495802815}}</ref> The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is its lobbying arm, which manages its [[political action committee]] (PAC), the Political Victory Fund (PVF). Over its history the organization has influenced legislation, participated in or initiated lawsuits, and endorsed or opposed various candidates.


The NRA has been criticized by gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians.<ref name=Nightline121221>{{cite web |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Bloomberg Throws Punch at NRA, Obama: Bloomberg says NRA 'encourages behavior that causes things like Connecticut' shooting |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/nyc-mayor-michael-bloomberg-nra-18041670 |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=January 25, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20130125151104/http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/nyc-mayor-michael-bloomberg-nra-18041670 |archivedate=January 25, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Robillard121226>{{cite web |last=Robillard |first=Kevin |date=December 26, 2012 |title=Frank Luntz: NRA not listening to public |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/luntz-nra-not-listening-to-public-85490.html |website=[[Politico]] |accessdate=January 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229132731/http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/luntz-nra-not-listening-to-public-85490.html |archivedate=December 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The organization has been the focus of intense criticism in the aftermath of high-profile shootings, such as the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]] and the [[Stoneman Douglas High School shooting]].
The NRA has been criticized by gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians.<ref name=Nightline121221>{{cite web |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Bloomberg Throws Punch at NRA, Obama: Bloomberg says NRA 'encourages behavior that causes things like Connecticut' shooting |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/nyc-mayor-michael-bloomberg-nra-18041670 |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=January 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name=Robillard121226>{{cite web |last=Robillard |first=Kevin |date=December 26, 2012 |title=Frank Luntz: NRA not listening to public |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/luntz-nra-not-listening-to-public-85490.html |website=[[Politico]] |accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref> The organization has been the focus of intense criticism in the aftermath of high-profile shootings, such as the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting]] and the [[Stoneman Douglas High School shooting]].


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The National Rifle Association was first chartered in the [[State of New York]] on November 16, 1871<ref name= incorporation/><ref name=NRABriefHist/> by ''[[Army and Navy Journal]]'' editor [[William Conant Church]] and Captain [[George Wood Wingate]]. On November 25, 1871, the group voted to elect its first corporate officers. Union Army Civil War General [[Ambrose Burnside]], who had worked as a [[Rhode Island]] [[gunsmith]], was elected [[president (corporation)|president]].<ref name= firstelection>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93095681/ Meeting of the National Rifle Association Election of Officers]". ''The New York Times''. November 25, 1871. p. 3.</ref> Colonel W.C. Church was elected [[vice president#In business|vice president]]; Captain Wingate was elected [[secretary (title)|secretary]]; Fred M. Peck was elected [[recording secretary]]; and Major General John B. Woodward was elected [[treasurer#Volunteer organizations|treasurer]].<ref name= firstelection/> When Burnside resigned on August 1, 1872,<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/534107672/ Notes of the Day]". ''The New York Times''. August 1, 1872. p. 3.</ref> Church succeeded him as president.<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93280208/ National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. August 7, 1872. p. 2.</ref>
The National Rifle Association was first chartered in the [[State of New York]] on November 16, 1871<ref name= incorporation/><ref name=NRABriefHist/> by ''[[Army and Navy Journal]]'' editor [[William Conant Church]] and Captain [[George Wood Wingate]]. On November 25, 1871, the group voted to elect its first corporate officers. Union Army Civil War General [[Ambrose Burnside]], who had worked as a [[Rhode Island]] [[gunsmith]], was elected [[president (corporation)|president]].<ref name= firstelection>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93095681/ Meeting of the National Rifle Association Election of Officers]". ''The New York Times''. November 25, 1871. p. 3.</ref> Colonel W.C. Church was elected [[vice president#In business|vice president]]; Captain Wingate was elected [[secretary (title)|secretary]]; Fred M. Peck was elected [[recording secretary]]; and Major General John B. Woodward was elected [[treasurer#Volunteer organizations|treasurer]].<ref name= firstelection/> When Burnside resigned on August 1, 1872,<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/534107672/ Notes of the Day]". ''The New York Times''. August 1, 1872. p. 3.</ref> Church succeeded him as president.<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93280208/ National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. August 7, 1872. p. 2.</ref>


[[Union Army]] records for the Civil War indicate that its troops fired about 1,000 rifle shots for each Confederate hit, causing General Burnside to lament his recruits: "Out of ten soldiers who are perfect in drill and the [[manual of arms]], only one knows the purpose of the [[Iron sight|sights]] on his gun or can hit the broad side of a barn."<ref>Bellini, Jason (December 20, 2012). [https://www.wsj.com/video/a-brief-history-of-the-nra/3DDF033D-26D7-4979-B5CC-C995CF99467D.html#!3DDF033D-26D7-4979-B5CC-C995CF99467D "A Brief History of the NRA"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416220714/https://www.wsj.com/video/a-brief-history-of-the-nra/3DDF033D-26D7-4979-B5CC-C995CF99467D.html |date=April 16, 2017 }}. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref><ref>Achenbach, Joel; Higham, Scott; Horwitz Sari (January 12, 2013). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html "How NRA's true believers converted a marksmanship group into a mighty gun lobby"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806225836/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html |date=August 6, 2014 }}. ''[[The Washington Post]]''</ref><ref name="craige">Craige, John Houston ''The Practical Book of American Guns'' (1950) Bramhall House pp. 84–93</ref> The generals attributed this to the use of volley tactics, devised for earlier, less accurate [[smoothbore]] muskets.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/timeline-of-the-nra/2013/01/12/351bcb26-5b9c-11e2-beee-6e38f5215402_story.html "Timeline of the NRA"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229064953/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/timeline-of-the-nra/2013/01/12/351bcb26-5b9c-11e2-beee-6e38f5215402_story.html |date=December 29, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'', January 12, 2013.</ref><ref name=Kerr1990>{{cite thesis |first=Richard E. |last=Kerr |title=Wall of Fire – The Rifle and Civil War Infantry Tactics |url=http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a227467.pdf |publisher=U.S. Army Command and General Staff College |year=1990 |accessdate=April 29, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201004755/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a227467.pdf |archivedate=December 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
[[Union Army]] records for the Civil War indicate that its troops fired about 1,000 rifle shots for each Confederate hit, causing General Burnside to lament his recruits: "Out of ten soldiers who are perfect in drill and the [[manual of arms]], only one knows the purpose of the [[Iron sight|sights]] on his gun or can hit the broad side of a barn."<ref>Bellini, Jason (December 20, 2012). [https://www.wsj.com/video/a-brief-history-of-the-nra/3DDF033D-26D7-4979-B5CC-C995CF99467D.html#!3DDF033D-26D7-4979-B5CC-C995CF99467D "A Brief History of the NRA"]. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref><ref>Achenbach, Joel; Higham, Scott; Horwitz Sari (January 12, 2013). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html "How NRA's true believers converted a marksmanship group into a mighty gun lobby"]. ''[[The Washington Post]]''</ref><ref name="craige">Craige, John Houston ''The Practical Book of American Guns'' (1950) Bramhall House pp. 84–93</ref> The generals attributed this to the use of volley tactics, devised for earlier, less accurate [[smoothbore]] muskets.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/timeline-of-the-nra/2013/01/12/351bcb26-5b9c-11e2-beee-6e38f5215402_story.html "Timeline of the NRA"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'', January 12, 2013.</ref><ref name=Kerr1990>{{cite thesis |first=Richard E. |last=Kerr |title=Wall of Fire – The Rifle and Civil War Infantry Tactics |url=http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a227467.pdf |publisher=U.S. Army Command and General Staff College |year=1990 |accessdate=April 29, 2012}}</ref>


[[File:Ambrose Burnside State House portrait.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ambrose Burnside]], [[Union Army]] general, [[Governor of Rhode Island]], and first president of the NRA]]
[[File:Ambrose Burnside State House portrait.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ambrose Burnside]], [[Union Army]] general, [[Governor of Rhode Island]], and first president of the NRA]]
Recognizing a need for better training, Wingate sent emissaries to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany to observe militia and armies' marksmanship training programs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Excerpt: How Canadians helped create the NRA|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2015/12/20/how-canadians-helped-create-the-nra.html|first1=A.J.|last1=Somerset|date=December 20, 2015|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224094037/https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2015/12/20/how-canadians-helped-create-the-nra.html|archivedate=December 24, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> With plans provided by Wingate, the New York Legislature funded the construction of a modern [[Shooting range|range]] at [[Creedmoor Rifle Range|Creedmoor]], [[Long Island]], for long-range shooting competitions. The range officially opened on June 21, 1873.<ref name= grandopening>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93350525/ America's Wimbledon: The Inauguration]". ''The New York Times''. June 22, 1873. p. 5.</ref> The [[Central Railroad of Long Island]] established a railway station nearby, with trains running from [[Hunterspoint Avenue (LIRR station)|Hunter's Point]], with connecting boat service to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] and the [[East River]], allowing access from New York City.<ref name= rangeopen>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93326235/ The National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. June 12, 1873. p. 5.</ref> <!-- At the time, Queens was not yet part of New York City. --> Wingate then wrote a marksmanship manual.<ref name="craige"/>
Recognizing a need for better training, Wingate sent emissaries to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany to observe militia and armies' marksmanship training programs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Excerpt: How Canadians helped create the NRA|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2015/12/20/how-canadians-helped-create-the-nra.html|first1=A.J. |last1=Somerset|date=December 20, 2015|newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] }}</ref> With plans provided by Wingate, the New York Legislature funded the construction of a modern [[Shooting range|range]] at [[Creedmoor Rifle Range|Creedmoor]], [[Long Island]], for long-range shooting competitions. The range officially opened on June 21, 1873.<ref name= grandopening>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93350525/ America's Wimbledon: The Inauguration]". ''The New York Times''. June 22, 1873. p. 5.</ref> The [[Central Railroad of Long Island]] established a railway station nearby, with trains running from [[Hunterspoint Avenue (LIRR station)|Hunter's Point]], with connecting boat service to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] and the [[East River]], allowing access from New York City.<ref name= rangeopen>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93326235/ The National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. June 12, 1873. p. 5.</ref> <!-- At the time, Queens was not yet part of New York City. --> Wingate then wrote a marksmanship manual.<ref name="craige"/>


After beating England and Scotland to win the [[Elcho Shield]] in 1873 at [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], <!-- please check the linked article before changing. -->then a village outside London, the Irish Rifle Team issued a challenge through the ''[[New York Herald]]'' to riflemen of the United States to raise a team for a long-range match to determine an Anglo-American championship. The NRA organized a team through a subsidiary amateur rifle club. [[Remington Arms]] and [[Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company]] produced [[breech-loading weapon]]s for the team. Although [[muzzle-loading rifle]]s had long been considered more accurate, eight American riflemen won the match firing breech-loading rifles. Publicity of the event generated by the ''New York Herald'' helped to establish breech-loading firearms as suitable for military marksmanship training, and promoted the NRA to national prominence.<ref name="craige"/>
After beating England and Scotland to win the [[Elcho Shield]] in 1873 at [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], <!-- please check the linked article before changing. -->then a village outside London, the Irish Rifle Team issued a challenge through the ''[[New York Herald]]'' to riflemen of the United States to raise a team for a long-range match to determine an Anglo-American championship. The NRA organized a team through a subsidiary amateur rifle club. [[Remington Arms]] and [[Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company]] produced [[breech-loading weapon]]s for the team. Although [[muzzle-loading rifle]]s had long been considered more accurate, eight American riflemen won the match firing breech-loading rifles. Publicity of the event generated by the ''New York Herald'' helped to establish breech-loading firearms as suitable for military marksmanship training, and promoted the NRA to national prominence.<ref name="craige"/>
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====Rifle clubs====
====Rifle clubs====
[[File:PresidentUSGrantVignette.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ulysses S. Grant]] served as President of the NRA from 1883 (ten years after he left office) to 1884 ]]
[[File:PresidentUSGrantVignette.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ulysses S. Grant]] served as President of the NRA from 1883 (ten years after he left office) to 1884 ]]
The NRA organized rifle clubs in other states, and many state National Guard organizations sought NRA advice to improve members' marksmanship. Wingate's markmanship manual evolved into the United States Army marksmanship instruction program.<ref name="craige"/> Former President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] served as the NRA's eighth president and General [[Philip H. Sheridan]] as its ninth.<ref name=NRA2479>{{cite web |url=http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=2479 |title=The 'Academy' Must Now Share Michael Moore's Cinematic Shame |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |date=March 27, 2003 |accessdate=November 21, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203095618/http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?id=2479 |archivedate=December 3, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The U.S. Congress created the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice in 1901 to include representatives from the NRA, National Guard, and United States military services. A program of annual rifle and pistol competitions was authorized, and included a national match open to military and civilian shooters. In 1903, Congress authorized the [[Civilian Marksmanship Program]], which was designed to train civilians who might later be called to serve in the U.S. military.<ref name=Davis1990>{{cite speech |title=Evaluation of the Army's Civilian Marksmanship Program |first=Richard |last=Davis |event=Before the Subcommittee on Readiness, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives |location=Washington, D.C. |date=March 8, 1990 |url=http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282553.pdf |accessdate=June 13, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212733/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282553.pdf |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 1907, NRA headquarters moved to Washington, D.C. to facilitate the organization's advocacy efforts.<ref name="craige"/> [[Springfield Armory]] and [[Rock Island Arsenal]] began the manufacture of [[M1903 Springfield]] rifles for civilian members of the NRA in 1910.<ref name=Canfield2008>{{cite journal |last=Canfield |first=Bruce N. |date=September 2008 |magazine=[[American Rifleman]] |title= To promote marksmanship ... 'N.R.A.'-marked M1903 rifles |publisher=National Rifle Association |volume=156 |issue=9 |pages=72–75 }}</ref> The [[Director of Civilian Marksmanship]] began manufacture of [[M1911 pistol]]s for NRA members in August 1912.<ref name=Ness1983>{{cite journal |last=Ness |first=Mark |date=June 1983 |magazine=[[American Rifleman]] |publisher=National Rifle Association |page=58 }}</ref> Until 1927, the [[United States Department of War]] provided free ammunition and targets to civilian rifle clubs with a minimum membership of ten United States citizens at least 16 years of age.<ref>{{cite book |last=Camp |first=Raymond R. |title =The Hunter's Encyclopedia |publisher =Stackpole and Heck |year =1948 |location= Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |page =599 }}</ref>
The NRA organized rifle clubs in other states, and many state National Guard organizations sought NRA advice to improve members' marksmanship. Wingate's markmanship manual evolved into the United States Army marksmanship instruction program.<ref name="craige"/> Former President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] served as the NRA's eighth president and General [[Philip H. Sheridan]] as its ninth.<ref name=NRA2479>{{cite web|url=http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=2479 |title=The 'Academy' Must Now Share Michael Moore's Cinematic Shame |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |date=March 27, 2003 |accessdate=November 21, 2010}}</ref> The U.S. Congress created the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice in 1901 to include representatives from the NRA, National Guard, and United States military services. A program of annual rifle and pistol competitions was authorized, and included a national match open to military and civilian shooters. In 1903, Congress authorized the [[Civilian Marksmanship Program]], which was designed to train civilians who might later be called to serve in the U.S. military.<ref name=Davis1990>{{cite speech |title=Evaluation of the Army's Civilian Marksmanship Program |first=Richard |last=Davis |event=Before the Subcommittee on Readiness, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives |location=Washington, D.C. |date=March 8, 1990 |url=http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282553.pdf |accessdate=June 13, 2014 }}</ref> In 1907, NRA headquarters moved to Washington, D.C. to facilitate the organization's advocacy efforts.<ref name="craige"/> [[Springfield Armory]] and [[Rock Island Arsenal]] began the manufacture of [[M1903 Springfield]] rifles for civilian members of the NRA in 1910.<ref name=Canfield2008>{{cite journal |last=Canfield |first=Bruce N. |date=September 2008 |magazine=[[American Rifleman]] |title= To promote marksmanship ... 'N.R.A.'-marked M1903 rifles |publisher=National Rifle Association |volume=156 |issue=9 |pages=72–75 }}</ref> The [[Director of Civilian Marksmanship]] began manufacture of [[M1911 pistol]]s for NRA members in August 1912.<ref name=Ness1983>{{cite journal |last=Ness |first=Mark |date=June 1983 |magazine=[[American Rifleman]] |publisher=National Rifle Association |page=58 }}</ref> Until 1927, the [[United States Department of War]] provided free ammunition and targets to civilian rifle clubs with a minimum membership of ten United States citizens at least 16 years of age.<ref>{{cite book |last=Camp |first=Raymond R. |title =The Hunter's Encyclopedia |publisher =Stackpole and Heck |year =1948 |location= Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |page =599 }}</ref>


===1934–present===
===1934–present===
The NRA formed its Legislative Affairs Division to update members with facts and analysis of upcoming bills,<ref name=LD-NRA>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2014 |title=National Rifle Association |url=http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/National+Rifle+Association |encyclopedia=TheFreeDictionary.com |publisher=Farlex |accessdate=April 8, 2014 }}</ref> after the [[National Firearms Act]] (NFA) of 1934 became the first federal gun-control law passed in the U.S.<ref name=LD-NFA>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2011 |title=National Firearms Act of 1934 |url=http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/National+Firearms+Act+of+1934 |encyclopedia=TheFreeDictionary.com |publisher=Farlex |accessdate=April 17, 2011 }}</ref> [[Karl Frederick]], NRA President in 1934, during congressional NFA hearings testified "I have never believed in the general practice of carrying weapons. I seldom carry one. ... I do not believe in the general promiscuous toting of guns. I think it should be sharply restricted and only under licenses."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jilani|first1=Zaid|title=For Most Of Its History, The NRA Actually Backed Sensible Gun Regulation|url=http://boldprogressives.org/2013/01/for-most-of-its-history-the-nra-actually-backed-sensible-gun-regulation/|accessdate=September 20, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101546/http://boldprogressives.org/2013/01/for-most-of-its-history-the-nra-actually-backed-sensible-gun-regulation/|archivedate=March 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The NRA supported the NFA along with the [[Gun Control Act of 1968]] (GCA), which together created a system to federally license gun dealers and established restrictions on particular [[Title II weapons|categories and classes]] of firearms.<ref name=Lepore2012>{{cite journal |author=Jill Lepore |authorlink=Jill Lepore |date=April 23, 2012 |title=Battleground America: One nation, under the gun |url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/23/120423fa_fact_lepore?currentPage=all |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |publisher=Condé Nast |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701173335/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/23/120423fa_fact_lepore?currentPage=all |archivedate=July 1, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA formed its Legislative Affairs Division to update members with facts and analysis of upcoming bills,<ref name=LD-NRA>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2014 |title=National Rifle Association |url=http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/National+Rifle+Association |encyclopedia=TheFreeDictionary.com |publisher=Farlex |accessdate=April 8, 2014 }}</ref> after the [[National Firearms Act]] (NFA) of 1934 became the first federal gun-control law passed in the U.S.<ref name=LD-NFA>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2011 |title=National Firearms Act of 1934 |url=http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/National+Firearms+Act+of+1934 |encyclopedia=TheFreeDictionary.com |publisher=Farlex |accessdate=April 17, 2011 }}</ref> [[Karl Frederick]], NRA President in 1934, during congressional NFA hearings testified "I have never believed in the general practice of carrying weapons. I seldom carry one. ... I do not believe in the general promiscuous toting of guns. I think it should be sharply restricted and only under licenses."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jilani|first1=Zaid|title=For Most Of Its History, The NRA Actually Backed Sensible Gun Regulation|url=http://boldprogressives.org/2013/01/for-most-of-its-history-the-nra-actually-backed-sensible-gun-regulation/|accessdate=September 20, 2015}}</ref> The NRA supported the NFA along with the [[Gun Control Act of 1968]] (GCA), which together created a system to federally license gun dealers and established restrictions on particular [[Title II weapons|categories and classes]] of firearms.<ref name=Lepore2012>{{cite journal |author=Jill Lepore | authorlink = Jill Lepore |date=April 23, 2012 |title=Battleground America: One nation, under the gun |url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/04/23/120423fa_fact_lepore?currentPage=all |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |publisher=Condé Nast }}</ref>


Until the middle 1970s, the NRA mainly focused on sportsmen, hunters and target shooters, and downplayed [[gun control]] issues. However, passage of the GCA galvanized a growing number of NRA gun rights activists, including [[Harlon Carter]]. In 1975, it began to focus more on politics and established its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), with Carter as director. The next year, its political action committee (PAC), the Political Victory Fund, was created in time for the 1976 elections.<ref name=CPGCp158>{{cite book |last1=Shaiko |first1=Ronald G. |last2=Wallace |first2=Marc A. |year=1998 |chapter=Going Hunting Where the Ducks Are: The National Rifle Association and the Grass Roots |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PP1&pg=PA155#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=0847686159 |oclc=833118449 |accessdate=April 8, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703184656/http://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |archivedate=July 3, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{rp|158}} The 1977 annual [[convention (meeting)|convention]] was a defining moment for the organization and came to be known as "The Cincinnati Revolution".<ref name=Knoxp299>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA299 |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |pages=299–300 |isbn=978-0976863304 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025060942/https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA299 |archivedate=October 25, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Leadership planned to relocate NRA headquarters to Colorado and to build a $30 million recreational facility in New Mexico, but activists within the organization whose central concern was Second Amendment rights defeated the incumbents and elected Carter as executive director and [[Neal Knox]] as head of the NRA-ILA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Achenbach |first1=Joel |last2=Higham |first2=Scott |last3=Horwitz |first3=Sari |date=January 12, 2013 |title=How NRA's true believers converted a marksmanship group into a mighty gun lobby |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806225836/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html |archivedate=August 6, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 137–38, 161–63, 166–67, 186, 219–20</ref>
Until the middle 1970s, the NRA mainly focused on sportsmen, hunters and target shooters, and downplayed [[gun control]] issues. However, passage of the GCA galvanized a growing number of NRA gun rights activists, including [[Harlon Carter]]. In 1975, it began to focus more on politics and established its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), with Carter as director. The next year, its political action committee (PAC), the Political Victory Fund, was created in time for the 1976 elections.<ref name=CPGCp158>{{cite book |last1=Shaiko |first1=Ronald G. |last2=Wallace |first2=Marc A. |year=1998 |chapter=Going Hunting Where the Ducks Are: The National Rifle Association and the Grass Roots |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PP1&pg=PA155#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=0847686159 |oclc=833118449 |accessdate=April 8, 2014 }}</ref>{{rp|158}} The 1977 annual [[convention (meeting)|convention]] was a defining moment for the organization and came to be known as "The Cincinnati Revolution".<ref name=Knoxp299>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA299 |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |pages=299–300|isbn=978-0976863304 }}</ref> Leadership planned to relocate NRA headquarters to Colorado and to build a $30 million recreational facility in New Mexico, but activists within the organization whose central concern was Second Amendment rights defeated the incumbents and elected Carter as executive director and [[Neal Knox]] as head of the NRA-ILA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Achenbach |first1=Joel |last2=Higham |first2=Scott |last3=Horwitz |first3=Sari |date=January 12, 2013 |title=How NRA's true believers converted a marksmanship group into a mighty gun lobby |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-nras-true-believers-converted-a-marksmanship-group-into-a-mighty-gun-lobby/2013/01/12/51c62288-59b9-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] }}</ref><ref>Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 137–38, 161–63, 166–67, 186, 219–20</ref>


====Political expansion====
====Political expansion====
After 1977, the organization expanded its membership by focusing heavily on political issues and forming coalitions with [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] politicians, most of them are [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]].<ref name="Glen H. Utter 2000 pp 99-100">Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 99–100, 162</ref> With a goal to weaken the GCA, Knox's ILA successfully lobbied Congress to pass the [[Firearm Owners Protection Act]] (FOPA) of 1986 and worked to reduce the powers of the federal [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF). In 1982, Knox was ousted as director of the ILA, but began mobilizing outside the NRA framework and continued to promote opposition to gun control laws.<ref name=Knoxp314>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA314 |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |pages=314–20 |isbn=978-0976863304 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919153655/https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA314 |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
After 1977, the organization expanded its membership by focusing heavily on political issues and forming coalitions with [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] politicians, most of them are [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]].<ref name="Glen H. Utter 2000 pp 99-100">Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 99–100, 162</ref> With a goal to weaken the GCA, Knox's ILA successfully lobbied Congress to pass the [[Firearm Owners Protection Act]] (FOPA) of 1986 and worked to reduce the powers of the federal [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF). In 1982, Knox was ousted as director of the ILA, but began mobilizing outside the NRA framework and continued to promote opposition to gun control laws.<ref name=Knoxp314>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |year=2009 |title=Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dA3pGSYG2yIC&pg=PA314 |editor-last=Knox |editor-first=Christopher |publisher=MacFarlane Press |pages=314–20|isbn=978-0976863304 }}</ref>


At the 1991 national convention, Knox's supporters were elected to the board and named staff lobbyist [[Wayne LaPierre]] as the executive vice president. The NRA focused its attention on the gun control policies of the Clinton Administration.<ref>Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 62, 158, 162, 166–67</ref> Knox again lost power in 1997, as he lost reelection to a coalition of moderate leaders who supported movie star [[Charlton Heston]], despite Heston's past support of gun control legislation.<ref>Robert J. Spitzer, ''The Politics of Gun Control'' (2nd ed. 1998) p. 88</ref> In 1994, the NRA unsuccessfully opposed the [[Federal Assault Weapons Ban]] (AWB), but successfully lobbied for the ban's 2004 expiration.<ref>{{cite book |author=Richard Feldman |title=Ricochet: Confessions of a Gun Lobbyist |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zi5yAwWxa50C&pg=PT174 |year=2011 |publisher=John Wiley |page=174 |isbn=978-1118131008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422100554/https://books.google.com/books?id=zi5yAwWxa50C&pg=PT174 |archivedate=April 22, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Heston was elected president in 1998 and became a highly visible spokesman for the organization. In an effort to improve the NRA's image, Heston presented himself as the voice of reason in contrast to Knox.<ref name=Raymond2006>{{cite book |last=Raymond |first=Emilie |year=2006 |title=From My Cold, Dead Hands: Charlton Heston and American Politics |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/From_My_Cold_Dead_Hands.html?id=1tujw3ajlDMC |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |isbn=978-0813124087 |oclc=77125677 }}</ref>{{rp|262–68}}
At the 1991 national convention, Knox's supporters were elected to the board and named staff lobbyist [[Wayne LaPierre]] as the executive vice president. The NRA focused its attention on the gun control policies of the Clinton Administration.<ref>Glen H. Utter, ''Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights'' (2000) pp. 62, 158, 162, 166–67</ref> Knox again lost power in 1997, as he lost reelection to a coalition of moderate leaders who supported movie star [[Charlton Heston]], despite Heston's past support of gun control legislation.<ref>Robert J. Spitzer, ''The Politics of Gun Control'' (2nd ed. 1998) p. 88</ref> In 1994, the NRA unsuccessfully opposed the [[Federal Assault Weapons Ban]] (AWB), but successfully lobbied for the ban's 2004 expiration.<ref>{{cite book |author=Richard Feldman |title=Ricochet: Confessions of a Gun Lobbyist |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zi5yAwWxa50C&pg=PT174 |year=2011 |publisher=John Wiley |page=174|isbn=978-1118131008 }}</ref> Heston was elected president in 1998 and became a highly visible spokesman for the organization. In an effort to improve the NRA's image, Heston presented himself as the voice of reason in contrast to Knox.<ref name=Raymond2006>{{cite book |last=Raymond |first=Emilie |year=2006 |title=From My Cold, Dead Hands: Charlton Heston and American Politics |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/From_My_Cold_Dead_Hands.html?id=1tujw3ajlDMC |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |isbn=978-0813124087 |oclc=77125677 }}</ref>{{rp|262–68}}


==Lobbying and political activity==
==Lobbying and political activity==
[[File:Chris Cox by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Chris W. Cox]], the NRA's chief lobbyist and political strategist, in March 2016]]
[[File:Chris Cox by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Chris W. Cox]], the NRA's chief lobbyist and political strategist, in March 2016]]
When the National Rifle Association was officially incorporated on November 16, 1871,<ref name = incorporation/> its primary goal was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis". The NRA's website says the organization is "America's longest-standing civil rights organization".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.nra.org/ |title=NRA Digital Network |publisher=National Rifle Association |quote=The National Rifle Association is America's longest-standing civil rights organization. |accessdate=May 30, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529184945/http://home.nra.org/ |archivedate=May 29, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
When the National Rifle Association was officially incorporated on November 16, 1871,<ref name = incorporation/> its primary goal was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis". The NRA's website says the organization is "America's longest-standing civil rights organization".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.nra.org/ |title=NRA Digital Network |publisher=National Rifle Association |quote=The National Rifle Association is America's longest-standing civil rights organization. |accessdate=May 30, 2014 }}</ref>


On February 7, 1872, the NRA created a committee to [[lobbying in the United States|lobby]] for legislation in the interest of the organization.<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93266257/ The National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. February 7, 1872. p. 8.</ref> Its first lobbying effort was to petition the [[New York State legislature]] for $25,000 to purchase land to set up a [[Shooting ranges in the United States|range]].<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93158322/ New York and Suburban News". ''The New York Times''. March 6, 1872. p. 8.]</ref> Within three months, the legislation had passed and had been signed into law by [[Governor of New York State|Governor]] [[John T. Hoffman]].<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93285877/ Important Meeting of the National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. May 22, 1872. p. 8.</ref>
On February 7, 1872, the NRA created a committee to [[lobbying in the United States|lobby]] for legislation in the interest of the organization.<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93266257/ The National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. February 7, 1872. p. 8.</ref> Its first lobbying effort was to petition the [[New York State legislature]] for $25,000 to purchase land to set up a [[Shooting ranges in the United States|range]].<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93158322/ New York and Suburban News". ''The New York Times''. March 6, 1872. p. 8.]</ref> Within three months, the legislation had passed and had been signed into law by [[Governor of New York State|Governor]] [[John T. Hoffman]].<ref>"[http://search.proquest.com/docview/93285877/ Important Meeting of the National Rifle Association]". ''The New York Times''. May 22, 1872. p. 8.</ref>
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In 1934, the National Rifle Association created a Legislative Affairs Division to work officially on [[Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment]] issues.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
In 1934, the National Rifle Association created a Legislative Affairs Division to work officially on [[Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment]] issues.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}


The Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the lobbying branch of the NRA, was established in 1975. According to [[Political science|political scientists]] John M. Bruce and Clyde Wilcox, the NRA shifted its focus in the late 1970s to incorporate political advocacy, and started seeing its members as political resources rather than just as recipients of goods and services. Despite the impact on the volatility of membership, the politicization of the NRA has been consistent and its PAC, the Political Victory Fund established in 1976, ranked as "one of the biggest spenders in congressional elections" as of 1998.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p158>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |year=1998 |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA158#v=onepage&q&f=false |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman and Littlefield |pages=158–59 |isbn=0847686140 |oclc=833118449 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204002029/https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA158#v=onepage&q&f=false |archivedate=December 4, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the lobbying branch of the NRA, was established in 1975. According to [[Political science|political scientists]] John M. Bruce and Clyde Wilcox, the NRA shifted its focus in the late 1970s to incorporate political advocacy, and started seeing its members as political resources rather than just as recipients of goods and services. Despite the impact on the volatility of membership, the politicization of the NRA has been consistent and its PAC, the Political Victory Fund established in 1976, ranked as "one of the biggest spenders in congressional elections" as of 1998.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p158>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |year=1998 |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA158#v=onepage&q&f=false |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman and Littlefield |pages=158–59 |isbn=0847686140 |oclc=833118449 }}</ref>


A 1999 [[Fortune (magazine)|''Fortune'']] magazine survey said that lawmakers and their staffers considered the NRA the most powerful lobbying organization three years in a row.<ref name=FortuneSurvey1999/> [[Chris W. Cox]] is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, a position he has held since 2002. In 2012, 88% of Republicans and 11% of Democrats in Congress had received an NRA PAC contribution at some point in their career. Of the members of the Congress that convened in 2013, 51% received funding from the NRA PAC within their political careers, and 47% received NRA money in their most recent race. According to Lee Drutman, political scientist and senior fellow at the [[Sunlight Foundation]], "It is important to note that these contributions are probably a better measure of allegiance than of influence."<ref name=Drutman121218>{{cite web |url=http://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2012/12/18/nra-and-congress/ |title=NRA's allegiances reach deep into Congress |last=Drutman |first=Lee |date=December 18, 2012 |publisher=Sunlight Foundation |accessdate= |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144316/http://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2012/12/18/nra-and-congress/ |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
A 1999 [[Fortune (magazine)|''Fortune'']] magazine survey said that lawmakers and their staffers considered the NRA the most powerful lobbying organization three years in a row.<ref name=FortuneSurvey1999/> [[Chris W. Cox]] is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, a position he has held since 2002. In 2012, 88% of Republicans and 11% of Democrats in Congress had received an NRA PAC contribution at some point in their career. Of the members of the Congress that convened in 2013, 51% received funding from the NRA PAC within their political careers, and 47% received NRA money in their most recent race. According to Lee Drutman, political scientist and senior fellow at the [[Sunlight Foundation]], "It is important to note that these contributions are probably a better measure of allegiance than of influence."<ref name=Drutman121218>{{cite web |url=http://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2012/12/18/nra-and-congress/ |title=NRA's allegiances reach deep into Congress |last=Drutman |first=Lee |date=December 18, 2012|publisher=Sunlight Foundation |accessdate=}}</ref>


Internationally, the NRA opposes the [[Arms Trade Treaty]] (ATT).<ref name=NYTEB130930>{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=Containing the Conventional Arms Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/opinion/containing-the-conventional-arms-trade.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 30, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025224813/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/opinion/containing-the-conventional-arms-trade.html |archivedate=October 25, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> It has opposed Canadian gun registry,<ref name=CBCNews100913>{{cite news |title=NRA involved in gun registry debate |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nra-involved-in-gun-registry-debate-1.923766 |publisher=CBC|location=Ontario, Canada |date=September 13, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919165820/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nra-involved-in-gun-registry-debate-1.923766 |archivedate=September 19, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> supported Brazilian gun rights,<ref name=Kurlantzick060917>{{cite news |last=Kurlantzick |first=Joshua |date=September 17, 2006 |title=Global Gun Rights? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/magazine/17wwln_essay.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531072513/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/magazine/17wwln_essay.html |archivedate=May 31, 2012 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Flannery |first=Nathaniel Parish |date=July 11, 2013 |title=What Are The NRA And Smith and Wesson Up To In Latin America? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanielparishflannery/2013/07/11/what-are-the-nra-and-smith-and-wesson-up-to-in-latin-america/ |journal=Forbes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222826/http://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanielparishflannery/2013/07/11/what-are-the-nra-and-smith-and-wesson-up-to-in-latin-america/ |archivedate=October 29, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> and criticized Australian gun laws.<ref name=OMalley131212>{{cite news |last=O'Malley |first=Nick |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Sandy Hook massacre: Gun lobby targets Australia |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/sandy-hook-massacre-gun-lobby-targets-australia-20131212-hv5ed.html |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |location=Sydney, Australia |publisher=Fairfax Media |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213065614/http://www.smh.com.au/world/sandy-hook-massacre-gun-lobby-targets-australia-20131212-hv5ed.html |archivedate=December 13, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref>
Internationally, the NRA opposes the [[Arms Trade Treaty]] (ATT).<ref name=NYTEB130930>{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |title=Containing the Conventional Arms Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/opinion/containing-the-conventional-arms-trade.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 30, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025224813/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/opinion/containing-the-conventional-arms-trade.html |archivedate=October 25, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> It has opposed Canadian gun registry,<ref name=CBCNews100913>{{cite news |title=NRA involved in gun registry debate |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nra-involved-in-gun-registry-debate-1.923766 |publisher=CBC|location=Ontario, Canada |date=September 13, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919165820/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nra-involved-in-gun-registry-debate-1.923766 |archivedate=September 19, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> supported Brazilian gun rights,<ref name=Kurlantzick060917>{{cite news |last=Kurlantzick |first=Joshua |date=September 17, 2006 |title=Global Gun Rights? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/magazine/17wwln_essay.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531072513/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/magazine/17wwln_essay.html |archivedate=May 31, 2012 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Flannery |first=Nathaniel Parish |date=July 11, 2013 |title=What Are The NRA And Smith and Wesson Up To In Latin America? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanielparishflannery/2013/07/11/what-are-the-nra-and-smith-and-wesson-up-to-in-latin-america/ |journal=Forbes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222826/http://www.forbes.com/sites/nathanielparishflannery/2013/07/11/what-are-the-nra-and-smith-and-wesson-up-to-in-latin-america/ |archivedate=October 29, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> and criticized Australian gun laws.<ref name=OMalley131212>{{cite news |last=O'Malley |first=Nick |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Sandy Hook massacre: Gun lobby targets Australia |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/sandy-hook-massacre-gun-lobby-targets-australia-20131212-hv5ed.html |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |location=Sydney, Australia |publisher=Fairfax Media |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213065614/http://www.smh.com.au/world/sandy-hook-massacre-gun-lobby-targets-australia-20131212-hv5ed.html |archivedate=December 13, 2013 |accessdate=February 7, 2014 }}</ref>


In 2016 the NRA raised a record $366 million and spent $412 million for political activities. The NRA also maintains a PAC which is excluded from these figures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/01/nra-donald-trump-guns-fundraising/|title=The NRA raised a record amount of money in 2016|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210316/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/01/nra-donald-trump-guns-fundraising/|archivedate=February 25, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2016 the NRA raised a record $366 million and spent $412 million for political activities. The NRA also maintains a PAC which is excluded from these figures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/01/nra-donald-trump-guns-fundraising/|title=The NRA raised a record amount of money in 2016|publisher=}}</ref>


===Elections===
===Elections===
[[File:Wayne LaPierre by Gage Skidmore 5 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Wayne LaPierre]], executive Vice President of the NRA, in 2017]]
[[File:Wayne LaPierre by Gage Skidmore 5 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Wayne LaPierre]], executive Vice President of the NRA, in 2017]]
The NRA Political Victory Fund (PVF) PAC was established in 1976 to challenge gun-control candidates and to support gun-rights candidates.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p186>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |year=1998 |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA186#v=onepage&q&f=false |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman and Littlefield |pages=186 |isbn=0847686140 |oclc=833118449 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912015208/https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA186#v=onepage&q&f=false |archivedate=September 12, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".<ref name=Lowes140311>{{cite news |last=Lowes |first=Robert |date=March 11, 2014 |title=NRA Opposes Surgeon General Nominee Vivek Murthy |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/821816 |website=Medscape |publisher=WebMD {{subscription required}} |accessdate=June 9, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316202706/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/821816 |archivedate=March 16, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA Political Victory Fund (PVF) PAC was established in 1976 to challenge gun-control candidates and to support gun-rights candidates.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p186>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bruce |editor1-first=John M. |editor2-last=Wilcox |editor2-first=Clyde |year=1998 |title=The Changing Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VvNb5s8Z3b0C&lpg=PA256&vq=political%20victory%20fund&pg=PA186#v=onepage&q&f=false |location=Lanham, Maryland |publisher=Rowman and Littlefield |pages=186 |isbn=0847686140 |oclc=833118449 }}</ref> An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".<ref name=Lowes140311>{{cite news |last=Lowes |first=Robert |date=March 11, 2014 |title=NRA Opposes Surgeon General Nominee Vivek Murthy |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/821816 |website=Medscape |publisher=WebMD {{subscription required}} |accessdate=June 9, 2014 }}</ref>


The NRA endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 1980, backing Ronald Reagan over [[Jimmy Carter]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Gina M. |title=100 Years: Remembering President Ronald Reagan |url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/100-years-remembering-president-ronald.aspx |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=February 2, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218232039/http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/100-years-remembering-president-ronald.aspx |archivedate=February 18, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>Facts on File 1980 Yearbook, p.844</ref> For example, in the [[U.S. Senate election, 2006|2006 Senate Elections]] the NRA endorsed [[Rick Santorum]] over [[Bob Casey, Jr.]],<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Toole |first=James |date=October 25, 2006 |title=Santorum touts gun stand: Senate candidate showcases NRA endorsement |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06298/732722-177.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |publisher=PG Publishing |accessdate=April 19, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821150644/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06298/732722-177.stm |archivedate=August 21, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> even though they both had an "A" rating.
The NRA endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 1980, backing Ronald Reagan over [[Jimmy Carter]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Gina M. |title=100 Years: Remembering President Ronald Reagan |url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/100-years-remembering-president-ronald.aspx |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=February 2, 2013 }}</ref><ref>Facts on File 1980 Yearbook, p.844</ref> For example, in the [[U.S. Senate election, 2006|2006 Senate Elections]] the NRA endorsed [[Rick Santorum]] over [[Bob Casey, Jr.]],<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Toole |first=James |date=October 25, 2006 |title=Santorum touts gun stand: Senate candidate showcases NRA endorsement |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06298/732722-177.stm |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |publisher=PG Publishing |accessdate=April 19, 2012 }}</ref> even though they both had an "A" rating.


The NRA spent $40 million on [[United States elections, 2008|U.S. elections in 2008]],<ref name=GAS2012>{{cite book |chapter=National Rifle Association (NRA) |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=oD46JBOhMU0C&pg=PA616#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Gregg Lee |year=2012 |title=Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Guns_in_American_Society_An_Encyclopedia.html?id=QeGJH48PT0kC |location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=616–20 |isbn=978-0313386701 |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref> including $10 million in opposition to the election of Senator [[Barack Obama]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential campaign]].<ref name=Cox081019>{{cite news |date=October 19, 2008 |title=NRA has 'anti-gun' Obama in its sights |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2008-10-19/news/a3nra19_1_barack-obama-obama-campaign-guns-and-religion |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |agency=Cox News Service |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140608064801/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2008-10-19/news/a3nra19_1_barack-obama-obama-campaign-guns-and-religion |archivedate=June 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA spent $40 million on [[United States elections, 2008|U.S. elections in 2008]],<ref name=GAS2012>{{cite book |chapter=National Rifle Association (NRA) |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=oD46JBOhMU0C&pg=PA616#v=onepage&q&f=false |editor-last=Carter |editor-first=Gregg Lee |year=2012 |title=Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Guns_in_American_Society_An_Encyclopedia.html?id=QeGJH48PT0kC |location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |publisher=ABC-CLIO |pages=616–20 |isbn=978-0313386701 |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref> including $10 million in opposition to the election of Senator [[Barack Obama]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential campaign]].<ref name=Cox081019>{{cite news |date=October 19, 2008 |title=NRA has 'anti-gun' Obama in its sights |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2008-10-19/news/a3nra19_1_barack-obama-obama-campaign-guns-and-religion |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |agency=Cox News Service |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref>


The NRA spent over $360,000 in the [[Colorado recall election of 2013]], which resulted in the ouster of state senators [[John Morse (politician)|John Morse]] and [[Angela Giron]].<ref name=Siddiqui130910>{{cite news |last=Siddiqui |first=Sabrina |date=September 10, 2013 |title=Colorado Recall Results: Democratic State Senators Defeated In Major Victory For NRA |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/colorado-recall-results_n_3903209.html |website=[[HuffPost]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819062901/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/colorado-recall-results_n_3903209.html |archivedate=August 19, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' called the recall "a stunning victory for the National Rifle Association and gun rights activists."<ref name=Siddiqui130910/> Morse and Giron helped to pass expanded [[National Instant Criminal Background Check System|background checks]] and ammunition [[High-capacity magazine ban|magazine capacity limits]] after the [[2012 Aurora shooting|2012 Aurora, Colorado]], and Sandy Hook, Connecticut, shootings.<ref name=AP130910>{{cite news |date=September 10, 2013 |title=Morse, Giron Lose Recalls Over Gun Laws Support |url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/09/10/sen-john-morse-in-trouble-in-early-recall-election-results/ |publisher=CBS Local Media |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714232940/http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/09/10/sen-john-morse-in-trouble-in-early-recall-election-results/ |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA spent over $360,000 in the [[Colorado recall election of 2013]], which resulted in the ouster of state senators [[John Morse (politician)|John Morse]] and [[Angela Giron]].<ref name=Siddiqui130910>{{cite news |last=Siddiqui |first=Sabrina |date=September 10, 2013 |title=Colorado Recall Results: Democratic State Senators Defeated In Major Victory For NRA |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/colorado-recall-results_n_3903209.html |website=[[HuffPost]] }}</ref> ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' called the recall "a stunning victory for the National Rifle Association and gun rights activists."<ref name=Siddiqui130910/> Morse and Giron helped to pass expanded [[National Instant Criminal Background Check System|background checks]] and ammunition [[High-capacity magazine ban|magazine capacity limits]] after the [[2012 Aurora shooting|2012 Aurora, Colorado]], and Sandy Hook, Connecticut, shootings.<ref name=AP130910>{{cite news |date=September 10, 2013 |title=Morse, Giron Lose Recalls Over Gun Laws Support |url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/09/10/sen-john-morse-in-trouble-in-early-recall-election-results/ |publisher=CBS Local Media |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref>


On May 20, 2016, the NRA endorsed [[Donald Trump]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 U.S. presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Reinhard |first=Beth |date=May 20, 2016 |title=Donald Trump Wins NRA Endorsement |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-expected-to-win-nra-endorsement-1463769758 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=May 20, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520204226/http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-expected-to-win-nra-endorsement-1463769758 |archivedate=May 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The timing of the endorsement, before Trump became the official Republican nominee, was unusual, as the NRA typically endorses Republican nominees towards the end of the general election. The NRA said its early endorsement was due to the strong gun control stance of [[Hillary Clinton]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump wins NRA endorsement, blasts Clinton on gun stance at forum {{!}} Fox News|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/20/nra-to-endorse-trump.html|accessdate=May 21, 2016|website=[[Fox News]]|date=May 20, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520215832/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/20/nra-to-endorse-trump.html|archivedate=May 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the [[2016 United States presidential election]] the NRA reported spending more than $30 million in support of Donald Trump, more than any other independent group in that election, and three times what it spent in the 2012 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2016/11/the-nra-placed-big-bets-on-the-2016-election-and-won-almost-all-of-them/|title=The NRA Placed Big Bets on the 2016 Election, and Won Almost All of Them|last=Spies|first=Mike|date=November 9, 2016|website=[[Open Secrets]]|accessdate=January 19, 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118180354/https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2016/11/the-nra-placed-big-bets-on-the-2016-election-and-won-almost-all-of-them/|archivedate=January 18, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On May 20, 2016, the NRA endorsed [[Donald Trump]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 U.S. presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Reinhard |first=Beth |date=May 20, 2016 |title=Donald Trump Wins NRA Endorsement |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-expected-to-win-nra-endorsement-1463769758 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=May 20, 2016}}</ref> The timing of the endorsement, before Trump became the official Republican nominee, was unusual, as the NRA typically endorses Republican nominees towards the end of the general election. The NRA said its early endorsement was due to the strong gun control stance of [[Hillary Clinton]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump wins NRA endorsement, blasts Clinton on gun stance at forum {{!}} Fox News|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/20/nra-to-endorse-trump.html|accessdate=May 21, 2016|website=[[Fox News]]|date=May 20, 2016}}</ref> In the [[2016 United States presidential election]] the NRA reported spending more than $30 million in support of Donald Trump, more than any other independent group in that election, and three times what it spent in the 2012 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2016/11/the-nra-placed-big-bets-on-the-2016-election-and-won-almost-all-of-them/|title=The NRA Placed Big Bets on the 2016 Election, and Won Almost All of Them|last=Spies|first=Mike|date=November 9, 2016|website=[[Open Secrets]]|accessdate=January 19, 2018}}</ref>


===The ATF and Senate confirmations===
===The ATF and Senate confirmations===
The NRA has for decades sought to limit the ability of the ATF to regulate firearms by blocking nominees and lobbying against reforms that would ease the ability of the ATF to track gun crimes.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/22/us/politics/trump-atf-nra.html|title=How the N.R.A. Keeps Federal Gun Regulators in Check|last=Watkins|first=Ali|date=February 22, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 22, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222160756/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/22/us/politics/trump-atf-nra.html|archivedate=February 22, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The NRA, for instance, opposed ATF reforms to trace guns to owners electronically; the ATF currently has to do so through paper records.<ref name=":1" /> In 2006, the NRA lobbied [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Jim Sensenbrenner|F. James Sensenbrenner]] to add a provision to the [[Patriot Act]] reauthorization that requires Senate confirmation of ATF director nominees.<ref name=Horwitz130731>{{cite news |last=Horwitz |first=Sari |date=July 31, 2013 |title=Senate confirms ATF director |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/senate-confirms-atf-director/2013/07/31/dc9b0644-fa09-11e2-8752-b41d7ed1f685_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422080753/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/senate-confirms-atf-director/2013/07/31/dc9b0644-fa09-11e2-8752-b41d7ed1f685_story.html |archivedate=April 22, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> For seven years after that, the NRA lobbied against and "effectively blocked" every presidential nominee.<ref name=Horwitz130731/><ref>{{cite news |last=Yager |first=Jordy |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Sen. Durbin pressures gun lobby with threat to move ATF authority to FBI |url=http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/306089-dem-pressures-gun-lobby-with-threat-to-move-atf |newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |publisher=Capitol Hill Publishing |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143522/http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/306089-dem-pressures-gun-lobby-with-threat-to-move-atf |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Serrano130711>{{cite news |last=Serrano |first=Richard A. |date=July 11, 2013 |title=ATF nominee faces obstacles to confirmation |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/11/nation/la-na-atf-confirmation-20130712 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |accessdate=June 9, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140611114034/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/11/nation/la-na-atf-confirmation-20130712 |archivedate=June 11, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> First was President [[George W. Bush]]'s choice, [[Michael Sullivan (U.S. Attorney)|Michael J. Sullivan]], whose confirmation was held up in 2008 by three Republican Senators who said the ATF was hostile to gun dealers. One of the Senators was [[Larry Craig]], who was an NRA board member during his years in the Senate.<ref name=Horwitz101026>{{cite news |last1=Horwitz |first1=Sari |last2=Grimaldi |first2=James V. |date=October 26, 2010 |title=ATF's oversight limited in face of gun lobby |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102505823_3.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714215127/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102505823_3.html |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Confirmation of President Obama's first nominee, Andrew Traver, stalled in 2011 after the NRA expressed strong opposition.<ref name=Horwitz130731/><ref name=Skiba110216>{{cite news |last=Skiba |first=Katherine |date=February 16, 2011 |title=Gun lobby stands firm in opposing Obama's ATF nominee |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-16/news/ct-met-atf-gun-lobby-0217-20110216_1_street-gangs-insane-deuces-andrew-traver |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140612082708/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-16/news/ct-met-atf-gun-lobby-0217-20110216_1_street-gangs-insane-deuces-andrew-traver |archivedate=June 12, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Some Senators resisted confirming another Obama nominee, [[B. Todd Jones]], because of the NRA's opposition,<ref name=Serrano130711/> until 2013, when the NRA said it was neutral on Jones' nomination and that it would not include the confirmation vote in its grading system.<ref name=Horwitz130731/> Dan Freedman, national editor for [[Hearst Corporation|Hearst Newspapers']] Washington D.C. bureau, stated that it, "clears the way for senators from pro-gun states – Democrats as well as at least some Republicans – to vote for Jones without fear of political repercussions".<ref name=Freedman130730>{{cite news |last=Freedman |first=Dan |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Acting ATF director Todd Jones appears headed for confirmation |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2013/07/30/acting-atf-director-todd-jones-appears-headed-for-confirmation/#14500101=0 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612145601/http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2013/07/30/acting-atf-director-todd-jones-appears-headed-for-confirmation/#14500101=0 |archivedate=June 12, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA has for decades sought to limit the ability of the ATF to regulate firearms by blocking nominees and lobbying against reforms that would ease the ability of the ATF to track gun crimes.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/22/us/politics/trump-atf-nra.html|title=How the N.R.A. Keeps Federal Gun Regulators in Check|last=Watkins|first=Ali|date=February 22, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 22, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The NRA, for instance, opposed ATF reforms to trace guns to owners electronically; the ATF currently has to do so through paper records.<ref name=":1" /> In 2006, the NRA lobbied [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] [[Jim Sensenbrenner|F. James Sensenbrenner]] to add a provision to the [[Patriot Act]] reauthorization that requires Senate confirmation of ATF director nominees.<ref name=Horwitz130731>{{cite news |last=Horwitz |first=Sari |date=July 31, 2013 |title=Senate confirms ATF director |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/senate-confirms-atf-director/2013/07/31/dc9b0644-fa09-11e2-8752-b41d7ed1f685_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref> For seven years after that, the NRA lobbied against and "effectively blocked" every presidential nominee.<ref name=Horwitz130731/><ref>{{cite news |last=Yager |first=Jordy |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Sen. Durbin pressures gun lobby with threat to move ATF authority to FBI |url=http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/306089-dem-pressures-gun-lobby-with-threat-to-move-atf |newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |publisher=Capitol Hill Publishing |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref name=Serrano130711>{{cite news |last=Serrano |first=Richard A. |date=July 11, 2013 |title=ATF nominee faces obstacles to confirmation |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/11/nation/la-na-atf-confirmation-20130712 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |accessdate=June 9, 2014 }}</ref> First was President [[George W. Bush]]'s choice, [[Michael Sullivan (U.S. Attorney)|Michael J. Sullivan]], whose confirmation was held up in 2008 by three Republican Senators who said the ATF was hostile to gun dealers. One of the Senators was [[Larry Craig]], who was an NRA board member during his years in the Senate.<ref name=Horwitz101026>{{cite news |last1=Horwitz |first1=Sari |last2=Grimaldi |first2=James V. |date=October 26, 2010 |title=ATF's oversight limited in face of gun lobby |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102505823_3.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref> Confirmation of President Obama's first nominee, Andrew Traver, stalled in 2011 after the NRA expressed strong opposition.<ref name=Horwitz130731/><ref name=Skiba110216>{{cite news |last=Skiba |first=Katherine |date=February 16, 2011 |title=Gun lobby stands firm in opposing Obama's ATF nominee |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-16/news/ct-met-atf-gun-lobby-0217-20110216_1_street-gangs-insane-deuces-andrew-traver |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Some Senators resisted confirming another Obama nominee, [[B. Todd Jones]], because of the NRA's opposition,<ref name=Serrano130711/> until 2013, when the NRA said it was neutral on Jones' nomination and that it would not include the confirmation vote in its grading system.<ref name=Horwitz130731/> Dan Freedman, national editor for [[Hearst Corporation|Hearst Newspapers']] Washington D.C. bureau, stated that it, "clears the way for senators from pro-gun states – Democrats as well as at least some Republicans – to vote for Jones without fear of political repercussions".<ref name=Freedman130730>{{cite news |last=Freedman |first=Dan |date=July 30, 2013 |title=Acting ATF director Todd Jones appears headed for confirmation |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2013/07/30/acting-atf-director-todd-jones-appears-headed-for-confirmation/#14500101=0 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref>


In 2014, Obama weighed the idea of delaying a vote on his nominee for Surgeon General, [[Vivek Murthy]], when Republicans and some [[conservative Democrats]] criticized Murthy, after the NRA opposed him.<ref name=ViserBierman140315>{{cite news |last1=Viser |first1=Matt |last2=Bierman |first2=Noah |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Surgeon general nominee runs into Senate resistance |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/03/15/surgeon-general-nominee-runs-into-senate-resistance-over-stance-health-care-guns/9c0gFvR0pcmEG7tA4RvFqJ/story.html |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |publisher=Boston Globe Media Partners |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714170631/http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/03/15/surgeon-general-nominee-runs-into-senate-resistance-over-stance-health-care-guns/9c0gFvR0pcmEG7tA4RvFqJ/story.html |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In February, the NRA wrote to Senate leaders [[Harry Reid]] and [[Mitch McConnell]] to say that it "strongly opposes" Murthy's confirmation, and told ''[[The Washington Times]]''' [[Emily J. Miller|Emily Miller]] that it would score the vote in its PAC grading system. "The NRA decision", wrote Miller, "will undoubtedly make vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in the midterms reconsider voting party line on this nominee."<ref name=Miller140228>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Emily |date=February 28, 2014 |title=NRA to score Senate vote on Obama's nominee for surgeon general, Vivec Murthy |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/28/nra-score-senate-vote-obamas-nominee-surgeon-gener/?page=all |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714131853/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/28/nra-score-senate-vote-obamas-nominee-surgeon-gener/?page=all |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' stated on March 15, "Crossing the NRA to support Dr. Murthy could be a liability for some of the Democrats running for re-election this year in conservative-leaning states".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Kristina |last2=Nelson |first2=Colleen McCain |last3=Dooren |first3=Jennifer Corbett |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Some Democrats Balk at Confirming Obama's Surgeon General Pick |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303730804579440231622201174 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606004536/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303730804579440231622201174 |archivedate=June 6, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 2014, Obama weighed the idea of delaying a vote on his nominee for Surgeon General, [[Vivek Murthy]], when Republicans and some [[conservative Democrats]] criticized Murthy, after the NRA opposed him.<ref name=ViserBierman140315>{{cite news |last1=Viser |first1=Matt |last2=Bierman |first2=Noah |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Surgeon general nominee runs into Senate resistance |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/03/15/surgeon-general-nominee-runs-into-senate-resistance-over-stance-health-care-guns/9c0gFvR0pcmEG7tA4RvFqJ/story.html |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|publisher=Boston Globe Media Partners |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref> In February, the NRA wrote to Senate leaders [[Harry Reid]] and [[Mitch McConnell]] to say that it "strongly opposes" Murthy's confirmation, and told ''[[The Washington Times]]''' [[Emily J. Miller|Emily Miller]] that it would score the vote in its PAC grading system. "The NRA decision", wrote Miller, "will undoubtedly make vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in the midterms reconsider voting party line on this nominee."<ref name=Miller140228>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Emily |date=February 28, 2014 |title=NRA to score Senate vote on Obama's nominee for surgeon general, Vivec Murthy |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/28/nra-score-senate-vote-obamas-nominee-surgeon-gener/?page=all |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] }}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' stated on March 15, "Crossing the NRA to support Dr. Murthy could be a liability for some of the Democrats running for re-election this year in conservative-leaning states".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peterson |first1=Kristina |last2=Nelson |first2=Colleen McCain |last3=Dooren |first3=Jennifer Corbett |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Some Democrats Balk at Confirming Obama's Surgeon General Pick |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303730804579440231622201174 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref>


The NRA also opposed the appointments of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] and [[Elena Kagan]] as [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] justices.<ref name=Elliot130109>{{cite news |last=Elliot |first=Philip |date=January 9, 2013 |title=INFLUENCE GAME: NRA lobbying targets courthouses |url=https://news.yahoo.com/influence-game-nra-lobbying-targets-courthouses-080346429--politics.html |publisher=Yahoo-ABC News Network |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134348/http://news.yahoo.com/influence-game-nra-lobbying-targets-courthouses-080346429--politics.html |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA also opposed the appointments of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] and [[Elena Kagan]] as [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] justices.<ref name=Elliot130109>{{cite news |last=Elliot |first=Philip |date=January 9, 2013 |title=INFLUENCE GAME: NRA lobbying targets courthouses |url=https://news.yahoo.com/influence-game-nra-lobbying-targets-courthouses-080346429--politics.html|publisher=Yahoo-ABC News Network |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref>


===Legislation===
===Legislation===
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The NRA supported the 1934 National Firearms Act,<ref name=Winkler111003>{{cite news |last=Winkler |first=Adam |date=October 3, 2011 |title=When the NRA Promoted Gun Control |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-winkler/when-the-nra-promoted-gun_b_992043.html |website=[[HuffPost]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123054013/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-winkler/when-the-nra-promoted-gun_b_992043.html |archivedate=January 23, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> which regulated what were considered at the time "gangster weapons" such as [[machine gun]]s, [[sawed-off shotgun]]s, and sound [[suppressor]]s.<ref name=ATF-NFA>{{cite web |url=http://www.atf.gov/content/firearms/firearms-industry/national-firearms-act |title=National Firearms Act |year=2014 |publisher=Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives |accessdate=May 29, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531090508/http://www.atf.gov/content/firearms/firearms-industry/national-firearms-act |archivedate=May 31, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, the organization's position on suppressors has since changed.<ref name=NRA-Suppressors2011>{{cite web |url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/suppressors-good-for-our-hearing.aspx |title=Suppressors-Good for Our Hearing |date=November 17, 2011 |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=July 19, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909213345/http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/suppressors-good-for-our-hearing.aspx |archivedate=September 9, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA supported the 1934 National Firearms Act,<ref name=Winkler111003>{{cite news |last=Winkler |first=Adam |date=October 3, 2011 |title=When the NRA Promoted Gun Control |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-winkler/when-the-nra-promoted-gun_b_992043.html |website=[[HuffPost]] }}</ref> which regulated what were considered at the time "gangster weapons" such as [[machine gun]]s, [[sawed-off shotgun]]s, and sound [[suppressor]]s.<ref name=ATF-NFA>{{cite web |url=http://www.atf.gov/content/firearms/firearms-industry/national-firearms-act |title=National Firearms Act |year=2014|publisher=Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives |accessdate=May 29, 2014 }}</ref> However, the organization's position on suppressors has since changed.<ref name=NRA-Suppressors2011>{{cite web |url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2011/suppressors-good-for-our-hearing.aspx |title=Suppressors-Good for Our Hearing |date=November 17, 2011|publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=July 19, 2013 }}</ref>


The NRA supported the 1938 Federal Firearms Act (FFA) which established the [[Federal Firearms License]] (FFL) program. The FFA required all manufacturers and dealers of firearms who ship or receive firearms or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce to have a license, and forbade them from transferring any firearm or most ammunition to any person interstate unless certain conditions were met.<ref name=SAF-Ascione1939>{{cite web |url=http://www.saf.org/LawReviews/Ascione1.html |title=The Federal Firearms Act. |last=Ascione |first=Alfred M. |year=1939|publisher=[[Second Amendment Foundation]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618110827/http://www.saf.org/LawReviews/Ascione1.html |archivedate=June 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 19, 2013 }}</ref>
The NRA supported the 1938 Federal Firearms Act (FFA) which established the [[Federal Firearms License]] (FFL) program. The FFA required all manufacturers and dealers of firearms who ship or receive firearms or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce to have a license, and forbade them from transferring any firearm or most ammunition to any person interstate unless certain conditions were met.<ref name=SAF-Ascione1939>{{cite web |url=http://www.saf.org/LawReviews/Ascione1.html |title=The Federal Firearms Act. |last=Ascione |first=Alfred M. |year=1939|publisher=[[Second Amendment Foundation]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618110827/http://www.saf.org/LawReviews/Ascione1.html |archivedate=June 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 19, 2013 }}</ref>


The NRA supported and opposed parts of the Gun Control Act of 1968, which broadly regulated the firearms industry and firearms owners, primarily focusing on regulating interstate commerce in firearms by prohibiting interstate firearms transfers except among licensed manufacturers, dealers and importers. The law was supported by America's oldest manufacturers (Colt, S&W, etc.) in an effort to forestall even greater restrictions which were feared in response to recent domestic violence. The NRA supported elements of the law, such as those forbidding the sale of firearms to convicted criminals and the mentally ill.<ref name=Knox1966>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |chapter=The Dodd Bill Both Fact...and Fantasy |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=3LSE2QfOCSoC&lpg=PA51&ots=2Hm1KrD_1O&dq=The%20Dodd%20Bill%20Both%20Fact%20...%20and%20Fantasy&pg=PA50#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3LSE2QfOCSoC |publisher=MacFarlane |pages=50–65 |isbn=978-1565921979 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405022608/https://books.google.com/books?id=3LSE2QfOCSoC |archivedate=April 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }} Originally in ''[[Guns & Ammo]] Magazine'', June 1966.</ref><ref name=Rosenfeld130114>{{cite news |last=Rosenfeld |first=Steven |date=January 14, 2013 |title=The NRA once supported gun control |url=http://www.salon.com/2013/01/14/the_nra_once_supported_gun_control/ |website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] |publisher=Salon Media Group |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706222247/http://www.salon.com/2013/01/14/the_nra_once_supported_gun_control/ |archivedate=July 6, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA supported and opposed parts of the Gun Control Act of 1968, which broadly regulated the firearms industry and firearms owners, primarily focusing on regulating interstate commerce in firearms by prohibiting interstate firearms transfers except among licensed manufacturers, dealers and importers. The law was supported by America's oldest manufacturers (Colt, S&W, etc.) in an effort to forestall even greater restrictions which were feared in response to recent domestic violence. The NRA supported elements of the law, such as those forbidding the sale of firearms to convicted criminals and the mentally ill.<ref name=Knox1966>{{cite book |last=Knox |first=Neal |chapter=The Dodd Bill Both Fact...and Fantasy |chapterurl=https://books.google.com/books?id=3LSE2QfOCSoC&lpg=PA51&ots=2Hm1KrD_1O&dq=The%20Dodd%20Bill%20Both%20Fact%20...%20and%20Fantasy&pg=PA50#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=The Gun Rights War |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3LSE2QfOCSoC |publisher=MacFarlane |pages=50–65 |isbn=978-1565921979 }} Originally in ''[[Guns & Ammo]] Magazine'', June 1966.</ref><ref name=Rosenfeld130114>{{cite news |last=Rosenfeld |first=Steven |date=January 14, 2013 |title=The NRA once supported gun control |url=http://www.salon.com/2013/01/14/the_nra_once_supported_gun_control/ |website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]]|publisher=Salon Media Group }}</ref>


The NRA influenced the writing of the Firearm Owners Protection Act and worked for its passage.<ref name="University2002">{{cite book|last1=Jacobs|first1=James B.|last2=Burger|first2=Warren E.|title=Can Gun Control Work?|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dpzN711aYlQC&pg=PA49|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0195349214|pages=27–28, 49|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925092424/https://books.google.com/books?id=dpzN711aYlQC&pg=PA49|archivedate=September 25, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The NRA influenced the writing of the Firearm Owners Protection Act and worked for its passage.<ref name="University2002">{{cite book|last1=Jacobs |first1=James B. |last2=Burger|first2=Warren E. |title=Can Gun Control Work?|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dpzN711aYlQC&pg=PA49|year=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0195349214|pages=27–28, 49}}</ref>


In 2004, the NRA opposed renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. The ban expired on September 13, 2004.<ref name=CoxChat040917>{{cite web |url=http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/04/cox091704.htm |title=Live Online: The Assault Weapons Ban: NRA |last1=Cox |first1=Christopher W. |date=September 17, 2004|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050327025427/http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/04/cox091704.htm |archivedate=March 27, 2005 }} Transcript of chat with NRA's chief lobbyist.</ref>
In 2004, the NRA opposed renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. The ban expired on September 13, 2004.<ref name=CoxChat040917>{{cite web |url=http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/04/cox091704.htm |title=Live Online: The Assault Weapons Ban: NRA |last1=Cox |first1=Christopher W. |date=September 17, 2004|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050327025427/http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/04/cox091704.htm |archivedate=March 27, 2005 }} Transcript of chat with NRA's chief lobbyist.</ref>


In 2005 President George W. Bush signed into law the NRA-backed [[Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act]] which prevent firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes have been committed with their products.<ref name=NRA4228>{{cite web |url=http://www.nra.org/Article.aspx?id=4228 |title=President Bush signs Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate= |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420194651/http://www.nra.org/Article.aspx?id=4228 |archivedate=April 20, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 2005 President George W. Bush signed into law the NRA-backed [[Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act]] which prevent firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes have been committed with their products.<ref name=NRA4228>{{cite web |url=http://www.nra.org/Article.aspx?id=4228 |title=President Bush signs Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate=}}</ref>


===Litigation===
===Litigation===
In November 2005, the NRA and other gun advocates filed a lawsuit challenging [[San Francisco Proposition H (2005)|San Francisco Proposition H]], which banned the ownership and sales of firearms. The NRA argued that the proposition overstepped local government authority and intruded into an area regulated by the state. The [[San Francisco County Superior Court]] agreed with the NRA position.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Egelko |first1=Bob |last2=Goodyear |first2=Charlie |date=June 13, 2006 |title=Judge invalidates Prop. H handgun ban |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Judge-invalidates-Prop-H-handgun-2494855.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=November 21, 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027102807/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Judge-invalidates-Prop-H-handgun-2494855.php |archivedate=October 27, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The city appealed the court's ruling, but lost a 2008 appeal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Egelko |first=Bob |date=April 10, 2008 |title=State high court shoots down S.F. handgun ban |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/State-high-court-shoots-down-S-F-handgun-ban-3218562.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=May 30, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911111045/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/State-high-court-shoots-down-S-F-handgun-ban-3218562.php |archivedate=September 11, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In October 2008, San Francisco was forced to pay a $380,000 settlement to the National Rifle Association and other plaintiffs to cover the costs of litigating Proposition H.<ref>Matier, Phillip; Andrew Ross (October 27, 2008) [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/27/BADT13NUQI.DTL&hw "Newsom's city car makes trip to his wedding"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204074922/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F10%2F27%2FBADT13NUQI.DTL |date=February 4, 2011 }}. ''San Francisco Chronicle''. (Retrieved on November 2, 2008.)</ref>
In November 2005, the NRA and other gun advocates filed a lawsuit challenging [[San Francisco Proposition H (2005)|San Francisco Proposition H]], which banned the ownership and sales of firearms. The NRA argued that the proposition overstepped local government authority and intruded into an area regulated by the state. The [[San Francisco County Superior Court]] agreed with the NRA position.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Egelko |first1=Bob |last2=Goodyear |first2=Charlie |date=June 13, 2006 |title=Judge invalidates Prop. H handgun ban |url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Judge-invalidates-Prop-H-handgun-2494855.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=November 21, 2010 }}</ref> The city appealed the court's ruling, but lost a 2008 appeal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Egelko |first=Bob |date=April 10, 2008 |title=State high court shoots down S.F. handgun ban |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/State-high-court-shoots-down-S-F-handgun-ban-3218562.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |publisher=Hearst Communications |accessdate=May 30, 2014 }}</ref> In October 2008, San Francisco was forced to pay a $380,000 settlement to the National Rifle Association and other plaintiffs to cover the costs of litigating Proposition H.<ref>Matier, Phillip; Andrew Ross (October 27, 2008) [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/27/BADT13NUQI.DTL&hw "Newsom's city car makes trip to his wedding"]. ''San Francisco Chronicle''. (Retrieved on November 2, 2008.)</ref>


In April 2006, [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, police began returning to citizens guns that had been [[New Orleans Police Department#Hurricane Katrina|confiscated after Hurricane Katrina]]. The NRA, [[Second Amendment Foundation]] (SAF), and other groups agreed to drop a lawsuit against the city in exchange for the return.<ref name=AP060419>{{cite news |title=N.O. Police Returning Guns Confiscated Post-Katrina |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/04/19/no-police-returning-guns-confiscated-post-katrina/ |date=April 19, 2006 |publisher=FOX News Network |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607224514/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/04/19/no-police-returning-guns-confiscated-post-katrina/ |archivedate=June 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |accessdate=June 7, 2014 }}</ref>
In April 2006, [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, police began returning to citizens guns that had been [[New Orleans Police Department#Hurricane Katrina|confiscated after Hurricane Katrina]]. The NRA, [[Second Amendment Foundation]] (SAF), and other groups agreed to drop a lawsuit against the city in exchange for the return.<ref name=AP060419>{{cite news |title=N.O. Police Returning Guns Confiscated Post-Katrina |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/04/19/no-police-returning-guns-confiscated-post-katrina/ |date=April 19, 2006 |publisher=FOX News Network |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607224514/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/04/19/no-police-returning-guns-confiscated-post-katrina/ |archivedate=June 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |accessdate=June 7, 2014 }}</ref>


In 2009 the NRA again filed suit (''[[Guy Montag Doe v. San Francisco Housing Authority]]'') in the city of San Francisco challenging the city's ban of guns in public housing. On January 14, 2009, the San Francisco Housing Authority reached a settlement with the NRA, which allows residents to possess legal firearms within a SFHA apartment building.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/14/BALM15A1SG.DTL&type=printable|title=San Francisco Housing Authority settles gun lawsuit|last=Egelko|first=Bob|date=January 14, 2009|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|location=San Francisco|accessdate=January 16, 2009|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511182820/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F14%2FBALM15A1SG.DTL&type=printable|archivedate=May 11, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2009 the NRA again filed suit (''[[Guy Montag Doe v. San Francisco Housing Authority]]'') in the city of San Francisco challenging the city's ban of guns in public housing. On January 14, 2009, the San Francisco Housing Authority reached a settlement with the NRA, which allows residents to possess legal firearms within a SFHA apartment building.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/14/BALM15A1SG.DTL&type=printable|title=San Francisco Housing Authority settles gun lawsuit|last=Egelko|first=Bob|date=January 14, 2009 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|location=San Francisco|accessdate=January 16, 2009}}</ref>


In 2010, the NRA sued the city of [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] (''[[McDonald v. Chicago]]'') and the Supreme Court ruled that like other substantive rights, the right to bear arms is incorporated via the Fourteenth Amendment to the Bill of Rights, and therefore applies to the states.<ref name="landmark">{{Cite news|title=In McDonald v. Chicago another Supreme Court landmark ruling on guns?|date=March 1, 2010|newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2010/0301/In-McDonald-v.-Chicago-case-another-Supreme-Court-landmark-ruling-on-guns|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103234903/http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2010/0301/In-McDonald-v.-Chicago-case-another-Supreme-Court-landmark-ruling-on-guns|archivedate=January 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mears|first=Bill|title=Court rules for gun rights, strikes down Chicago handgun ban|website=[[CNN.com]]|date=June 28, 2009|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/28/court-rules-for-gun-rights-strikes-down-chicago-handgun-ban/?iref=allsearch|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311023602/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/28/court-rules-for-gun-rights-strikes-down-chicago-handgun-ban/?iref=allsearch|archivedate=March 11, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2010, the NRA sued the city of [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] (''[[McDonald v. Chicago]]'') and the Supreme Court ruled that like other substantive rights, the right to bear arms is incorporated via the Fourteenth Amendment to the Bill of Rights, and therefore applies to the states.<ref name="landmark">{{Cite news|title=In McDonald v. Chicago another Supreme Court landmark ruling on guns?|date=March 1, 2010|newspaper=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2010/0301/In-McDonald-v.-Chicago-case-another-Supreme-Court-landmark-ruling-on-guns}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mears|first=Bill|title=Court rules for gun rights, strikes down Chicago handgun ban|website=[[CNN.com]]|date=June 28, 2009 |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/28/court-rules-for-gun-rights-strikes-down-chicago-handgun-ban/?iref=allsearch}}</ref>


In March 2013, the NRA joined a federal lawsuit with other gun rights groups challenging New York's gun control law (the [[NY SAFE Act]]), arguing that Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] "usurped the legislative and democratic process" in passing the law, which included restrictions on magazine capacity and expanding the state's assault weapons ban.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/22/nra-joins-lawsuit-challenging-new-york-gun-control-law/ |title=NRA joins lawsuit challenging New York's gun control law |publisher=FOX News |accessdate=October 3, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423204048/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/22/nra-joins-lawsuit-challenging-new-york-gun-control-law/ |archivedate=April 23, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In March 2013, the NRA joined a federal lawsuit with other gun rights groups challenging New York's gun control law (the [[NY SAFE Act]]), arguing that Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] "usurped the legislative and democratic process" in passing the law, which included restrictions on magazine capacity and expanding the state's assault weapons ban.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/22/nra-joins-lawsuit-challenging-new-york-gun-control-law/ |title=NRA joins lawsuit challenging New York's gun control law |publisher=FOX News |accessdate=October 3, 2015}}</ref>


In November 2013, voters in [[Sunnyvale, California]], passed an ordinance banning certain ammunition magazines along with three other firearm-related restrictions. The ordinance was passed by 66 percent in favor.<ref name=Chokshi /> The requires city residents to "dispose, donate, or sell" any magazine capable of holding more than ten rounds within a proscribed period of time once the measure takes effect.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Carolyn|title=NRA vows to fight Sunnyvale's tough new gun law|url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/NRA-vows-to-fight-Sunnyvale-s-tough-new-gun-law-4962573.php|accessdate=December 16, 2013|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=November 6, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216030829/http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/NRA-vows-to-fight-Sunnyvale-s-tough-new-gun-law-4962573.php|archivedate=December 16, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The following month, the NRA joined local residents in suing the city on second amendment grounds.<ref name=Chokshi>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/18/nra-sues-sunnyvale-over-its-new-ammunition-ban/ | title=NRA lawyer sues Sunnyvale, Calif., over its new ammunition ban | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=December 18, 2013 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Chokshi | first=Niraj | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308215237/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/18/nra-sues-sunnyvale-over-its-new-ammunition-ban/ | archivedate=March 8, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> A federal judge dismissed the suit three months later, upholding the Sunnyvale's ordinance.<ref name=Wadsworth>{{cite web | url=http://www.sanjoseinside.com/2014/03/06/judge-dismisses-nra-upholds-sunnyvale-gun-control-measure/ | title=Judge Dismisses NRA, Upholds Sunnyvale Gun Control Measure | website=San Jose Inside | date=March 6, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Wadsworth | first=Jennifer | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034403/http://www.sanjoseinside.com/2014/03/06/judge-dismisses-nra-upholds-sunnyvale-gun-control-measure/ | archivedate=February 27, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Richman>{{cite web | url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03/07/sunnyvales-ammo-magazine-ban-is-in-effect-but-to-what-effect/ | title=Sunnyvale's ammo magazine ban is in effect — but to what effect? | newspaper=[[The Mercury News]] | date=March 7, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Richman | first=Josh | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211735/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03/07/sunnyvales-ammo-magazine-ban-is-in-effect-but-to-what-effect/ | archivedate=February 26, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In November 2013, voters in [[Sunnyvale, California]], passed an ordinance banning certain ammunition magazines along with three other firearm-related restrictions. The ordinance was passed by 66 percent in favor.<ref name=Chokshi /> The requires city residents to "dispose, donate, or sell" any magazine capable of holding more than ten rounds within a proscribed period of time once the measure takes effect.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Carolyn|title=NRA vows to fight Sunnyvale's tough new gun law|url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/NRA-vows-to-fight-Sunnyvale-s-tough-new-gun-law-4962573.php|accessdate=December 16, 2013 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=November 6, 2013 }}</ref> The following month, the NRA joined local residents in suing the city on second amendment grounds.<ref name=Chokshi>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2013/12/18/nra-sues-sunnyvale-over-its-new-ammunition-ban/ | title=NRA lawyer sues Sunnyvale, Calif., over its new ammunition ban | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=December 18, 2013 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Chokshi | first=Niraj}}</ref> A federal judge dismissed the suit three months later, upholding the Sunnyvale's ordinance.<ref name=Wadsworth>{{cite web | url=http://www.sanjoseinside.com/2014/03/06/judge-dismisses-nra-upholds-sunnyvale-gun-control-measure/ | title=Judge Dismisses NRA, Upholds Sunnyvale Gun Control Measure | website=San Jose Inside | date=March 6, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Wadsworth | first=Jennifer}}</ref><ref name=Richman>{{cite web | url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03/07/sunnyvales-ammo-magazine-ban-is-in-effect-but-to-what-effect/ | title=Sunnyvale's ammo magazine ban is in effect — but to what effect? | newspaper=[[The Mercury News]] | date=March 7, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Richman | first=Josh}}</ref>


The city of San Francisco then passed similar ordinances a short time later. The San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association (SFVPOA), represented by NRA attorneys, filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco's ban on the possession of high-capacity magazines, seeking an injunction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Valerie|title=Veteran cops challenge San Francisco's gun limit laws|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/20/veteran-cops-challenge-san-franciscos-gun-limit-la/?page=all|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|accessdate=December 18, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225034305/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/20/veteran-cops-challenge-san-franciscos-gun-limit-la/?page=all|archivedate=December 25, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A federal judge denied the injunction in February 2014.<ref name=Wadsworth /><ref name=Egelko>{{cite web | url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-wins-ruling-on-high-capacity-gun-magazines-5249792.php | title=S.F. wins ruling on high-capacity gun magazines | newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] | date=February 20, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Egelko | first=Bob | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226212138/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-wins-ruling-on-high-capacity-gun-magazines-5249792.php | archivedate=February 26, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The city of San Francisco then passed similar ordinances a short time later. The San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association (SFVPOA), represented by NRA attorneys, filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco's ban on the possession of high-capacity magazines, seeking an injunction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Valerie|title=Veteran cops challenge San Francisco's gun limit laws|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/20/veteran-cops-challenge-san-franciscos-gun-limit-la/?page=all|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|accessdate=December 18, 2013 }}</ref> A federal judge denied the injunction in February 2014.<ref name=Wadsworth /><ref name=Egelko>{{cite web | url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-wins-ruling-on-high-capacity-gun-magazines-5249792.php | title=S.F. wins ruling on high-capacity gun magazines | newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] | date=February 20, 2014 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Egelko | first=Bob}}</ref>


In 2014 the NRA lobbied for a bill in Pennsylvania which grants it and other advocacy groups [[legal standing]] to sue municipalities to overturn local firearm regulations passed in violation of a state law [[wikt:preemption|preempting]] such regulations, and which also allows the court to force cities to pay their legal fees. As soon as it became law, the NRA sued three cities: [[Philadelphia]], [[Pittsburgh]], and [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]]. In Philadelphia, seven regulations the NRA sued to overturn included a ban on gun possession by those found to be a risk for harming themselves or others, and a requirement to report stolen guns to the police within twenty-four hours after discovery of the loss or theft.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Howard|first1=Brian|title=Here's the Lawsuit the NRA Just Filed Against Philadelphia Organization says city has "openly defied state law for decades."|url=http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/01/14/heres-lawsuit-nra-just-filed-philadelphia/|accessdate=February 22, 2015|magazine=[[Philadelphia (magazine)|Philadelphia]]|date=January 14, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222080654/http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/01/14/heres-lawsuit-nra-just-filed-philadelphia/|archivedate=February 22, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In Lancaster, a city of fewer than 60,000, mayor [[Rick Gray (Pennsylvania politician)|Rick Gray]], who has chaired the pro-gun control group [[Mayors Against Illegal Guns]], was also named in the suit. In that city, the NRA challenged an ordinance requiring gun owners to tell police when a firearm is lost or stolen within 72 hours or face jail time.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ward|first1=Miriam|title=NRA quick to draw new weapon in Pennsylvania|url=http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/nra-quick-draw-new-weapon-pennsylvania|accessdate=February 22, 2015|website=[[MSNBC]]|date=January 17, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222073339/http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/nra-quick-draw-new-weapon-pennsylvania|archivedate=February 22, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The basis for the lawsuits is "a 1974 state law that bars municipalities against passing restrictions that are pre-empted by state gun laws". At least 20 Pennsylvania municipalities have rescinded regulations in response to threatened litigation.<ref name=2015USN-Penn>{{cite news|last1=RUBINKAM|first1=MICHAEL|title=NRA uses new state law to sue Pennsylvania cities over gun measures; mayor vows fight|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/01/14/nra-suing-pennsylvania-cities-on-gun-laws-mayor-vows-fight|accessdate=February 12, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press]]|issue=online|publisher=US News & World Report|date=January 14, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212221810/http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/01/14/nra-suing-pennsylvania-cities-on-gun-laws-mayor-vows-fight|archivedate=February 12, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/02/nra_s_new_legal_strategy_for_killing_guns_laws_pennsylvania_s_act_192_is.html The NRA's Diabolical New Plan for Killing Gun Laws] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221070940/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/02/nra_s_new_legal_strategy_for_killing_guns_laws_pennsylvania_s_act_192_is.html |date=February 21, 2015 }} Alec MacGillis, ''Slate'' February 4, 2015</ref>
In 2014 the NRA lobbied for a bill in Pennsylvania which grants it and other advocacy groups [[legal standing]] to sue municipalities to overturn local firearm regulations passed in violation of a state law [[wikt:preemption|preempting]] such regulations, and which also allows the court to force cities to pay their legal fees. As soon as it became law, the NRA sued three cities: [[Philadelphia]], [[Pittsburgh]], and [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]]. In Philadelphia, seven regulations the NRA sued to overturn included a ban on gun possession by those found to be a risk for harming themselves or others, and a requirement to report stolen guns to the police within twenty-four hours after discovery of the loss or theft.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Howard|first1=Brian|title=Here's the Lawsuit the NRA Just Filed Against Philadelphia Organization says city has "openly defied state law for decades."|url=http://www.phillymag.com/news/2015/01/14/heres-lawsuit-nra-just-filed-philadelphia/|accessdate=February 22, 2015|magazine=[[Philadelphia (magazine)|Philadelphia]] |date=January 14, 2015}}</ref> In Lancaster, a city of fewer than 60,000, mayor [[Rick Gray (Pennsylvania politician)|Rick Gray]], who has chaired the pro-gun control group [[Mayors Against Illegal Guns]], was also named in the suit. In that city, the NRA challenged an ordinance requiring gun owners to tell police when a firearm is lost or stolen within 72 hours or face jail time.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ward|first1=Miriam|title=NRA quick to draw new weapon in Pennsylvania|url=http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/nra-quick-draw-new-weapon-pennsylvania|accessdate=February 22, 2015|website=[[MSNBC]]|date=January 17, 2015}}</ref> The basis for the lawsuits is "a 1974 state law that bars municipalities against passing restrictions that are pre-empted by state gun laws". At least 20 Pennsylvania municipalities have rescinded regulations in response to threatened litigation.<ref name=2015USN-Penn>{{cite news|last1=RUBINKAM|first1=MICHAEL|title=NRA uses new state law to sue Pennsylvania cities over gun measures; mayor vows fight|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/01/14/nra-suing-pennsylvania-cities-on-gun-laws-mayor-vows-fight|accessdate=February 12, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press]]|issue=online|publisher=US News & World Report|date=January 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/02/nra_s_new_legal_strategy_for_killing_guns_laws_pennsylvania_s_act_192_is.html The NRA's Diabolical New Plan for Killing Gun Laws] Alec MacGillis, ''Slate'' February 4, 2015</ref>


=={{anchor|Safety and sporting programs}}Programs==
=={{anchor|Safety and sporting programs}}Programs==
[[File:NRA Virginia HQ.jpg|thumb|upright|NRA headquarters in [[Fairfax, Virginia]] that houses the museum]]
[[File:NRA Virginia HQ.jpg|thumb|upright|NRA headquarters in [[Fairfax, Virginia]] that houses the museum]]
The National Rifle Association owns the [[National Firearms Museum]] in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], featuring exhibits on the evolution and history of firearms in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nramuseum.com/museums/national-firearms-museum.aspx|title=NRA Museums: NRA National Firearms Museum|website=www.nramuseum.com|accessdate=March 7, 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307060817/http://nramuseum.com/museums/national-firearms-museum.aspx|archivedate=March 7, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In August 2013, the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum opened at an expansive [[Bass Pro Shop]]s retail store in [[Springfield, Missouri]]. It displays almost 1,000 firearms, including historically significant firearms from the NRA and other collections.<ref name=Murphy130803>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Kevin |date=August 3, 2013 |title=NRA opens Midwest museum showing nearly 1,000 firearms |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/03/us-usa-guns-museum-idUSBRE97207920130803 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=August 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804055259/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/03/us-usa-guns-museum-idUSBRE97207920130803 |archivedate=August 4, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The NRA publishes a number of [[periodicals]] including ''[[American Rifleman]]'' and others.<ref name=NRAPubs>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrapublications.org/ |title=NRA Publications |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate= |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095646/http://www.nrapublications.org/ |archivedate=September 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The National Rifle Association owns the [[National Firearms Museum]] in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], featuring exhibits on the evolution and history of firearms in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nramuseum.com/museums/national-firearms-museum.aspx|title=NRA Museums: NRA National Firearms Museum|website=www.nramuseum.com|accessdate=March 7, 2018}}</ref> In August 2013, the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum opened at an expansive [[Bass Pro Shop]]s retail store in [[Springfield, Missouri]]. It displays almost 1,000 firearms, including historically significant firearms from the NRA and other collections.<ref name=Murphy130803>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Kevin |date=August 3, 2013 |title=NRA opens Midwest museum showing nearly 1,000 firearms |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/03/us-usa-guns-museum-idUSBRE97207920130803 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=August 3, 2013 }}</ref> The NRA publishes a number of [[periodicals]] including ''[[American Rifleman]]'' and others.<ref name=NRAPubs>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrapublications.org/ |title=NRA Publications |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate=}}</ref>


In 1994, following disagreements between the NRA and athletes over control of the program of Olympic [[shooting sports]], the [[U.S. Olympic Committee]] recommended [[USA Shooting]] replace the NRA as the national [[Sport governing body|governing body]] for Olympic shooting. The NRA dropped out just before the decision was announced, citing a lack of appreciation for their efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-08/sports/sp-21671_1_usa-shooting|title=Split Leaves U.S. Team Short of Its Target : Shooting: Funding is biggest problem without NRA, but group says progress is being made that may again include NRA.|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160330093959/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-08/sports/sp-21671_1_usa-shooting|archivedate=March 30, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In 1994, following disagreements between the NRA and athletes over control of the program of Olympic [[shooting sports]], the [[U.S. Olympic Committee]] recommended [[USA Shooting]] replace the NRA as the national [[Sport governing body|governing body]] for Olympic shooting. The NRA dropped out just before the decision was announced, citing a lack of appreciation for their efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-08/sports/sp-21671_1_usa-shooting|title=Split Leaves U.S. Team Short of Its Target : Shooting: Funding is biggest problem without NRA, but group says progress is being made that may again include NRA.|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] }}</ref>


The NRA hosts the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at [[Camp Perry]], events which are considered{{by whom|date=February 2018}} to be the "world series of competitive shooting"<ref>{{cite web |last=Standifird|first=S.L.|title=Making his mark: El Paso sergeant member of winning national rifle team|url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/communities/ci_16097464| newspaper=[[El Paso Times]]|accessdate=October 9, 2010 |date=September 17, 2010|quote=The national matches are considered America's World Series of competitive shooting and have been a tradition at Camp Perry since 1907}}</ref>
The NRA hosts the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at [[Camp Perry]], events which are considered{{by whom|date=February 2018}} to be the "world series of competitive shooting"<ref>{{cite web |last=Standifird|first=S.L.|title=Making his mark: El Paso sergeant member of winning national rifle team|url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/communities/ci_16097464| newspaper=[[El Paso Times]]|accessdate=October 9, 2010 |date=September 17, 2010|quote=The national matches are considered America's World Series of competitive shooting and have been a tradition at Camp Perry since 1907}}</ref>


The National Rifle Association maintains ties with other organizations such as the [[Boy Scouts of America]] and [[4-H]].<ref>{{cite news|title=National: 11 facts about the NRA|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/11-facts-about-the-nra/2012/07/24/gJQANYcM7W_gallery.html#photo=11|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|accessdate=February 2, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118060948/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/11-facts-about-the-nra/2012/07/24/gJQANYcM7W_gallery.html#photo=11|archivedate=January 18, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The NRA has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union in opposing gun registration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aclu.org/blog/writers-lawmakers-and-nra-support-aclu-challenge-nsa-spying|title=Writers, Lawmakers, and the NRA Support ACLU Challenge to NSA Spying|publisher=American Civil Liberties Union|access-date=October 27, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028083930/https://www.aclu.org/blog/writers-lawmakers-and-nra-support-aclu-challenge-nsa-spying|archivedate=October 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailycaller.com/2013/04/04/nra-welcomes-aclu-to-gun-debate-shares-significant-concerns-with-reid-bill/|title=NRA welcomes ACLU to gun debate, shares 'significant concerns' with Reid bill|website=[[The Daily Caller]]|access-date=October 27, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028083913/http://dailycaller.com/2013/04/04/nra-welcomes-aclu-to-gun-debate-shares-significant-concerns-with-reid-bill/|archivedate=October 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The National Rifle Association maintains ties with other organizations such as the [[Boy Scouts of America]] and [[4-H]].<ref>{{cite news|title=National: 11 facts about the NRA|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/11-facts-about-the-nra/2012/07/24/gJQANYcM7W_gallery.html#photo=11|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|accessdate=February 2, 2013 }}</ref> The NRA has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union in opposing gun registration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aclu.org/blog/writers-lawmakers-and-nra-support-aclu-challenge-nsa-spying|title=Writers, Lawmakers, and the NRA Support ACLU Challenge to NSA Spying|publisher=American Civil Liberties Union|access-date=October 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dailycaller.com/2013/04/04/nra-welcomes-aclu-to-gun-debate-shares-significant-concerns-with-reid-bill/|title=NRA welcomes ACLU to gun debate, shares 'significant concerns' with Reid bill|website=[[The Daily Caller]] |access-date=October 27, 2016}}</ref>


==Organizational structure and finances==
==Organizational structure and finances==
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====Executive staff and spokespersons====
====Executive staff and spokespersons====
Since 1991, [[Wayne LaPierre]] has been the organization's executive vice president, and functions as the chief executive officer.<ref name=About.comBio>{{cite web|last1=Garrett|first1=Ben|title=Biography: Wayne LaPierre A Look at the Life and Career of the NRA's Executive Director|url=http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/a/Wayne-LaPierre-Biography.htm|website=About.com|accessdate=July 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704175400/http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/a/Wayne-LaPierre-Biography.htm|archivedate=July 4, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Previous notable holders of that office include: [[Milton Reckord]], [[Floyd Lavinius Parks]], [[Franklin Orth]], [[Maxwell Rich]], [[Harlon Carter]], [[J. Warren Cassidy]], and [[Gary Anderson (sport shooter)|Gary Anderson]].
Since 1991, [[Wayne LaPierre]] has been the organization's executive vice president, and functions as the chief executive officer.<ref name=About.comBio>{{cite web|last1=Garrett|first1=Ben|title=Biography: Wayne LaPierre A Look at the Life and Career of the NRA's Executive Director|url=http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/a/Wayne-LaPierre-Biography.htm|website=About.com|accessdate=July 1, 2014}}</ref> Previous notable holders of that office include: [[Milton Reckord]], [[Floyd Lavinius Parks]], [[Franklin Orth]], [[Maxwell Rich]], [[Harlon Carter]], [[J. Warren Cassidy]], and [[Gary Anderson (sport shooter)|Gary Anderson]].


Chris W. Cox is the executive director of the NRA's lobbying branch, the Institute for Legislative Action. Kyle Weaver is executive director of general operations.<ref name=NRAWeaver2011>{{cite web |url=http://home.nra.org/home/document/kyle-weaver |title=Kyle Weaver |date=April 22, 2011 |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate=July 19, 2013}}</ref> Kayne B. Robinson is executive director of the General Operations Division and chairman of the Whittington Center.<ref name="Robinson">{{cite web|title=Member Profile: Kayne Robinson|website=NRA On the Record|url=http://nraontherecord.org/kayne-robinson/|publisher=National Rifle Association|accessdate=December 23, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031254/http://nraontherecord.org/kayne-robinson/|archivedate=December 24, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Chris W. Cox is the executive director of the NRA's lobbying branch, the Institute for Legislative Action. Kyle Weaver is executive director of general operations.<ref name=NRAWeaver2011>{{cite web |url=http://home.nra.org/home/document/kyle-weaver |title=Kyle Weaver |date=April 22, 2011 |publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate=July 19, 2013}}</ref> Kayne B. Robinson is executive director of the General Operations Division and chairman of the Whittington Center.<ref name="Robinson">{{cite web|title=Member Profile: Kayne Robinson|website=NRA On the Record|url=http://nraontherecord.org/kayne-robinson/|publisher=National Rifle Association |accessdate=December 23, 2016}}</ref>


[[File:Dana Loesch 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Spokesperson [[Dana Loesch]]]]
[[File:Dana Loesch 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Spokesperson [[Dana Loesch]]]]
In 2017, political commentator [[Dana Loesch]] was appointed special assistant to the NRA's executive vice president for public communication.<ref name =gatedestate>{{cite web|author=Claudine Zap|date = March 1, 2018 |url=https://m.sfgate.com/realestate/article/NRA-Spokeswoman-Dana-Loesch-Buys-Gated-Estate-in-12720748.php?forceWeb=1#item-85307-tbla-44 |title=NRA Spokeswoman Dana Loesch Buys Gated Estate in Southlake, TX |publisher=[[SFGate]] |accessdate=2018-03-09}}</ref> Loesch hosts ''The DL'' on NRA TV and has featured prominently in other NRA-produced videos.
In 2017, political commentator [[Dana Loesch]] was appointed special assistant to the NRA's executive vice president for public communication.<ref name =gatedestate>{{cite web|author=Claudine Zap|date = March 1, 2018 |url=https://m.sfgate.com/realestate/article/NRA-Spokeswoman-Dana-Loesch-Buys-Gated-Estate-in-12720748.php?forceWeb=1#item-85307-tbla-44 |title=NRA Spokeswoman Dana Loesch Buys Gated Estate in Southlake, TX |publisher=[[SFGate]] |accessdate=2018-03-09}}</ref> Loesch hosts ''The DL'' on NRA TV and has featured prominently in other NRA-produced videos.


Actor [[Chuck Norris]] serves as a celebrity spokesperson for the association.<ref name="Norris">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/chuck-norris |title=Chuck Norris |year=2014 |publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231652/http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/chuck-norris |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Colion Noir]] hosts a video program on the NRA's online video channel.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-black-guns-nra-20130723-dto-htmlstory.html | title=NRA's black commentator becomes Web sensation | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=July 23, 2013 | accessdate=March 19, 2016 | last=Hennessy-Fiske | first=Molly | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401025704/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-black-guns-nra-20130723-dto-htmlstory.html | archivedate=April 1, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Actor [[Chuck Norris]] serves as a celebrity spokesperson for the association.<ref name="Norris">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/chuck-norris |title=Chuck Norris |year=2014|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014}}</ref> [[Colion Noir]] hosts a video program on the NRA's online video channel.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-black-guns-nra-20130723-dto-htmlstory.html | title=NRA's black commentator becomes Web sensation |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=July 23, 2013 | accessdate=March 19, 2016 | last= Hennessy-Fiske| first= Molly}}</ref>


====Board of directors====
====Board of directors====


The NRA is governed by a board of 76 elected directors. Of these, 75 serve three-year terms and one is elected to serve as a cross-over director who "holds office from the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Members at which [this person] was elected until the adjournment of the next Annual Meeting of Members, or until a successor is elected and qualified." The directors choose a president, one or more vice presidents, an executive vice president (the leading spokesperson for the organization), a secretary, and treasurer from among their fellows. Two other officers are also elected by the board: the executive director of the NRA General Operations and the executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).<ref name=NRABylaws>{{cite web |title=The National Rifle Association of America Bylaws |year=2012 |publisher= National Rifle Association of America}}</ref> In 2015, 71 members were white and 65 were male. More came from Texas than any other state.<ref name="MJones these">{{cite web |url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/nra-board-directors-nugent-selleck-north |title=These Are the People Who Really Run the NRA |magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326212218/http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/nra-board-directors-nugent-selleck-north |archivedate=March 26, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Only 7% of eligible members vote.<ref name="franksmyth kingm">{{cite web| url= http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/introducing-the-nra-kingmakers| title= Introducing the NRA kingmakers| first= Frank| last= Smyth| date= September 13, 2013| website= [[MSNBC]]| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160406185745/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/introducing-the-nra-kingmakers| archivedate= April 6, 2016| df= mdy-all}}</ref>
The NRA is governed by a board of 76 elected directors. Of these, 75 serve three-year terms and one is elected to serve as a cross-over director who "holds office from the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Members at which [this person] was elected until the adjournment of the next Annual Meeting of Members, or until a successor is elected and qualified." The directors choose a president, one or more vice presidents, an executive vice president (the leading spokesperson for the organization), a secretary, and treasurer from among their fellows. Two other officers are also elected by the board: the executive director of the NRA General Operations and the executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).<ref name=NRABylaws>{{cite web |title=The National Rifle Association of America Bylaws |year=2012 |publisher= National Rifle Association of America}}</ref> In 2015, 71 members were white and 65 were male. More came from Texas than any other state.<ref name= "MJones these">{{cite web| url= http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/nra-board-directors-nugent-selleck-north|title=These Are the People Who Really Run the NRA |magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]] }}</ref> Only 7% of eligible members vote.<ref name="franksmyth kingm">{{cite web| url= http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/introducing-the-nra-kingmakers|title=Introducing the NRA kingmakers| first= Frank| last= Smyth| date= September 13, 2013|website=[[MSNBC]] }}</ref>


Most nominations are vetted by a nine-member Nominating Committee.<ref name="jordanweissmann another">{{cite web| url= https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/new-evidence-that-the-nra-might-be-just-another-corporate-front/267244/| title= New Evidence that the NRA Might Be Just Another Corporate Front| first= Jordan| last= Weissmann| magazine= [[The Atlantic]]| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20170125065458/http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/new-evidence-that-the-nra-might-be-just-another-corporate-front/267244/| archivedate= January 25, 2017| df= mdy-all}}</ref> The committee is appointed, though the appointment process is not public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/01/nra-board-newtown-bushmaster|title=EXCLUSIVE: Unmasking the NRA's Inner Circle|magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]|first=Frank|last=Smyth|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=January 18, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115161925/http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/01/nra-board-newtown-bushmaster|archivedate=January 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> One member is [[George Kollitides]] of the [[Freedom Group]].<ref name="jordanweissmann another"/> The nomination committee has been called "kingmakers" by [[MSNBC]] and Jeff Knox says "the process is front-loaded to give incumbents and Nominating Committee candidates a significant advantage".<ref name="franksmyth kingm"/>
Most nominations are vetted by a nine-member Nominating Committee.<ref name="jordanweissmann another">{{cite web| url= https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/new-evidence-that-the-nra-might-be-just-another-corporate-front/267244/| title= New Evidence that the NRA Might Be Just Another Corporate Front|first= Jordan| last= Weissmann|magazine=[[The Atlantic]] }}</ref> The committee is appointed, though the appointment process is not public.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/01/nra-board-newtown-bushmaster|title=EXCLUSIVE: Unmasking the NRA's Inner Circle|magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]| first= Frank| last= Smyth | date= January 16, 2013| access-date= January 18, 2017}}</ref> One member is [[George Kollitides]] of the [[Freedom Group]].<ref name="jordanweissmann another"/> The nomination committee has been called "kingmakers" by [[MSNBC]] and Jeff Knox says "the process is front-loaded to give incumbents and Nominating Committee candidates a significant advantage".<ref name="franksmyth kingm"/>


===Membership===
===Membership===
According to Wayne La Pierre, as of May 2013, NRA membership exceeded 5 million, one-tenth of whom had joined in the prior six months.<ref name=2013Membership/> ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' has questioned the membership numbers published by the NRA. They say that in 2008, for example, the organization claimed both 3 million and 4.3 million members. Journalist [[Osha Gray Davidson]] suggested in 2000 that many deceased "life members" are kept on the books in order to inflate the membership rolls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/01/nra-membership-numbers|title=Does the NRA Really Have 4 Million Members?|magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410234945/http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/01/nra-membership-numbers|archivedate=April 10, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A 2017 Pew Research Center Study found that more than 14 million Americans consider themselves NRA members, above the real membership number of 5 million. This may be attributed to the fact that the NRA has millions more of Americans who support them and will tell pollsters they are members, even when they are not. In other cases, it could be that their membership has lapsed and for others, they might consider a family member's membership part of their own.<ref name="Nra Pew Members" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/|title=America's Complex Relationship With Guns|website=[[Pew Research Center]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815023915/http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/|archivedate=August 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
According to Wayne La Pierre, as of May 2013, NRA membership exceeded 5 million, one-tenth of whom had joined in the prior six months.<ref name=2013Membership/> ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' has questioned the membership numbers published by the NRA. They say that in 2008, for example, the organization claimed both 3 million and 4.3 million members. Journalist [[Osha Gray Davidson]] suggested in 2000 that many deceased "life members" are kept on the books in order to inflate the membership rolls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/01/nra-membership-numbers|title=Does the NRA Really Have 4 Million Members?|magazine=[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]] }}</ref> A 2017 Pew Research Center Study found that more than 14 million Americans consider themselves NRA members, above the real membership number of 5 million. This may be attributed to the fact that the NRA has millions more of Americans who support them and will tell pollsters they are members, even when they are not. In other cases, it could be that their membership has lapsed and for others, they might consider a family member's membership part of their own.<ref name="Nra Pew Members" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/|title=America's Complex Relationship With Guns|website=[[Pew Research Center]] }}</ref>


====Notable members====
====Notable members====
Nine U.S. Presidents have been NRA members. In addition to Grant, they are: [[Theodore Roosevelt]], [[William Howard Taft]], [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Ronald Reagan]], [[George H. W. Bush]] (who resigned in 1995), and [[Donald Trump]].<ref name=NRADidYouKnow>{{cite web |url=http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/did-you-know.aspx |title=Did You Know? |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625081002/http://nraila.org/gun-laws/did-you-know.aspx |archivedate=June 25, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=TrumpNRA>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/frankminiter/2016/05/20/the-nra-endorses-trump-why-this-is-different/#2b16265965d1 |title=NRA Endorses Trump |magazine=[[Forbes]] |accessdate=June 30, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701220951/https://www.forbes.com/sites/frankminiter/2016/05/20/the-nra-endorses-trump-why-this-is-different/#2b16265965d1 |archivedate=July 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Three U.S. Vice Presidents, two Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, and several U.S. Congressmen, as well as legislators and officials of state governments are members.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Rifle Association of America Bylaws |year=2012 |publisher= National Rifle Association of America |location= Inside front cover, organization summary}}</ref><ref name="VP Mike Pence">{{cite web |url=https://www.ammoland.com/2016/07/card-carrying-nra-member-mike-pence-is-trumps-vice-president-choice/ |title=NRA Member Mike Pence is Trumps Vice President |publisher=ammoland |accessdate=June 30, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003224907/https://www.ammoland.com/2016/07/card-carrying-nra-member-mike-pence-is-trumps-vice-president-choice/ |archivedate=October 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Nine U.S. Presidents have been NRA members. In addition to Grant, they are: [[Theodore Roosevelt]], [[William Howard Taft]], [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Ronald Reagan]], [[George H. W. Bush]] (who resigned in 1995), and [[Donald Trump]].<ref name= NRADidYouKnow>{{cite web |url=http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/did-you-know.aspx |title=Did You Know? |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref><ref name= TrumpNRA>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/frankminiter/2016/05/20/the-nra-endorses-trump-why-this-is-different/#2b16265965d1 |title=NRA Endorses Trump |magazine=[[Forbes]] |accessdate=June 30, 2017 }}</ref> Three U.S. Vice Presidents, two Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, and several U.S. Congressmen, as well as legislators and officials of state governments are members.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Rifle Association of America Bylaws |year=2012 |publisher= National Rifle Association of America |location= Inside front cover, organization summary}}</ref><ref name= "VP Mike Pence">{{cite web |url=https://www.ammoland.com/2016/07/card-carrying-nra-member-mike-pence-is-trumps-vice-president-choice/ |title=NRA Member Mike Pence is Trumps Vice President |publisher=ammoland |accessdate=June 30, 2017 }}</ref>


Current or past members also include journalist [[Hunter S. Thompson]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Susman|first=Tina|title=Writer's suicide shocks friends|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushunt224153856feb22,0,4715271.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127024140/http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushunt224153856feb22,0,4715271.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines|archivedate=November 27, 2007|magazine=[[Newsday]] |accessdate= August 3, 2012|date=February 22, 2005}}</ref> Oklahoma City bomber [[Timothy McVeigh]],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/| title= Documents: McVeigh Chronology| publisher= PBS Frontline| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://www.webcitation.org/5woxJOAUJ?url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/| archivedate= February 27, 2011| df= mdy-all}}</ref> documentarian [[Michael Moore]] (to try to put an end to the organization),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/11/usforeignpolicy.guardianinterviewsatbfisouthbank|title=Guardian/NFT interview: Michael Moore|interviewer=Andrew Collins|first=Michael|last=Moore|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=November 11, 2002|accessdate=August 22, 2011|quote=...I became a lifetime member after the [[Columbine massacre]] because my first thought after Columbine was to run against [[Charlton Heston]] for the presidency of the NRA. You have to be a lifetime member to be able to do that, so I had to pay $750 to join. My plan was to get 5m Americans to join for the lowest basic membership and vote for me so that I'd win and dismantle the organization. Unfortunately, I figured that's just too much work for me so instead I made this movie.|location=London|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826180145/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/11/usforeignpolicy.guardianinterviewsatbfisouthbank|archivedate=August 26, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> actor [[Rick Schroder]],<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2007/dirt/real-estalker/rick-schroders-itty-bitty-beach-shack-1201226523/|title= Rick Schroder's Itty Bitty Beach Shack|first= Mark|last= David|date= July 30, 2007|magazine= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|deadurl= no|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20171003175052/http://variety.com/2007/dirt/real-estalker/rick-schroders-itty-bitty-beach-shack-1201226523/|archivedate= October 3, 2017|df= mdy-all}}</ref> and singer [[James Hetfield]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/5/nra-member-james-hetfield-under-fire-activists-wan/| title= NRA member James Hetfield under fire; activists want Metallica's hunter out of Glastonbury Festival| first= Douglas| last= Ernst| date= June 5, 2014| newspaper= [[The Washington Times]]| access-date= January 18, 2017| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010040/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/5/nra-member-james-hetfield-under-fire-activists-wan/| archivedate= February 2, 2017| df= mdy-all}}</ref>
Current or past members also include journalist [[Hunter S. Thompson]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Susman|first=Tina|title=Writer's suicide shocks friends|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushunt224153856feb22,0,4715271.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127024140/http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushunt224153856feb22,0,4715271.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines|archivedate=November 27, 2007|magazine=[[Newsday]] |accessdate= August 3, 2012|date=February 22, 2005}}</ref> Oklahoma City bomber [[Timothy McVeigh]],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/|title= Documents: McVeigh Chronology|publisher=PBS Frontline}}</ref> documentarian [[Michael Moore]] (to try to put an end to the organization),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/11/usforeignpolicy.guardianinterviewsatbfisouthbank |title= Guardian/NFT interview: Michael Moore |interviewer= Andrew Collins| first= Michael | last= Moore| newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=November 11, 2002|accessdate=August 22, 2011|quote=...I became a lifetime member after the [[Columbine massacre]] because my first thought after Columbine was to run against [[Charlton Heston]] for the presidency of the NRA. You have to be a lifetime member to be able to do that, so I had to pay $750 to join. My plan was to get 5m Americans to join for the lowest basic membership and vote for me so that I'd win and dismantle the organization. Unfortunately, I figured that's just too much work for me so instead I made this movie.|location=London}}</ref> actor [[Rick Schroder]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://variety.com/2007/dirt/real-estalker/rick-schroders-itty-bitty-beach-shack-1201226523/|title=Rick Schroder's Itty Bitty Beach Shack|first= Mark| last= David|date= July 30, 2007| magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }}</ref> and singer [[James Hetfield]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/5/nra-member-james-hetfield-under-fire-activists-wan/ |title= NRA member James Hetfield under fire; activists want Metallica's hunter out of Glastonbury Festival |first= Douglas| last= Ernst| date= June 5, 2014 |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]| access-date= January 18, 2017}}</ref>


===Interconnected organizations===
===Interconnected organizations===
The National Rifle Association is composed of several financially interconnected organizations under common leadership,<ref name=Hickey121218>{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=Walter |date=December 18, 2012 |title=How The NRA Became The Most Powerful Special Interest In Washington |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nra-lobbying-money-national-rifle-association-washington-2012-12 |website=Business Insider |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529051941/http://www.businessinsider.com/nra-lobbying-money-national-rifle-association-washington-2012-12 |archivedate=May 29, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) which manages the NRA's [[political action committee]] and the NRA Civil Defense Fund which does [[pro bono]] legal work for people with cases involving Second Amendment rights.<ref name=Hickey121218/> The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund was established in 1978.<ref name=CDF-About2015>{{cite web |year=2015 |title=Civil Rights Defense Fund: About Us |url=https://www.nradefensefund.org/about-us.aspx |website=nradefensefund.org |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222071902/http://nradefensefund.org/about-us.aspx |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no |access-date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Harlon Carter and Neal Knox were responsible for its founding.<ref name="Inside RS">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-gun-lobby-19810514 |title=Inside the Gun Lobby |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |first=Howard |last=Kohn |date=May 14, 1981 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822154356/http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-gun-lobby-19810514 |archivedate=August 22, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The National Rifle Association is composed of several financially interconnected organizations under common leadership,<ref name= Hickey121218>{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=Walter |date=December 18, 2012 |title=How The NRA Became The Most Powerful Special Interest In Washington |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/nra-lobbying-money-national-rifle-association-washington-2012-12 |website=Business Insider }}</ref> including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) which manages the NRA's [[political action committee]] and the NRA Civil Defense Fund which does [[pro bono]] legal work for people with cases involving Second Amendment rights.<ref name=Hickey121218/> The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund was established in 1978.<ref name=CDF-About2015>{{cite web |year=2015 |title=Civil Rights Defense Fund: About Us |url=https://www.nradefensefund.org/about-us.aspx |website=nradefensefund.org |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222071902/http://nradefensefund.org/about-us.aspx |archivedate=February 22, 2015 |deadurl=no |access-date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Harlon Carter and Neal Knox were responsible for its founding.<ref name= "Inside RS">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-gun-lobby-19810514 |title=Inside the Gun Lobby |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |first=Howard |last=Kohn |date= May 14, 1981 |access-date=January 18, 2017 }}</ref>


In 1994, the Fund spent over $500,000 on legal fees to support legal cases involving guns and gun control measures. It donated $20,000 in 1996 for the defense of New York City resident [[Bernhard Goetz]] when he was sued by a man he shot and left paralyzed.<ref name="goetz fund">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/16/nyregion/fund-linked-to-nra-gave-20000-for-goetz-s-defense.html |title=Fund Linked to N.R.A. Gave $20,000 for Goetz's Defense |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |first=Jan |last=Hoffman |date=April 16, 1996 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830203558/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/16/nyregion/fund-linked-to-nra-gave-20000-for-goetz-s-defense.html |archivedate=August 30, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It paid the legal bills in the case of [[Brian Aitken]], a [[New Jersey]] resident sentenced to seven years in state prison for transporting guns without a carry permit.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/23/freed-new-jersey-man-wants-gun-conviction-overturned/ | website=[[Fox News]] | title=Freed New Jersey Man Wants Gun Conviction Overturned | date=December 23, 2010 | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225095208/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/23/freed-new-jersey-man-wants-gun-conviction-overturned/ | archivedate=February 25, 2011 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> On December 20, 2010, Governor [[Chris Christie]] granted Aitken [[clemency]] and ordered Aitken's immediate release from prison.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/20/nj-gov-chris-christie-commutes-aitkens-sentence/ |title=NJ Gov. Chris Christie commutes Aitken's sentence |website=The Daily Caller |first=Amanda |last=Carey |date=December 20, 2010 |accessdate=April 19, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929162611/http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/20/nj-gov-chris-christie-commutes-aitkens-sentence/ |archivedate=September 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 1994, the Fund spent over $500,000 on legal fees to support legal cases involving guns and gun control measures. It donated $20,000 in 1996 for the defense of New York City resident [[Bernhard Goetz]] when he was sued by a man he shot and left paralyzed.<ref name= "goetz fund">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/16/nyregion/fund-linked-to-nra-gave-20000-for-goetz-s-defense.html |title=Fund Linked to N.R.A. Gave $20,000 for Goetz's Defense |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| first=Jan |last=Hoffman |date= April 16, 1996 |access-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> It paid the legal bills in the case of [[Brian Aitken]], a [[New Jersey]] resident sentenced to seven years in state prison for transporting guns without a carry permit.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/23/freed-new-jersey-man-wants-gun-conviction-overturned/ | website=[[Fox News]] | title=Freed New Jersey Man Wants Gun Conviction Overturned | date=December 23, 2010}}</ref> On December 20, 2010, Governor [[Chris Christie]] granted Aitken [[clemency]] and ordered Aitken's immediate release from prison.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/20/nj-gov-chris-christie-commutes-aitkens-sentence/ |title=NJ Gov. Chris Christie commutes Aitken's sentence |website=The Daily Caller | first= Amanda | last= Carey |date= December 20, 2010 |accessdate=April 19, 2012}}</ref>


====NRA Foundation====
====NRA Foundation====
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By 1976, as the NRA became more politically-oriented, the Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), a PAC, was established as a subsidiary to the NRA, to support NRA-friendly policians.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p186/> [[Chris W. Cox]], who is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, is also the NRA-PVF chairman. Through the NRA-PVF, the NRA began to rate political candidates on their positions on gun rights. An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is deemed a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".<ref name=Lowes140311/>
By 1976, as the NRA became more politically-oriented, the Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), a PAC, was established as a subsidiary to the NRA, to support NRA-friendly policians.<ref name=BruceWilcox1998p186/> [[Chris W. Cox]], who is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, is also the NRA-PVF chairman. Through the NRA-PVF, the NRA began to rate political candidates on their positions on gun rights. An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is deemed a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".<ref name=Lowes140311/>


In the 2008 elections, the PVF spent millions on "direct campaign donations" and "grassroots operation".<ref name=NRAPVF2015>{{cite web |year=2015 |title=About PVF |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/about-pvf/ |publisher=National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund |access-date=April 14, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215232831/https://www.nrapvf.org/about-pvf/ |archivedate=December 15, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2012, NRA-PVF income was $14.4 million and expenses were $16.1 million.<ref name=CRP-PVF2012/> By 2014, the NRA-PVF income rose to 21.9 million with expenses of 20.7 million.<ref name=CRP-PVF2014/>
In the 2008 elections, the PVF spent millions on "direct campaign donations" and "grassroots operation".<ref name=NRAPVF2015>{{cite web |year=2015 |title=About PVF |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/about-pvf/|publisher=National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund |access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> In 2012, NRA-PVF income was $14.4 million and expenses were $16.1 million.<ref name=CRP-PVF2012/> By 2014, the NRA-PVF income rose to 21.9 million with expenses of 20.7 million.<ref name=CRP-PVF2014/>


===Finances===
===Finances===
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| NRA Freedom Action Foundation || 2013<ref name=Guidestar-FAF2013>{{cite web |publisher= McGladrey, LLP |date=November 5, 2014 |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/261/277/2013-261277941-0adfe3b9-9.pdf |title=NRA Freedom Action Foundation |website=Guide Star|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 0.5 || 0.1
| NRA Freedom Action Foundation || 2013<ref name=Guidestar-FAF2013>{{cite web |publisher= McGladrey, LLP |date=November 5, 2014 |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2013/261/277/2013-261277941-0adfe3b9-9.pdf |title=NRA Freedom Action Foundation |website=Guide Star|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 0.5 || 0.1
|-
|-
| NRA Political Victory Fund || 2012<ref name=CRP-PVF2012>{{cite web |year=2015 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00053553&cycle=2012 |title=National Rifle Assn Spending by Cycle: 2012 PAC Summary Data |website=[[Open Secrets]] |publisher=Center for Responsible Politics |accessdate=March 10, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323162732/http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?cycle=2012&strID=C00053553 |archivedate=March 23, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> || 14.4 || 16.1
| NRA Political Victory Fund || 2012<ref name=CRP-PVF2012>{{cite web |year=2015 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00053553&cycle=2012 |title=National Rifle Assn Spending by Cycle: 2012 PAC Summary Data |website=[[Open Secrets]]|publisher=Center for Responsible Politics |accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 14.4 || 16.1
|-
|-
| NRA Political Victory Fund || 2014<ref name=CRP-PVF2014>{{cite web |year=2015 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00053553&cycle=2014 |title=National Rifle Assn Spending by Cycle: 2014 PAC Summary Data |website=[[Open Secrets]] |publisher=Center for Responsible Politics |accessdate=March 10, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144208/https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00053553&cycle=2014 |archivedate=April 2, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> || 21.9 || 20.7
| NRA Political Victory Fund || 2014<ref name=CRP-PVF2014>{{cite web |year=2015 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00053553&cycle=2014 |title=National Rifle Assn Spending by Cycle: 2014 PAC Summary Data |website=[[Open Secrets]]|publisher=Center for Responsible Politics |accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 21.9 || 20.7
|-
|-
| NRA Special Contribution Fund || 2012<ref name=Guidestar-SCF2012>{{cite web |publisher= McGladrey, LLP |date=September 16, 2013 |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2012/237/367/2012-237367534-09d7f726-9.pdf |title=NRA Special Contribution Fund |website=Guide Star|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 3.3 || 3.1
| NRA Special Contribution Fund || 2012<ref name=Guidestar-SCF2012>{{cite web |publisher= McGladrey, LLP |date=September 16, 2013 |url=http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2012/237/367/2012-237367534-09d7f726-9.pdf |title=NRA Special Contribution Fund |website=Guide Star|accessdate=March 10, 2015}}</ref> || 3.3 || 3.1
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|}
|}
</div>
</div>
In 2010, the NRA reported revenue of $227.8 million and expenses of $243.5 million,<ref name=NRA990-2010>{{cite web |url= http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/530/530116130/530116130_201012_990O.pdf |title=Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax – 2010 |year=2011 |publisher= Foundation Center |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130531213629/http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/530/530116130/530116130_201012_990O.pdf |archivedate= May 31, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=June 2, 2014 }}</ref> with revenue including roughly $115 million generated from fundraising, sales, advertising and royalties, and most of the rest from membership dues.<ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011>{{cite news |last1=Robison |first1=Peter |last2=Crewdson |first2=John |date=December 28, 2011 |title=NRA Raises $200 Million as Gun Lobby Toasters Burn Logo on Bread |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-29/nra-raises-200-million-as-gun-lobby-toasters-burn-logo-on-bread.html |agency=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |accessdate=January 30, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318161003/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-29/nra-raises-200-million-as-gun-lobby-toasters-burn-logo-on-bread.html |archivedate=March 18, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Less than half of the NRA's income is from membership dues and program fees; the majority is from contributions, grants, royalties, and advertising.<ref name=FactCheck130115/><ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/><ref name= Hickey130116 />
In 2010, the NRA reported revenue of $227.8 million and expenses of $243.5 million,<ref name=NRA990-2010>{{cite web |url= http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/530/530116130/530116130_201012_990O.pdf |title=Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax – 2010 |year=2011 |publisher= Foundation Center |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130531213629/http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/530/530116130/530116130_201012_990O.pdf |archivedate= May 31, 2013 |deadurl=no |accessdate=June 2, 2014 }}</ref> with revenue including roughly $115 million generated from fundraising, sales, advertising and royalties, and most of the rest from membership dues.<ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011>{{cite news |last1=Robison |first1=Peter |last2=Crewdson |first2=John |date=December 28, 2011 |title=NRA Raises $200 Million as Gun Lobby Toasters Burn Logo on Bread |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-29/nra-raises-200-million-as-gun-lobby-toasters-burn-logo-on-bread.html|agency=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref> Less than half of the NRA's income is from membership dues and program fees; the majority is from contributions, grants, royalties, and advertising.<ref name=FactCheck130115/><ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/><ref name= Hickey130116 />


Corporate donors include a variety of companies such as outdoors supply, sporting goods companies, and firearm manufacturers.<ref name=FactCheck130115/><ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/><ref name=Hickey130116/><ref name=VPC110413/> From 2005 through 2011, the NRA received at least $14.8 million from more than 50 firearms-related firms.<ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/> An April 2011 [[Violence Policy Center]] presentation said that the NRA had received between $14.7 million and $38.9 million from the firearms industry since 2005.<ref name=VPC110413/> In 2008, [[Beretta]] exceeded $2 million in donations to the NRA, and in 2012, [[Smith & Wesson]] gave more than $1 million. [[Sturm, Ruger & Company]] raised $1.25 million through a program in which it donated $1 to the NRA-ILA for each gun it sold from May 2011 to May 2012. In a similar program, gun buyers and participating stores are invited to "round up" the purchase price to the nearest dollar as a voluntary contribution. According to the NRA's 2010 tax forms, the "round-up" funds have been allocated to both public interest programs and lobbying.<ref name=FactCheck130115>{{cite web |url=http://factcheck.org/2013/01/do-assault-weapons-sales-pay-nra-salaries/ |title=Do Assault Weapons Sales Pay NRA Salaries? |date=January 15, 2013 |publisher=Fact Check |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126024349/http://factcheck.org/2013/01/do-assault-weapons-sales-pay-nra-salaries/ |archivedate=January 26, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Corporate donors include a variety of companies such as outdoors supply, sporting goods companies, and firearm manufacturers.<ref name=FactCheck130115/><ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/><ref name=Hickey130116/><ref name=VPC110413/> From 2005 through 2011, the NRA received at least $14.8 million from more than 50 firearms-related firms.<ref name=Robison-Crewdson2011/> An April 2011 [[Violence Policy Center]] presentation said that the NRA had received between $14.7 million and $38.9 million from the firearms industry since 2005.<ref name=VPC110413/> In 2008, [[Beretta]] exceeded $2 million in donations to the NRA, and in 2012, [[Smith & Wesson]] gave more than $1 million. [[Sturm, Ruger & Company]] raised $1.25 million through a program in which it donated $1 to the NRA-ILA for each gun it sold from May 2011 to May 2012. In a similar program, gun buyers and participating stores are invited to "round up" the purchase price to the nearest dollar as a voluntary contribution. According to the NRA's 2010 tax forms, the "round-up" funds have been allocated to both public interest programs and lobbying.<ref name=FactCheck130115>{{cite web |url=http://factcheck.org/2013/01/do-assault-weapons-sales-pay-nra-salaries/ |title=Do Assault Weapons Sales Pay NRA Salaries? |date=January 15, 2013 |publisher=Fact Check}}</ref>


==Public opinion and image==
==Public opinion and image==
{{update|section|date=February 2018}}
{{update|section|date=February 2018}}
A [[Reuters]]/[[Ipsos]] poll in April 2012 found that 82% of Republicans and 55% of Democrats saw the NRA "in a positive light".<ref name=NBCNews120413>{{cite web |url=http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/13/11187222-poll-most-amercians-support-nra-right-to-protect-self-but-also-a-few-gun-limits?lite |title=Poll: Most Americans support NRA, right to protect self, but also a few gun limits |date=April 13, 2012 |publisher=NBCNews.com |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614184214/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/04/13/11187222-poll-most-amercians-support-nra-right-to-protect-self-but-also-a-few-gun-limits?lite |archivedate=June 14, 2013 |accessdate=April 13, 2012 }}</ref> In seven of eight [[Gallup (company)|Gallup]] polls between 1993 and 2015, a majority of Americans reported holding a favorable opinion of the NRA. Its highest rating was at 60% favourability in 2005 (with 34% unfavourable), while its lowest rating was at 42% favourability in 1995 (with 51% unfavourable). In October 2015, 58% of Americans held a favorable opinion of the NRA, though there was a wide spread among political affiliations: 77% of conservatives, 56% of moderates and 30% of liberals held this view.<ref name=Gallup15>{{cite news |last=Swift |first=Art |date=October 22, 2015 |title=Despite Criticism, NRA Still Enjoys Majority Support in U.S. |url=http://news.gallup.com/poll/186284/despite-criticism-nra-enjoys-majority-support.aspx |publisher=Gallup |accessdate=February 26, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034204/http://news.gallup.com/poll/186284/despite-criticism-nra-enjoys-majority-support.aspx |archivedate=February 27, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
A [[Reuters]]/[[Ipsos]] poll in April 2012 found that 82% of Republicans and 55% of Democrats saw the NRA "in a positive light".<ref name=NBCNews120413>{{cite web |url=http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/13/11187222-poll-most-amercians-support-nra-right-to-protect-self-but-also-a-few-gun-limits?lite |title=Poll: Most Americans support NRA, right to protect self, but also a few gun limits |date=April 13, 2012 |publisher=NBCNews.com |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614184214/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/04/13/11187222-poll-most-amercians-support-nra-right-to-protect-self-but-also-a-few-gun-limits?lite |archivedate=June 14, 2013 |accessdate=April 13, 2012 }}</ref> In seven of eight [[Gallup (company)|Gallup]] polls between 1993 and 2015, a majority of Americans reported holding a favorable opinion of the NRA. Its highest rating was at 60% favourability in 2005 (with 34% unfavourable), while its lowest rating was at 42% favourability in 1995 (with 51% unfavourable). In October 2015, 58% of Americans held a favorable opinion of the NRA, though there was a wide spread among political affiliations: 77% of conservatives, 56% of moderates and 30% of liberals held this view.<ref name=Gallup15>{{cite news |last=Swift |first=Art |date=October 22, 2015 |title=Despite Criticism, NRA Still Enjoys Majority Support in U.S. |url=http://news.gallup.com/poll/186284/despite-criticism-nra-enjoys-majority-support.aspx |publisher=Gallup |accessdate=February 26, 2018}}</ref>


A ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]''/[[ABC News]] poll in January 2013 showed that only 36% of Americans had a favorable opinion of the NRA leadership.<ref name=WaPo20130122>{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Scott |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Everything you need to know about Americans' views on guns – in 7 easy steps |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/01/22/everything-you-need-to-know-about-americans-views-on-guns-in-7-easy-steps/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=February 2, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131171112/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/01/22/everything-you-need-to-know-about-americans-views-on-guns-in-7-easy-steps/ |archivedate=January 31, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
A ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]''/[[ABC News]] poll in January 2013 showed that only 36% of Americans had a favorable opinion of the NRA leadership.<ref name=WaPo20130122>{{cite news |last=Clement |first=Scott |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Everything you need to know about Americans' views on guns – in 7 easy steps |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/01/22/everything-you-need-to-know-about-americans-views-on-guns-in-7-easy-steps/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=February 2, 2013}}</ref>


A 2017 poll conducted by the political action committee [[Americans for Responsible Solutions]], which supports [[gun control]], exclusively questioned 661 gun owners. 26% of the respondents stated they were a member of the NRA. The ARS reported that less than 50% of gun owners polled believed the NRA represented their interests, while 67% of them somewhat or strongly agreed with the statement that it had been "overtaken by lobbyists and the interests of gun manufacturers and lost its original purpose and mission." The NRA disputed the poll's veracity in an e-mail sent to ''[[Politico]]'', which had published the story.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/25/poll-gun-owners-nra-237564 Poll: 67 percent of gun owners say NRA 'overtaken by lobbyists'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217125450/https://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/25/poll-gun-owners-nra-237564 |date=February 17, 2018 }}, ''Politico''</ref>
A 2017 poll conducted by the political action committee [[Americans for Responsible Solutions]], which supports [[gun control]], exclusively questioned 661 gun owners. 26% of the respondents stated they were a member of the NRA. The ARS reported that less than 50% of gun owners polled believed the NRA represented their interests, while 67% of them somewhat or strongly agreed with the statement that it had been "overtaken by lobbyists and the interests of gun manufacturers and lost its original purpose and mission." The NRA disputed the poll's veracity in an e-mail sent to ''[[Politico]]'', which had published the story.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/25/poll-gun-owners-nra-237564 Poll: 67 percent of gun owners say NRA 'overtaken by lobbyists'], ''Politico''</ref>


The NRA has been called the "the oldest continuously operating [[civil liberties]] organization" and "one of the largest and best-funded lobbying organizations" in the United States by [[The Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues]] and [[Ashok Sharma]].<ref name="Shally-Jensen 2010 p. 506">{{cite book |last=Shally-Jensen |first=M. |title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues &#91;4 volumes&#93; |publisher=ABC-CLIO |series=Gale virtual reference library |year=2010 |isbn=978-0313392054 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BjKWfAz0tx4C&pg=PA506 |access-date=2018-03-07 |page=506 |oclc=815979019 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208102204/https://books.google.com/books?id=BjKWfAz0tx4C&pg=PA506 |archivedate=February 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Sharma 2016 pp. 24-25">{{cite book |last=Sharma |first=A. |title=Indian Lobbying and Its Influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War |publisher=SAGE Publications |year=2016 |isbn=978-9386062147 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ttuqDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |access-date=2018-03-07 |pages=24–25 |oclc=965709054}}</ref> The NRA was founded to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis." The NRA began promoting gun rights in 1934.<ref name=Hargis>{{cite web | url=https://www.salon.com/2017/05/07/no-the-nra-is-not-actually-the-united-states-oldest-civil-rights-organization/ | title=No, the NRA is not actually the United States’ “oldest civil rights organization” | work=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] | date=May 7, 2017 | accessdate=March 25, 2018 | last=Hargis | first=Cydney | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226173039/https://www.salon.com/2017/05/07/no-the-nra-is-not-actually-the-united-states-oldest-civil-rights-organization/ | archivedate=February 26, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Bousquet>{{cite web | url=http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/03/09/gov-rick-scott-signs-gun-school-security-legislation-over-nra-opposition/ | title=Gov. Rick Scott signs gun, school security legislation over NRA opposition | work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] | date=March 9, 2018 | accessdate=March 25, 2018 | last=Bousquet | first=Steve | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202316/http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/03/09/gov-rick-scott-signs-gun-school-security-legislation-over-nra-opposition/ | archivedate=March 26, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA has been called the "the oldest continuously operating [[civil liberties]] organization" and "one of the largest and best-funded lobbying organizations" in the United States by [[The Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues]] and [[Ashok Sharma]].<ref name="Shally-Jensen 2010 p. 506">{{cite book |last=Shally-Jensen |first=M. |title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues &#91;4 volumes&#93; |publisher=ABC-CLIO |series=Gale virtual reference library |year=2010 |isbn=978-0313392054 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BjKWfAz0tx4C&pg=PA506 |access-date=2018-03-07 |page=506 |oclc=815979019}}</ref><ref name="Sharma 2016 pp. 24-25">{{cite book |last=Sharma |first=A. |title=Indian Lobbying and Its Influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War |publisher=SAGE Publications |year=2016 |isbn=978-9386062147 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ttuqDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |access-date=2018-03-07 |pages=24–25 |oclc=965709054}}</ref> The NRA was founded to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis." The NRA began promoting gun rights in 1934.<ref name=Hargis>{{cite web | url=https://www.salon.com/2017/05/07/no-the-nra-is-not-actually-the-united-states-oldest-civil-rights-organization/ | title=No, the NRA is not actually the United States’ “oldest civil rights organization” | work=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] | date=May 7, 2017 | accessdate=March 25, 2018 | last=Hargis | first=Cydney}}</ref><ref name=Bousquet>{{cite web | url=http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/03/09/gov-rick-scott-signs-gun-school-security-legislation-over-nra-opposition/ | title=Gov. Rick Scott signs gun, school security legislation over NRA opposition | work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] | date=March 9, 2018 | accessdate=March 25, 2018 | last=Bousquet | first=Steve}}</ref>


==Criticism==
==Criticism==
[[File:Press Conference.png|thumb|Congressman [[Jim Moran]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]-[[Virginia|VA]]) speaking at an event for [[Mayors Against Illegal Guns]] ]]
[[File:Press Conference.png|thumb|Congressman [[Jim Moran]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]-[[Virginia|VA]]) speaking at an event for [[Mayors Against Illegal Guns]] ]]
The National Rifle Association has been criticized by newspaper [[editorial board]]s, gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] and [[Liberalism in the United States|liberals]] frequently criticize the organization.<ref name=Nightline121221/><ref name=Robillard121226/><ref name=dailycallersandy>{{cite web |last=Poor |first=Jeff |date=December 31, 2012 |title=Ann Coulter rails against NRA's Wayne LaPierre |url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/12/31/ann-coulter-rails-against-nras-wayne-lapierre |website=[[The Daily Caller]] |accessdate=January 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102230655/http://dailycaller.com/2012/12/31/ann-coulter-rails-against-nras-wayne-lapierre |archivedate=January 2, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The NRA's oldest organized critics include the gun control advocacy groups the [[Brady Campaign]], the [[Coalition to Stop Gun Violence]] (CSGV), and the [[Violence Policy Center]] (VPC). Twenty-first century groups include [[Everytown for Gun Safety]] (formerly Mayors Against Illegal Guns), [[Everytown for Gun Safety|Moms Demand Action]], and [[Americans for Responsible Solutions]].
The National Rifle Association has been criticized by newspaper [[editorial board]]s, gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] and [[Liberalism in the United States|liberals]] frequently criticize the organization.<ref name=Nightline121221/><ref name=Robillard121226/><ref name=dailycallersandy>{{cite web |last=Poor |first=Jeff |date=December 31, 2012 |title=Ann Coulter rails against NRA's Wayne LaPierre |url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/12/31/ann-coulter-rails-against-nras-wayne-lapierre |website=[[The Daily Caller]]|accessdate=January 3, 2013}}</ref> The NRA's oldest organized critics include the gun control advocacy groups the [[Brady Campaign]], the [[Coalition to Stop Gun Violence]] (CSGV), and the [[Violence Policy Center]] (VPC). Twenty-first century groups include [[Everytown for Gun Safety]] (formerly Mayors Against Illegal Guns), [[Everytown for Gun Safety|Moms Demand Action]], and [[Americans for Responsible Solutions]].


===Political involvement===
===Political involvement===
In 1995, former U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]] resigned his life membership to the organization after receiving a National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) fund-raising letter, signed by executive vice president Wayne LaPierre, that referred to ATF agents as "jack-booted government thugs".<ref name=Butterfield950508>{{cite news |last=Butterfield |first=Fox |date=May 8, 1995 |title=Terror in Oklahoma: Echoes of the N.R.A.; Rifle Association Has Long Practice In Railing Against Federal Agents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/08/us/terror-oklahoma-echoes-nra-rifle-association-has-long-practice-railing-against.html?pagewanted=all |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413091648/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/08/us/terror-oklahoma-echoes-nra-rifle-association-has-long-practice-railing-against.html?pagewanted=all |archivedate=April 13, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=BushGHWLetter>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/11/us/letter-of-resignation-sent-by-bush-to-rifle-association.html |title=Letter of Resignation Sent By Bush to Rifle Association |last=Bush |first=George H.W. |date=May 11, 1995 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426154125/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/11/us/letter-of-resignation-sent-by-bush-to-rifle-association.html |archivedate=April 26, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The NRA later apologized for the letter's language.<ref name=Keil950518>{{cite news |last=Keil |first=Richard |date=May 18, 1995 |title=NRA Apologizes for 'Jack Boot' Letter |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950518&slug=2121718 |newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053607/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950518&slug=2121718 |archivedate=September 21, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 1995, former U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]] resigned his life membership to the organization after receiving a National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) fund-raising letter, signed by executive vice president Wayne LaPierre, that referred to ATF agents as "jack-booted government thugs".<ref name=Butterfield950508>{{cite news |last=Butterfield |first=Fox |date=May 8, 1995 |title=Terror in Oklahoma: Echoes of the N.R.A.; Rifle Association Has Long Practice In Railing Against Federal Agents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/08/us/terror-oklahoma-echoes-nra-rifle-association-has-long-practice-railing-against.html?pagewanted=all |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref name=BushGHWLetter>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/11/us/letter-of-resignation-sent-by-bush-to-rifle-association.html |title=Letter of Resignation Sent By Bush to Rifle Association |last=Bush |first=George H.W. |date=May 11, 1995 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref> The NRA later apologized for the letter's language.<ref name=Keil950518>{{cite news |last=Keil |first=Richard |date=May 18, 1995 |title=NRA Apologizes for 'Jack Boot' Letter |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950518&slug=2121718 |newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] }}</ref>


In December 2008, ''[[The New York Times]]'' editorial board criticized the NRA's attacks, which it called false and misleading, on [[Barack Obama]]'s presidential campaign.<ref name=NYTEd081201>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=December 1, 2008 |title=The Gun Lobby's Loss |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/opinion/02tue3.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=December 3, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209032957/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/opinion/02tue3.html |archivedate=December 9, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In December 2008, ''[[The New York Times]]'' editorial board criticized the NRA's attacks, which it called false and misleading, on [[Barack Obama]]'s presidential campaign.<ref name=NYTEd081201>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=December 1, 2008 |title=The Gun Lobby's Loss |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/opinion/02tue3.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=December 3, 2008 }}</ref>


After [[Donald Trump]]'s election, the NRA closely aligned with Trump.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/us/politics/nratv-nra-news-media-operation.html|title=Where the N.R.A. Speaks First and Loudest|date=February 21, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 22, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222070537/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/us/politics/nratv-nra-news-media-operation.html|archivedate=February 22, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> At an event in February 2018, Trump said that he was a "big fan of the NRA" but said that "that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/28/trump-to-announce-sweeping-gun-control-safe-schools-package.amp.html|title=Trump publicly spars with Republicans over concealed carry, NRA influence at school safety session|last=Pappas|first=Alex|date=2018-02-28|website=[[Fox News]]|access-date=2018-02-28|language=en|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228231000/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/28/trump-to-announce-sweeping-gun-control-safe-schools-package.amp.html|archivedate=February 28, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
After [[Donald Trump]]'s election, the NRA closely aligned with Trump.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/us/politics/nratv-nra-news-media-operation.html|title=Where the N.R.A. Speaks First and Loudest|date=February 21, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 22, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> At an event in February 2018, Trump said that he was a "big fan of the NRA" but said that "that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/28/trump-to-announce-sweeping-gun-control-safe-schools-package.amp.html|title=Trump publicly spars with Republicans over concealed carry, NRA influence at school safety session|last=Pappas|first=Alex|date=2018-02-28|website=[[Fox News]]|access-date=2018-02-28|language=en}}</ref>


A number of observers have argued that the NRA has become a partisan organization, focusing overwhelmingly on supporting the Republican Party. They argue that the NRA does not support Democratic candidates, even when the Democrat holds pro-gun views, and that the organization supports Republican causes even when they are unrelated to gun rights.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/24/politics/nra-partisan-bipartisan-republican/index.html|title=The NRA used to be much more bipartisan. Now it's mostly just a wing of the GOP|date=February 24, 2018|website=[[CNN.com]]|access-date=February 25, 2018|language=en-US|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224164227/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/24/politics/nra-partisan-bipartisan-republican/index.html|archivedate=February 24, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{Failed verification|date=February 2018|reason=Article does not mention the word "democrat" or "republican"}}
A number of observers have argued that the NRA has become a partisan organization, focusing overwhelmingly on supporting the Republican Party. They argue that the NRA does not support Democratic candidates, even when the Democrat holds pro-gun views, and that the organization supports Republican causes even when they are unrelated to gun rights.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/24/politics/nra-partisan-bipartisan-republican/index.html|title=The NRA used to be much more bipartisan. Now it's mostly just a wing of the GOP|date=February 24, 2018|website=[[CNN.com]]|access-date=February 25, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{Failed verification|date=February 2018|reason=Article does not mention the word "democrat" or "republican"}}


===Gun control===
===Gun control===
In February 2013, ''[[USA Today]]'' editors criticized the NRA for [[Flip-flop (politics)|flip-flopping]] on expansion of universal background checks to private and [[gun show]] sales, which NRA now opposes.<ref name=USATodayEd130210>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=February 10, 2013 |title=Enact universal background checks: Our view |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/02/10/universal-background-checks-nra/1907439/ |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309105006/http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/02/10/universal-background-checks-nra/1907439/ |archivedate=March 9, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In February 2013, ''[[USA Today]]'' editors criticized the NRA for [[Flip-flop (politics)|flip-flopping]] on expansion of universal background checks to private and [[gun show]] sales, which NRA now opposes.<ref name=USATodayEd130210>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=February 10, 2013 |title=Enact universal background checks: Our view |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/02/10/universal-background-checks-nra/1907439/ |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref>


In March 2014, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' criticized the NRA's interference in government research on gun violence,<ref name=WaPOEd140322>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=March 22, 2014 |title=Guns are a health-care issue |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/guns-are-a-health-care-issue/2014/03/22/e6b8900e-afaf-11e3-95e8-39bef8e9a48b_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408222307/http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/guns-are-a-health-care-issue/2014/03/22/e6b8900e-afaf-11e3-95e8-39bef8e9a48b_story.html |archivedate=April 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and both ''Post'' and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' editors criticized its opposition of Vivek Murthy for [[Surgeon General of the United States|U.S. Surgeon General]].<ref name=LATimesEd140323>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=March 23, 2014 |title=Why NRA opposition shouldn't doom Obama's surgeon general nominee: The group is wrong to attack Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy over his support for gun control |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/23/opinion/la-ed-surgeon-general-appointee-nra-murthy-20140323 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20140407015749/http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/23/opinion/la-ed-surgeon-general-appointee-nra-murthy-20140323 |archivedate=April 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In March 2014, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' criticized the NRA's interference in government research on gun violence,<ref name=WaPOEd140322>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=March 22, 2014 |title=Guns are a health-care issue |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/guns-are-a-health-care-issue/2014/03/22/e6b8900e-afaf-11e3-95e8-39bef8e9a48b_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|accessdate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref> and both ''Post'' and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' editors criticized its opposition of Vivek Murthy for [[Surgeon General of the United States|U.S. Surgeon General]].<ref name=LATimesEd140323>{{cite news |author=Editorial board |date=March 23, 2014 |title=Why NRA opposition shouldn't doom Obama's surgeon general nominee: The group is wrong to attack Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy over his support for gun control |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/23/opinion/la-ed-surgeon-general-appointee-nra-murthy-20140323 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=April 7, 2014 }}</ref>


A survey of NRA members found that the majority support certain gun control policies, such as a [[universal background check]]:
A survey of NRA members found that the majority support certain gun control policies, such as a [[universal background check]]:


{{blockquote|For instance, 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members (vs. 90% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a universal background-check system for all gun sales; 76% of gun owners and 62% of NRA members (vs. 83% of non-gun owners) supported prohibiting gun ownership for 10 years after a person has been convicted of violating a domestic-violence restraining order; and 71% of gun owners and 70% of NRA members (vs. 78% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison for a person convicted of selling a gun to someone who cannot legally have a gun.<ref>{{cite journal| url= http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512| title= After Newtown – Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness| first1= Colleen L.| last1= Barry| first2= Emma E.| last2= McGinty| first3= Jon S.| last3= Vernick| first4= Daniel W.| last4= Webster| journal= N Engl J Med| volume= 368| number= 368| pages= 1077–81| date= March 21, 2013| doi= 10.1056/NEJMp1300512| pmid= 23356490| access-date= January 18, 2017| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20170109051819/http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512| archivedate= January 9, 2017| df= mdy-all}}</ref>}}
{{blockquote|For instance, 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members (vs. 90% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a universal background-check system for all gun sales; 76% of gun owners and 62% of NRA members (vs. 83% of non-gun owners) supported prohibiting gun ownership for 10 years after a person has been convicted of violating a domestic-violence restraining order; and 71% of gun owners and 70% of NRA members (vs. 78% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison for a person convicted of selling a gun to someone who cannot legally have a gun.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512|title= After Newtown – Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness| first1= Colleen L.| last1= Barry| first2= Emma E. |last2= McGinty| first3= Jon S.| last3= Vernick| first4= Daniel W. |last4= Webster| journal= N Engl J Med |volume= 368| number= 368| pages= 1077–81| date= March 21, 2013| doi= 10.1056/NEJMp1300512|pmid= 23356490| access-date= January 18, 2017}}</ref>}}


===Gun manufacturing industry===
===Gun manufacturing industry===
Critics have charged that the NRA represents the interests of gun manufacturers rather than gun owners.<ref name=PPGEd121226>{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |date=December 26, 2012 |title=NRA nonsense: LaPierre speaks for gun makers, not gun owners |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/nra-nonsense-lapierre-speaks-for-gun-makers-not-gun-owners-667834/ |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231210633/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/nra-nonsense-lapierre-speaks-for-gun-makers-not-gun-owners-667834/ |archivedate=December 31, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>[[Lee Fang]], [https://www.thenation.com/article/does-nra-represent-gun-manufacturers-or-gun-owners/ Does the NRA Represent Gun Manufacturers or Gun Owners?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318060057/https://www.thenation.com/article/does-nra-represent-gun-manufacturers-or-gun-owners/ |date=March 18, 2018 }}, ''The Nation'' (December 15, 2012).</ref><ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/02/22/the-nra-speaks-for-the-gun-industry-not-owners-expert.html The NRA speaks for the gun industry, not owners: Expert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318054932/https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/02/22/the-nra-speaks-for-the-gun-industry-not-owners-expert.html |date=March 18, 2018 }}, CNBC (February 22, 2018).</ref><ref>Jordan Weissman, [https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/whom-does-the-nra-really-speak-for/266373/ Whom Does the NRA Really Speak For?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117215340/http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/whom-does-the-nra-really-speak-for/266373/ |date=January 17, 2013 }}, ''The Atlantic'' (December 18, 2012).</ref> For example, in 2011, [[Violence Policy Center]] executive director [[Josh Sugarmann]], said: "Today's NRA is a virtual subsidiary of the gun industry. While the NRA portrays itself as protecting the 'freedom' of individual gun owners, it's actually working to protect the freedom of the gun industry to manufacture and sell virtually any weapon or accessory".<ref name=VPC110413>{{cite press release |date=April 13, 2011 |title=National Rifle Association Receives Millions of Dollars From Gun Industry "Corporate Partners" New VPC Report Reveals |url=https://www.vpc.org/press/1104blood.htm |publisher=Violence Policy Center |access-date= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110120315/http://www.vpc.org/press/1104blood.htm |archivedate=January 10, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Critics have charged that the NRA represents the interests of gun manufacturers rather than gun owners.<ref name=PPGEd121226>{{cite news |author=Editorial Board |date=December 26, 2012|title=NRA nonsense: LaPierre speaks for gun makers, not gun owners |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/nra-nonsense-lapierre-speaks-for-gun-makers-not-gun-owners-667834/ |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] }}</ref><ref>[[Lee Fang]], [https://www.thenation.com/article/does-nra-represent-gun-manufacturers-or-gun-owners/ Does the NRA Represent Gun Manufacturers or Gun Owners?], ''The Nation'' (December 15, 2012).</ref><ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/02/22/the-nra-speaks-for-the-gun-industry-not-owners-expert.html The NRA speaks for the gun industry, not owners: Expert], CNBC (February 22, 2018).</ref><ref>Jordan Weissman, [https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/whom-does-the-nra-really-speak-for/266373/ Whom Does the NRA Really Speak For?], ''The Atlantic'' (December 18, 2012).</ref> For example, in 2011, [[Violence Policy Center]] executive director [[Josh Sugarmann]], said: "Today's NRA is a virtual subsidiary of the gun industry. While the NRA portrays itself as protecting the 'freedom' of individual gun owners, it's actually working to protect the freedom of the gun industry to manufacture and sell virtually any weapon or accessory".<ref name=VPC110413>{{cite press release |date=April 13, 2011 |title=National Rifle Association Receives Millions of Dollars From Gun Industry "Corporate Partners" New VPC Report Reveals |url=https://www.vpc.org/press/1104blood.htm |publisher=Violence Policy Center |access-date=}}</ref>


===Mass shootings===
===Mass shootings===
====Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting====
====Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting====
[[File:Total deaths in US mass shootings.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Total U.S. deaths by year in mass shootings: 1982 to 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/12/mass-shootings-mother-jones-full-data |title=US Mass Shootings, 1982-2018: Data From Mother Jones' Investigation; The full data set from our in-depth investigation into mass shootings |magazine=[[Mother Jones (Magazine)|Mother Jones]] |first1=Mark |last1=Follman |first2=Gavin |last2=Aronsen |first3=Deanna |last3=Pan |date=March 10, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611190015/http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/12/mass-shootings-mother-jones-full-data |archivedate=June 11, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>]]
[[File:Total deaths in US mass shootings.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Total U.S. deaths by year in mass shootings: 1982 to 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/12/mass-shootings-mother-jones-full-data|title=US Mass Shootings, 1982-2018: Data From Mother Jones' Investigation; The full data set from our in-depth investigation into mass shootings |magazine=[[Mother Jones (Magazine)|Mother Jones]] |first1=Mark |last1=Follman |first2=Gavin |last2=Aronsen |first3=Deanna |last3=Pan |date=March 10, 2018 }}</ref>]]
Following the high-profile 2012 shooting at the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting|Sandy Hook Elementary School]], the organization began to become the focus of intense criticism, due to its continued refusal to endorse any new restrictions on assault-style gun ownership, or to endorse any other types of new restrictions on gun ownership.<ref>[https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/8-preposterous-nra-defenses-ar-15 8 Preposterous NRA Defenses of the AR-15] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226183900/https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/8-preposterous-nra-defenses-ar-15 |date=February 26, 2018 }} Alternet. By Timothy Johnson. Article date: Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018. Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018.</ref><ref name=Hickey130116>{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=Walter |date=January 16, 2013 |title=How The Gun Industry Funnels Tens of Millions of Dollars to the NRA |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-industry-funds-nra-2013-1 |website=[[Business Insider]] |accessdate=June 5, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703122104/http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-industry-funds-nra-2013-1 |archivedate=July 3, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eller |first=Donnelle |date=February 3, 2013 |title=Iowa gun accessories supplier a key part of community |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/02/gun-firm-key-part-of-community/1886739/ |newspaper=[[Des Moines Register]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003180551/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/02/gun-firm-key-part-of-community/1886739/ |archivedate=October 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Following the high-profile 2012 shooting at the [[Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting|Sandy Hook Elementary School]], the organization began to become the focus of intense criticism, due to its continued refusal to endorse any new restrictions on assault-style gun ownership, or to endorse any other types of new restrictions on gun ownership.<ref>[https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/8-preposterous-nra-defenses-ar-15 8 Preposterous NRA Defenses of the AR-15] Alternet. By Timothy Johnson. Article date: Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018. Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018.</ref><ref name=Hickey130116>{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=Walter |date=January 16, 2013 |title=How The Gun Industry Funnels Tens of Millions of Dollars to the NRA |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-industry-funds-nra-2013-1 |website=[[Business Insider]]|accessdate=June 5, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eller |first=Donnelle |date=February 3, 2013 |title=Iowa gun accessories supplier a key part of community |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/02/gun-firm-key-part-of-community/1886739/ |newspaper=[[Des Moines Register]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] }}</ref>
While supporters say the organization advances their rights to buy and own guns according to the constitution's Second Amendment, some critics have described it as a "terrorist organization" for advocating policies that enable and permit the widespread distribution and sale of assault-style weapons, and for its opposition to any other types of restrictions on gun sales or use.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/16/opinion/the-nras-complicity-in-terrorism.html The N.R.A.'s Complicity in Terrorism] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227035036/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/16/opinion/the-nras-complicity-in-terrorism.html |date=February 27, 2018 }} New York Times. By The New York Times Editorial Board. June 16, 2016. Downloaded Feb 26, 2018.</ref><ref name=twsPPG1>February 18, 2018, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Kathleen Parker, [http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2018/02/19/Kathleen-Parker-Change-agent-with-a-camera/stories/201802190032 Kathleen Parker: Change agent with a camera] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033244/http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2018/02/19/Kathleen-Parker-Change-agent-with-a-camera/stories/201802190032 |date=February 20, 2018 }}, Retrieved February 19, 2018, "...successfully lobbies Congress to designate the National Rifle Association as a terrorist organization...."</ref><ref name=twsTheHill11>Avery Anapol, October 3, 2017, The Hill, [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/353583-olbermann-lets-call-the-nra-what-it-is-a-terrorist-organization Keith Olbermann: The NRA is 'a terrorist organization'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033450/http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/353583-olbermann-lets-call-the-nra-what-it-is-a-terrorist-organization |date=February 20, 2018 }}, Retrieved February 19, 2018, "...Keith Olbermann rips the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a new video, calling the gun rights group “a terrorist organization.”..."</ref>
While supporters say the organization advances their rights to buy and own guns according to the constitution's Second Amendment, some critics have described it as a "terrorist organization" for advocating policies that enable and permit the widespread distribution and sale of assault-style weapons, and for its opposition to any other types of restrictions on gun sales or use.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/16/opinion/the-nras-complicity-in-terrorism.html The N.R.A.'s Complicity in Terrorism] New York Times. By The New York Times Editorial Board. June 16, 2016. Downloaded Feb 26, 2018.</ref><ref name=twsPPG1>February 18, 2018, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Kathleen Parker, [http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2018/02/19/Kathleen-Parker-Change-agent-with-a-camera/stories/201802190032 Kathleen Parker: Change agent with a camera], Retrieved February 19, 2018, "...successfully lobbies Congress to designate the National Rifle Association as a terrorist organization...."</ref><ref name=twsTheHill11>Avery Anapol, October 3, 2017, The Hill, [http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/353583-olbermann-lets-call-the-nra-what-it-is-a-terrorist-organization Keith Olbermann: The NRA is 'a terrorist organization'], Retrieved February 19, 2018, "...Keith Olbermann rips the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a new video, calling the gun rights group “a terrorist organization.”..."</ref>


In December 2012, following the shooting, NRA broke its social media silence and media blackout to announce a press conference.<ref name=LaPierre12-2012>{{cite news |title=NRA releases statement on Conn. shooting |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/18/nra-statement/1778157/ |accessdate=January 6, 2013 |date=December 18, 2012 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106110715/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/18/nra-statement/1778157/ |archivedate=January 6, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At the event, LaPierre announced an NRA-backed effort to assess the feasibility of placing armed security officers in the nation's 135,000 public and private schools under a "National School Shield Program". He called on Congress "to act immediately to appropriate whatever is necessary". The announcement came in the same week after President Obama had stated his support for a ban on military-style [[assault weapons]] and high-capacity magazines.<ref name="Armed Guards WP">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/put-armed-police-officers-in-every-school-nra-head-says/2012/12/21/9ac7d4ae-4b8b-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|title=Put armed guards in every school, NRA leader Wayne LaPierre says|last=Sullivan|first=Sean|date=December 21, 2012|accessdate=December 21, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222131334/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/put-armed-police-officers-in-every-school-nra-head-says/2012/12/21/9ac7d4ae-4b8b-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html|archivedate=December 22, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=armedNYT>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/us/nra-calls-for-armed-guards-at-schools.html|title=N.R.A. Calls for Armed Guards in Schools to Deter Violence|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 22, 2012|first=John H.|last=Cushman Jr.|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221065944/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/us/nra-calls-for-armed-guards-at-schools.html|archivedate=February 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/la-nra-calls-for-armed-police-officer-in-every-school-20121221,0,6328031.story|title=NRA calls for armed police officer in every school|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=December 21, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117113354/http://www.latimes.com/news/la-nra-calls-for-armed-police-officer-in-every-school-20121221,0,6328031.story|archivedate=January 17, 2013}}</ref>
In December 2012, following the shooting, NRA broke its social media silence and media blackout to announce a press conference.<ref name=LaPierre12-2012>{{cite news|title=NRA releases statement on Conn. shooting|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/18/nra-statement/1778157/|accessdate=January 6, 2013 |date=December 18, 2012 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] }}</ref> At the event, LaPierre announced an NRA-backed effort to assess the feasibility of placing armed security officers in the nation's 135,000 public and private schools under a "National School Shield Program". He called on Congress "to act immediately to appropriate whatever is necessary". The announcement came in the same week after President Obama had stated his support for a ban on military-style [[assault weapons]] and high-capacity magazines.<ref name="Armed Guards WP">{{cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/put-armed-police-officers-in-every-school-nra-head-says/2012/12/21/9ac7d4ae-4b8b-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|title=Put armed guards in every school, NRA leader Wayne LaPierre says|last=Sullivan|first=Sean|date=December 21, 2012 |accessdate=December 21, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=armedNYT>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/us/nra-calls-for-armed-guards-at-schools.html|title=N.R.A. Calls for Armed Guards in Schools to Deter Violence|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 22, 2012 |first=John H.|last=Cushman Jr.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/la-nra-calls-for-armed-police-officer-in-every-school-20121221,0,6328031.story|title=NRA calls for armed police officer in every school|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=December 21, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117113354/http://www.latimes.com/news/la-nra-calls-for-armed-police-officer-in-every-school-20121221,0,6328031.story|archivedate=January 17, 2013}}</ref>


The NRA has been criticized for their media strategy following [[mass shootings in the United States]]. After the Sandy Hook shooting the NRA released an online video which attacked Obama and mentioned Obama's daughters; New Jersey Governor [[Chris Christie]] called it "reprehensible" and said that it demeaned the organization.<ref name=Knox130117>{{cite news |last=Knox |first=Olivier |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Christie: NRA ad with Obama daughters 'reprehensible' |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/christie-nra-ad-obama-daughters-reprehensible-230123003--politics.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |accessdate=January 19, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120041032/http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/christie-nra-ad-obama-daughters-reprehensible-230123003--politics.html |archivedate=January 20, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A senior lobbyist for the organization later characterized the video as "ill-advised".<ref name=Cornwell130125>{{cite news |last=Cornwell |first=Susan |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Exclusive: NRA senior lobbyist says attack ad was 'ill-advised' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/us-usa-guns-ad-idUSBRE90O0X020130125 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=January 25, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126055231/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/us-usa-guns-ad-idUSBRE90O0X020130125 |archivedate=January 26, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA has been criticized for their media strategy following [[mass shootings in the United States]]. After the Sandy Hook shooting the NRA released an online video which attacked Obama and mentioned Obama's daughters; New Jersey Governor [[Chris Christie]] called it "reprehensible" and said that it demeaned the organization.<ref name=Knox130117>{{cite news |last=Knox |first=Olivier |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Christie: NRA ad with Obama daughters 'reprehensible' |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/christie-nra-ad-obama-daughters-reprehensible-230123003--politics.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |accessdate=January 19, 2013}}</ref> A senior lobbyist for the organization later characterized the video as "ill-advised".<ref name=Cornwell130125>{{cite news |last=Cornwell |first=Susan |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Exclusive: NRA senior lobbyist says attack ad was 'ill-advised'|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/us-usa-guns-ad-idUSBRE90O0X020130125 |agency=Reuters |accessdate=January 25, 2013 }}</ref>


====2017 Las Vegas shooting====
====2017 Las Vegas shooting====
{{main|2017 Las Vegas shooting}}
{{main|2017 Las Vegas shooting}}
After the October 2017 shooting at a concert in Las Vegas, which left 58 people dead and 851 injured, the NRA was initially criticized for their silence.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cerullo|first1=Megan|title=NRA silent following Las Vegas shooting|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-silent-las-vegas-shooting-article-1.3538901|publisher=New York Daily News|accessdate=October 5, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005155318/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-silent-las-vegas-shooting-article-1.3538901|archivedate=October 5, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After four days they issued a statement opposing additional gun control laws, which they said would not stop further attacks, and calling for a federal law allowing people who have a [[concealed carry]] permit in one state to carry concealed weapons in all other states. The organization also suggested additional regulations on so-called [[bump fire stock]]s, which allow a semi-automatic weapon to function like a machine gun; the Las Vegas shooter had used such a device.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/05/republicans-guns-bump-stocks-las-vegas-shooting|title=NRA breaks silence after Vegas shooting to call for 'additional regulations' on bump stocks|date=October 5, 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=8 March 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221213508/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/05/republicans-guns-bump-stocks-las-vegas-shooting|archivedate=February 21, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
After the October 2017 shooting at a concert in Las Vegas, which left 58 people dead and 851 injured, the NRA was initially criticized for their silence.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cerullo|first1=Megan|title=NRA silent following Las Vegas shooting|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-silent-las-vegas-shooting-article-1.3538901|publisher=New York Daily News|accessdate=October 5, 2017}}</ref> After four days they issued a statement opposing additional gun control laws, which they said would not stop further attacks, and calling for a federal law allowing people who have a [[concealed carry]] permit in one state to carry concealed weapons in all other states. The organization also suggested additional regulations on so-called [[bump fire stock]]s, which allow a semi-automatic weapon to function like a machine gun; the Las Vegas shooter had used such a device.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/05/republicans-guns-bump-stocks-las-vegas-shooting|title=NRA breaks silence after Vegas shooting to call for 'additional regulations' on bump stocks|date=October 5, 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=8 March 2018}}</ref>


====Stoneman Douglas High School shooting====
====Stoneman Douglas High School shooting====
{{main|Stoneman Douglas High School shooting}}
{{main|Stoneman Douglas High School shooting}}
In February 2018 a school shooting at a high school in Florida left 17 dead, and student survivors organized a movement called [[Never Again MSD]] to demand passage of certain gun control measures. Many of the students blamed the NRA, and the politicians who accept money from the organization, for preventing enactment of any gun control proposals after previous high profile shootings.<ref name=twsAxios423>{{cite news|title=Parkland student: Politicians accepting NRA money are against shooting victims|url=https://www.axios.com/parkland-student-politicians-accepting-nra-money-e7b89d81-1662-496f-b121-b6b9a8630286.html?|date=19 February 2018|website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]|accessdate=22 February 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219145202/https://www.axios.com/parkland-student-politicians-accepting-nra-money-e7b89d81-1662-496f-b121-b6b9a8630286.html|archivedate=February 19, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/2018/02/16/586616026/students-who-survived-florida-shooting-want-politicians-to-know-theyre-angry | title=Students Who Survived Florida Shooting Want Politicians To Know They're Angry | work=[[All Things Considered]] | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 16, 2018 | accessdate=February 18, 2018 | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218050534/https://www.npr.org/2018/02/16/586616026/students-who-survived-florida-shooting-want-politicians-to-know-theyre-angry | archivedate=February 18, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> An NRA spokesman responded by blaming the shooting on the FBI and the media.<ref name=Zurawik>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bs-fe-zontv-nra-stoneman-douglas-pr-battle-20180226-story.html|title=The NRA is getting trounced by Stoneman Douglas students in the PR battle over gun control|last=Zurawik|first=David|date=March 1, 2018|newspaper=[[Baltimore Sun]]|accessdate=8 March 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309054540/http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bs-fe-zontv-nra-stoneman-douglas-pr-battle-20180226-story.html|archivedate=March 9, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The NRA also issued a statement that the incident was proof that more guns were immediately required in schools in the hands of a bolstered force of armed security personnel in order to "harden" them against any further similar assaults.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/02/22/after-silence-on-parkland-nra-pushes-back-against-law-enforcement-the-media-and-gun-control-advocates/ NRA goes on the offensive after Parkland shooting, assailing media and calling for more armed school security] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226111608/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/02/22/after-silence-on-parkland-nra-pushes-back-against-law-enforcement-the-media-and-gun-control-advocates/ |date=February 26, 2018 }} Washington Post. By Mark Berman and David Weigel. Feb. 22, 2018. Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018.</ref> A Florida law passed in the wake of the shooting, which includes a provision to ban the sale of firearms to people under 21, was immediately challenged in federal court by the NRA on the grounds that it is "violating the constitutional rights of 18- to 21-year-olds."<ref name="Sanchez">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/us/florida-gov-scott-gun-bill/index.html|title=Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs gun bill|last1=Sanchez|first1=Ray|last2=Yan|first2=Holly|date=March 9, 2018|website=[[CNN.com]]|accessdate=10 March 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309225741/https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/us/florida-gov-scott-gun-bill/index.html|archivedate=March 9, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Schweers">{{cite news|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/03/09/nra-sues-florida-over-gun-bill-same-day-gov-scott-signed-law/412365002/|title=NRA sues Florida over gun bill same day Gov. Scott signed it into law|last=Schweers|first=Jeffrey|date=March 9, 2018|newspaper=[[Tallahassee Democrat]]|accessdate=10 March 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309233408/https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/03/09/nra-sues-florida-over-gun-bill-same-day-gov-scott-signed-law/412365002/|archivedate=March 9, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In February 2018 a school shooting at a high school in Florida left 17 dead, and student survivors organized a movement called [[Never Again MSD]] to demand passage of certain gun control measures. Many of the students blamed the NRA, and the politicians who accept money from the organization, for preventing enactment of any gun control proposals after previous high profile shootings.<ref name=twsAxios423>{{cite news|title=Parkland student: Politicians accepting NRA money are against shooting victims|url=https://www.axios.com/parkland-student-politicians-accepting-nra-money-e7b89d81-1662-496f-b121-b6b9a8630286.html?|date=19 February 2018|website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]|accessdate=22 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/2018/02/16/586616026/students-who-survived-florida-shooting-want-politicians-to-know-theyre-angry | title=Students Who Survived Florida Shooting Want Politicians To Know They're Angry | work=[[All Things Considered]]| publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 16, 2018 | accessdate=February 18, 2018 }}</ref> An NRA spokesman responded by blaming the shooting on the FBI and the media.<ref name = Zurawik>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bs-fe-zontv-nra-stoneman-douglas-pr-battle-20180226-story.html|title=The NRA is getting trounced by Stoneman Douglas students in the PR battle over gun control|last=Zurawik|first=David|date=March 1, 2018|newspaper=[[Baltimore Sun]]|accessdate=8 March 2018}}</ref> The NRA also issued a statement that the incident was proof that more guns were immediately required in schools in the hands of a bolstered force of armed security personnel in order to "harden" them against any further similar assaults.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/02/22/after-silence-on-parkland-nra-pushes-back-against-law-enforcement-the-media-and-gun-control-advocates/ NRA goes on the offensive after Parkland shooting, assailing media and calling for more armed school security] Washington Post. By Mark Berman and David Weigel. Feb. 22, 2018. Downloaded Feb. 26, 2018.</ref> A Florida law passed in the wake of the shooting, which includes a provision to ban the sale of firearms to people under 21, was immediately challenged in federal court by the NRA on the grounds that it is "violating the constitutional rights of 18- to 21-year-olds."<ref name="Sanchez">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/us/florida-gov-scott-gun-bill/index.html|title=Florida Gov. Rick Scott signs gun bill|last1=Sanchez|first1=Ray|last2=Yan|first2=Holly|date=March 9, 2018|website=[[CNN.com]]|accessdate=10 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Schweers">{{cite news|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/03/09/nra-sues-florida-over-gun-bill-same-day-gov-scott-signed-law/412365002/|title=NRA sues Florida over gun bill same day Gov. Scott signed it into law|last=Schweers|first=Jeffrey|date=March 9, 2018|newspaper=[[Tallahassee Democrat]]|accessdate=10 March 2018}}</ref>


====Boycott====
====Boycott====
{{Main|2018 NRA boycott}}
{{Main|2018 NRA boycott}}


The NRA offers corporate discounts to its members at various businesses through its [[affiliate program|corporate affiliate programs]]. For several years, and increasingly in the aftermath of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, "affiliate companies" have been targeted in social media as part of a boycott effort<ref>{{cite web|title=Companies Cut Ties to the N.R.A., but Find There Is No Neutral Ground - The New York Times|periodical=Nytimes.com|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|accessdate=2018-02-26|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225115544/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|archivedate=February 25, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> to terminate their business relationships with the NRA.<ref>{{cite web|title=A List of the Companies Cutting Ties With the N.R.A. - The New York Times|periodical=Nytimes.com|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/business/nra-companies-boycott.html?xing_share=news|accessdate=2018-02-26|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211635/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/business/nra-companies-boycott.html?xing_share=news|archivedate=February 26, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As a result of this boycott movement, several major corporations such as [[Delta Air Lines]], [[United Airlines]], [[The Hertz Corporation|Hertz]], [[Symantec]], and [[MetLife]] have disaffiliated from the NRA, while others, such as [[FedEx]] have refused to disaffiliate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/nra-boycott-full-list-companies-have-cut-ties-gun-lobby-over-florida-shooting-819050|title=The full list of companies who have boycotted the NRA over the Florida shooting|date=February 24, 2018|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=February 24, 2018|language=en|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224164935/http://www.newsweek.com/nra-boycott-full-list-companies-have-cut-ties-gun-lobby-over-florida-shooting-819050|archivedate=February 24, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|title=Companies Cut Ties to the N.R.A., but Find There Is No Neutral Ground|last=Creswell|first=Julie|date=February 23, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 24, 2018|last2=Hsu|first2=Tiffany|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224031627/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|archivedate=February 24, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://time.com/money/5175706/nra-discount-partnership-fedex-amazon-boycott/ | title=Only One Major Company Is Still Giving Discounts to NRA Members | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=February 26, 2018 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Tuttle | first=Brad | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226190131/http://time.com/money/5175706/nra-discount-partnership-fedex-amazon-boycott/ | archivedate=February 26, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The NRA offers corporate discounts to its members at various businesses through its [[affiliate program|corporate affiliate programs]]. For several years, and increasingly in the aftermath of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, "affiliate companies" have been targeted in social media as part of a boycott effort<ref>{{cite web|title=Companies Cut Ties to the N.R.A., but Find There Is No Neutral Ground - The New York Times|periodical=Nytimes.com|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|accessdate=2018-02-26}}</ref> to terminate their business relationships with the NRA.<ref>{{cite web|title=A List of the Companies Cutting Ties With the N.R.A. - The New York Times|periodical=Nytimes.com|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/business/nra-companies-boycott.html?xing_share=news|accessdate=2018-02-26}}</ref> As a result of this boycott movement, several major corporations such as [[Delta Air Lines]], [[United Airlines]], [[The Hertz Corporation|Hertz]], [[Symantec]], and [[MetLife]] have disaffiliated from the NRA, while others, such as [[FedEx]] have refused to disaffiliate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsweek.com/nra-boycott-full-list-companies-have-cut-ties-gun-lobby-over-florida-shooting-819050|title=The full list of companies who have boycotted the NRA over the Florida shooting|date=February 24, 2018|magazine=[[Newsweek]] |access-date=February 24, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/business/nra-boycott.html|title=Companies Cut Ties to the N.R.A., but Find There Is No Neutral Ground|last=Creswell|first=Julie|date=February 23, 2018|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 24, 2018|last2=Hsu|first2=Tiffany|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://time.com/money/5175706/nra-discount-partnership-fedex-amazon-boycott/ | title=Only One Major Company Is Still Giving Discounts to NRA Members | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=February 26, 2018 | accessdate=February 26, 2018 | last=Tuttle | first=Brad}}</ref>


===Media campaigns===
===Media campaigns===
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<blockquote>They use their media to assassinate real news. They use their schools to teach children that the president is another Hitler. They use their movie stars, and singers, and comedy shows, and award shows to repeat their narrative over and over again. And then they use their ex-president to endorse the resistance. All to make them march. Make them protest. Make them scream racism and sexism and xenophobia and homophobia. To smash windows, burn cars, shut down interstates and airports, bully and terrorize the law abiding. Until the only option left is for the police to do their jobs and stop the madness. And when that happens, they'll use it as an excuse for their outrage. The only way we stop this. The only way we save our country and our freedom, is to fight this violence of lies with the clenched fist of truth.</blockquote>
<blockquote>They use their media to assassinate real news. They use their schools to teach children that the president is another Hitler. They use their movie stars, and singers, and comedy shows, and award shows to repeat their narrative over and over again. And then they use their ex-president to endorse the resistance. All to make them march. Make them protest. Make them scream racism and sexism and xenophobia and homophobia. To smash windows, burn cars, shut down interstates and airports, bully and terrorize the law abiding. Until the only option left is for the police to do their jobs and stop the madness. And when that happens, they'll use it as an excuse for their outrage. The only way we stop this. The only way we save our country and our freedom, is to fight this violence of lies with the clenched fist of truth.</blockquote>


Sumner alleged the NRA was trying to boost gun sales by "convincing half of America to declare war on the other half." Beauchamp wrote, "It's a paranoid vision of American life that encourages the NRA's fans to see liberals not as political opponents, but as monsters."<ref name="cummings">{{cite web|last1=Cummings|first1=William|title=NRA video declares war on liberals, critics say|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/06/30/controversial-nra-video/441506001/|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=October 5, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005152028/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/06/30/controversial-nra-video/441506001/|archivedate=October 5, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Sumner alleged the NRA was trying to boost gun sales by "convincing half of America to declare war on the other half." Beauchamp wrote, "It's a paranoid vision of American life that encourages the NRA's fans to see liberals not as political opponents, but as monsters."<ref name="cummings">{{cite web|last1=Cummings|first1=William|title=NRA video declares war on liberals, critics say|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/06/30/controversial-nra-video/441506001/|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=October 5, 2017}}</ref>


===Pro-gun rights criticism===
===Pro-gun rights criticism===
Pro-gun rights critics include [[Gun Owners of America]] (GOA), founded in the 1970s because some gun rights advocates believed the NRA was too flexible on gun issues.<ref name=PGC2012>{{cite book |last=Spitzer |first=Robert J. |year=2012 |title=The Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NSOquAAACAAJ |location=Boulder, Colorado |publisher=Paradigm |isbn=978-1594519871 |accessdate=June 5, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704043204/http://books.google.com/books?id=NSOquAAACAAJ |archivedate=July 4, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{rp|110–111}} [[Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership]] (JPFO) has also disagreed with NRA for what it perceives as a willingness to compromise on gun control.<ref name=Zelman940523>{{cite speech |title=Aaron Zelman Talks to the NRA Board |first=Aaron |last=Zelman |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota |date=May 23, 1994 |url=http://jpfo.org/filegen-n-z/speech.htm |accessdate=June 5, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607005654/http://jpfo.org/filegen-n-z/speech.htm |archivedate=June 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The [[National Association for Gun Rights]] criticizes the NRA as not being conservative enough or not sufficiently protective of gun rights.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/how-this-gun-rights-group-is-profoundly-damaging-your-second-amendment-rights/|title=How This 'Gun Rights Group' Is Profoundly Damaging Your Second Amendment Rights|date=February 11, 2016|website=[[TheBlaze]]|access-date=May 6, 2017|language=en-US|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225205333/http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/how-this-gun-rights-group-is-profoundly-damaging-your-second-amendment-rights|archivedate=December 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/9/rand-paul-shunned-by-nra-over-national-association/|title=Rand Paul shunned by NRA over National Association for Gun Rights ties|last=Riddell|first=Kelly|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=May 6, 2017|language=en-US|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129004626/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/9/rand-paul-shunned-by-nra-over-national-association/|archivedate=January 29, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In June 2014, an [[Open carry in the United States|open carry]] group in [[Texas]] threatened to withdraw its support of the NRA if it did not retract its statements critical of the practice. The NRA-ILA's Chris Cox said the statements were a staffer's personal opinion and a mistake.<ref name=AP140604>{{cite news |date=June 4, 2014 |title=NRA rolls back 'open carry' criticism |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/04/5871960/nra-rolls-back-open-carry-criticism.html |newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 5, 2014 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=Blazingliberty |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Pro-gun rights critics include [[Gun Owners of America]] (GOA), founded in the 1970s because some gun rights advocates believed the NRA was too flexible on gun issues.<ref name=PGC2012>{{cite book |last=Spitzer |first=Robert J. |year=2012 |title=The Politics of Gun Control |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NSOquAAACAAJ |location=Boulder, Colorado |publisher=Paradigm |isbn=978-1594519871 |accessdate=June 5, 2014 }}</ref>{{rp|110–111}} [[Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership]] (JPFO) has also disagreed with NRA for what it perceives as a willingness to compromise on gun control.<ref name=Zelman940523>{{cite speech |title=Aaron Zelman Talks to the NRA Board |first=Aaron |last=Zelman |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota |date=May 23, 1994 |url=http://jpfo.org/filegen-n-z/speech.htm |accessdate=June 5, 2014 }}</ref> The [[National Association for Gun Rights]] criticizes the NRA as not being conservative enough or not sufficiently protective of gun rights.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/how-this-gun-rights-group-is-profoundly-damaging-your-second-amendment-rights/|title=How This 'Gun Rights Group' Is Profoundly Damaging Your Second Amendment Rights|date=February 11, 2016|website=[[TheBlaze]]|access-date=May 6, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/9/rand-paul-shunned-by-nra-over-national-association/|title=Rand Paul shunned by NRA over National Association for Gun Rights ties|last=Riddell|first=Kelly|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=May 6, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In June 2014, an [[Open carry in the United States|open carry]] group in [[Texas]] threatened to withdraw its support of the NRA if it did not retract its statements critical of the practice. The NRA-ILA's Chris Cox said the statements were a staffer's personal opinion and a mistake.<ref name=AP140604>{{cite news |date=June 4, 2014 |title=NRA rolls back 'open carry' criticism |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/04/5871960/nra-rolls-back-open-carry-criticism.html |newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=June 5, 2014 }}</ref>


==List of past and present leaders==
==List of past and present leaders==
Line 369: Line 369:
* [[Joe Foss]] (1988–90)
* [[Joe Foss]] (1988–90)
* [[Robert K. Corbin]] (1992–93)<ref name="Rdngn2002"/>
* [[Robert K. Corbin]] (1992–93)<ref name="Rdngn2002"/>
* [[Marion P. Hammer]] (1995–98)<ref name=1996Hammer1stPres>{{cite news |last=Heller |first=Jean |date=August 18, 1996 |title=Marion Hammer Leads NRA With Unabashed Passion (News/National/International) |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67794496.html |newspaper=[[Rocky Mountain News]] |location=Denver, CO |accessdate=May 29, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629120711/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67794496.html |archivedate=June 29, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]] }}</ref><ref name=Bragg960414>{{cite news |last=Bragg |first=Rick |date=April 14, 1996 |title=Leader as Hard as Nails Is Taking Reins at N.R.A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/us/leader-as-hard-as-nails-is-taking-reins-at-nra.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=June 6, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022712/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/us/leader-as-hard-as-nails-is-taking-reins-at-nra.html |archivedate=July 15, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Marion P. Hammer]] (1995–98)<ref name=1996Hammer1stPres>{{cite news |last=Heller |first=Jean |date=August 18, 1996 |title=Marion Hammer Leads NRA With Unabashed Passion (News/National/International) |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67794496.html |newspaper=[[Rocky Mountain News]] |location=Denver, CO|accessdate=May 29, 2014 }}{{Subscription required|via=[[HighBeam Research]] }}</ref><ref name=Bragg960414>{{cite news |last=Bragg |first=Rick |date=April 14, 1996 |title=Leader as Hard as Nails Is Taking Reins at N.R.A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/14/us/leader-as-hard-as-nails-is-taking-reins-at-nra.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Charlton Heston]] (1998–2003)
* [[Charlton Heston]] (1998–2003)
* [[Sandra Froman]] (2005–07)
* [[Sandra Froman]] (2005–07)
Line 390: Line 390:
* [[J. Kenneth Blackwell|Ken Blackwell]]
* [[J. Kenneth Blackwell|Ken Blackwell]]
* [[Matt Blunt]]
* [[Matt Blunt]]
* [[John R. Bolton|John Bolton]],<ref name="Bolton">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/john-bolton |title=John Bolton |year=2014 |publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233301/http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/john-bolton |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[John R. Bolton|John Bolton]],<ref name="Bolton">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/john-bolton |title=John Bolton |year=2014|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Dan Boren]]
* [[Dan Boren]]
* [[Robert K. Brown]],
* [[Robert K. Brown]],
Line 396: Line 396:
* [[Richard Childress]]
* [[Richard Childress]]
* [[Larry E. Craig]]
* [[Larry E. Craig]]
* [[Barbara Cubin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/cubin-garners-nra-nod-again/article_de51b7d7-f839-5936-a710-c3dc4ac6e4ac.html|title=Cubin garners NRA nod again|first=Tom|last=Morton|date=August 7, 2004|newspaper=[[Casper Star-Tribune]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116185339/http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/cubin-garners-nra-nod-again/article_de51b7d7-f839-5936-a710-c3dc4ac6e4ac.html|archivedate=November 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Barbara Cubin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/cubin-garners-nra-nod-again/article_de51b7d7-f839-5936-a710-c3dc4ac6e4ac.html|title=Cubin garners NRA nod again|first= Tom |last= Morton |date= August 7, 2004|newspaper=[[Casper Star-Tribune]] }}</ref>
* [[John Dingell]]<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ontheissues.org/MI/John_Dingell_Gun_Control.htm |title=John Dingell on Gun Control |website=On The Issues |accessdate=November 25, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115115835/http://www.ontheissues.org/MI/John_Dingell_Gun_Control.htm |archivedate=November 15, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[John Dingell]]<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ontheissues.org/MI/John_Dingell_Gun_Control.htm |title=John Dingell on Gun Control |website=On The Issues |accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Merritt A. Edson]]
* [[Merritt A. Edson]]
* [[R. Lee Ermey]]<ref name="Ermey">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/r.-lee-ermey |title=R. Lee Ermey |year=2014 |publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231702/http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/r.-lee-ermey |archivedate=July 14, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[R. Lee Ermey]]<ref name="Ermey">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/r.-lee-ermey |title=R. Lee Ermey |year=2014|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Sandra Froman]]
* [[Sandra Froman]]
* [[Jim Gilmore]]
* [[Jim Gilmore]]
Line 407: Line 407:
* [[David Keene]]
* [[David Keene]]
* [[Karl Malone]]
* [[Karl Malone]]
* [[John Milius]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/11/red-dawn-wasnt-about-the-cold-war-it-was-about-shooting-people/265361/|title='Red Dawn' Wasn't About the Cold War; It Was About Shooting People|first=Alan|last=Zilberman|magazine=[[The Atlantic]]|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012172527/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/11/red-dawn-wasnt-about-the-cold-war-it-was-about-shooting-people/265361/|archivedate=October 12, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[John Milius]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/11/red-dawn-wasnt-about-the-cold-war-it-was-about-shooting-people/265361/|title='Red Dawn' Wasn't About the Cold War; It Was About Shooting People| first= Alan| last= Zilberman| magazine=[[The Atlantic]] }}</ref>
* [[Zell Miller]].<ref>{{cite press_release |url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/news-from-nra-ila/2005/nra-announces-new-officers.aspx?s=&st=&ps= |title=NRA Announces New Officers |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |date=April 19, 2005 |accessdate=July 25, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031154722/http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/news-from-nra-ila/2005/nra-announces-new-officers.aspx?s=&st=&ps= |archivedate=October 31, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Zell Miller]].<ref>{{cite press_release | url=http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/news-from-nra-ila/2005/nra-announces-new-officers.aspx?s=&st=&ps= |title=NRA Announces New Officers |publisher=National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action |date=April 19, 2005 |accessdate= July 25, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Cleta Mitchell]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://meetthenra.org/board-list|title=Welcome|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109120402/http://meetthenra.org/board-list|archivedate=January 9, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Cleta Mitchell]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://meetthenra.org/board-list|title=Welcome|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109120402/http://meetthenra.org/board-list|archivedate=January 9, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Grover Norquist]]
* [[Grover Norquist]]
* [[Oliver L. North]]
* [[Oliver L. North]]
* [[Johnny Nugent]]
* [[Johnny Nugent]]
* [[Ted Nugent]]<ref name="Nugent">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/ted-nugent |title=Ted Nugent (Board Member) |year=2014 |publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612140452/http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/ted-nugent |archivedate=June 12, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Ted Nugent]]<ref name="Nugent">{{cite web |url=http://www.meetthenra.org/nra-member/ted-nugent |title=Ted Nugent (Board Member) |year=2014|publisher=Meet the National Rifle Association of America |accessdate=June 8, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Lee Purcell]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.franksmyth.com/the-village-voice/crossfire-the-war-behind-the-closed-doors-of-the-nra/ |title= Crossfire: The War Behind the Closed Doors of the NRA |publisher= republished online at FrankSmyth.com |first= Frank |last= Smyth |date= June 3, 1994 |newspaper= [[The Village Voice]] |deadurl= no |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110711022945/http://www.franksmyth.com/the-village-voice/crossfire-the-war-behind-the-closed-doors-of-the-nra/ |archivedate= July 11, 2011 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/shot/bimbos.html |website=The Gun Zone |title=The Exhibimbos of SHOT Show |access-date=January 18, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210160640/http://thegunzone.com/shot/bimbos.html |archivedate=February 10, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Lee Purcell]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.franksmyth.com/the-village-voice/crossfire-the-war-behind-the-closed-doors-of-the-nra/ |title= Crossfire: The War Behind the Closed Doors of the NRA |publisher= republished online at FrankSmyth.com | first= Frank| last= Smyth| date= June 3, 1994| newspaper=[[The Village Voice]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/shot/bimbos.html |website=The Gun Zone |title=The Exhibimbos of SHOT Show |access-date=January 18, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210160640/http://thegunzone.com/shot/bimbos.html |archivedate=February 10, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Todd J. Rathner]]
* [[Todd J. Rathner]]
* [[Wayne Anthony Ross]]
* [[Wayne Anthony Ross]]
Line 420: Line 420:
* [[Tom Selleck]]
* [[Tom Selleck]]
* [[John C. Sigler]]
* [[John C. Sigler]]
* [[Bruce Stern]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Hardy |first=David |date=July 19, 2007 |title=NRA director Bruce Stern, and former director Jim Nicholson, pass on |url=http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/nra_director_br_1.php |website=Of Arms & the Law |type=Blog |publisher=David T. Hardy |access-date= |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20080622134218/http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/nra_director_br_1.php |archivedate=June 22, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Bruce Stern]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Hardy |first=David |date=July 19, 2007 |title=NRA director Bruce Stern, and former director Jim Nicholson, pass on |url=http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2007/07/nra_director_br_1.php |website=Of Arms & the Law |type=Blog |publisher=David T. Hardy |access-date=}}</ref>
* [[Harold Volkmer]]<ref name=Kopel>{{cite web| authorlink= Dave Kopel| last= Kopel| first= David| date= April 18, 2011| url= http://volokh.com/2011/04/18/rep-harold-volkmer-r-i-p/| title= Rep. Harold Volkmer, R.I.P.| website= [[Volokh Conspiracy]]| deadurl= no| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110422205608/http://volokh.com/2011/04/18/rep-harold-volkmer-r-i-p/| archivedate= April 22, 2011| df= mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Harold Volkmer]]<ref name=Kopel>{{cite web| authorlink= Dave Kopel| last= Kopel| first= David| date= April 18, 2011| url= http://volokh.com/2011/04/18/rep-harold-volkmer-r-i-p/ |title= Rep. Harold Volkmer, R.I.P.| website=[[Volokh Conspiracy]] }}</ref>
* [[Don Young]]
* [[Don Young]]
{{colend}}
{{colend}}

Revision as of 18:37, 28 March 2018

National Rifle Association of America
FoundedNovember 16, 1871; 152 years ago (1871-11-16)[1]
FounderWilliam Conant Church
George Wood Wingate
Type501(c)(4)[2]
53-0116130
FocusGun politics in the United States
Location
Area served
United States
ServicesMembership organization
Magazine publisher
Education/certification
MethodLobbying
Publications
Outreach programs
Members
5 million (self-reported, as of 2017)[3]
Key people
Pete Brownell, President
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President
SubsidiariesNRA Civil Rights Defense Fund
NRA Foundation
NRA Special Contribution Fund
NRA Freedom Action Foundation
NRA Institute for Legislative Action
NRA Political Victory Fund
Revenue
$433.9 million (2016)[4]
Expenses$475.9 million (2016)[4]
WebsiteNRA.org
Seal of the National Rifle Association

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is an American nonprofit organization that advocates for gun rights.[5][6][7]

Founded in 1871, the group has informed its members about firearm-related bills since 1934, and it has directly lobbied for and against legislation since 1975.[8]

Founded to advance rifle marksmanship, the modern NRA continues to teach firearm safety and competency. The organization also publishes several magazines and sponsors competitive marksmanship events.[8] According to the NRA, membership surpassed 5 million in May 2013.[5] The organization is led by a board of 76 elected members who are nominated by committee or by petition from the membership.[9]

Observers and lawmakers see the NRA as one of the top three most influential lobbying groups in Washington, D.C.[10][11] The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is its lobbying arm, which manages its political action committee (PAC), the Political Victory Fund (PVF). Over its history the organization has influenced legislation, participated in or initiated lawsuits, and endorsed or opposed various candidates.

The NRA has been criticized by gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians.[12][13] The organization has been the focus of intense criticism in the aftermath of high-profile shootings, such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

History

Early history

William Conant Church, one of the NRA's founders

The National Rifle Association was first chartered in the State of New York on November 16, 1871[1][8] by Army and Navy Journal editor William Conant Church and Captain George Wood Wingate. On November 25, 1871, the group voted to elect its first corporate officers. Union Army Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who had worked as a Rhode Island gunsmith, was elected president.[14] Colonel W.C. Church was elected vice president; Captain Wingate was elected secretary; Fred M. Peck was elected recording secretary; and Major General John B. Woodward was elected treasurer.[14] When Burnside resigned on August 1, 1872,[15] Church succeeded him as president.[16]

Union Army records for the Civil War indicate that its troops fired about 1,000 rifle shots for each Confederate hit, causing General Burnside to lament his recruits: "Out of ten soldiers who are perfect in drill and the manual of arms, only one knows the purpose of the sights on his gun or can hit the broad side of a barn."[17][18][19] The generals attributed this to the use of volley tactics, devised for earlier, less accurate smoothbore muskets.[20][21]

Ambrose Burnside, Union Army general, Governor of Rhode Island, and first president of the NRA

Recognizing a need for better training, Wingate sent emissaries to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany to observe militia and armies' marksmanship training programs.[22] With plans provided by Wingate, the New York Legislature funded the construction of a modern range at Creedmoor, Long Island, for long-range shooting competitions. The range officially opened on June 21, 1873.[23] The Central Railroad of Long Island established a railway station nearby, with trains running from Hunter's Point, with connecting boat service to 34th Street and the East River, allowing access from New York City.[24] Wingate then wrote a marksmanship manual.[19]

After beating England and Scotland to win the Elcho Shield in 1873 at Wimbledon, then a village outside London, the Irish Rifle Team issued a challenge through the New York Herald to riflemen of the United States to raise a team for a long-range match to determine an Anglo-American championship. The NRA organized a team through a subsidiary amateur rifle club. Remington Arms and Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company produced breech-loading weapons for the team. Although muzzle-loading rifles had long been considered more accurate, eight American riflemen won the match firing breech-loading rifles. Publicity of the event generated by the New York Herald helped to establish breech-loading firearms as suitable for military marksmanship training, and promoted the NRA to national prominence.[19]

Rifle clubs

Ulysses S. Grant served as President of the NRA from 1883 (ten years after he left office) to 1884

The NRA organized rifle clubs in other states, and many state National Guard organizations sought NRA advice to improve members' marksmanship. Wingate's markmanship manual evolved into the United States Army marksmanship instruction program.[19] Former President Ulysses S. Grant served as the NRA's eighth president and General Philip H. Sheridan as its ninth.[25] The U.S. Congress created the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice in 1901 to include representatives from the NRA, National Guard, and United States military services. A program of annual rifle and pistol competitions was authorized, and included a national match open to military and civilian shooters. In 1903, Congress authorized the Civilian Marksmanship Program, which was designed to train civilians who might later be called to serve in the U.S. military.[26] In 1907, NRA headquarters moved to Washington, D.C. to facilitate the organization's advocacy efforts.[19] Springfield Armory and Rock Island Arsenal began the manufacture of M1903 Springfield rifles for civilian members of the NRA in 1910.[27] The Director of Civilian Marksmanship began manufacture of M1911 pistols for NRA members in August 1912.[28] Until 1927, the United States Department of War provided free ammunition and targets to civilian rifle clubs with a minimum membership of ten United States citizens at least 16 years of age.[29]

1934–present

The NRA formed its Legislative Affairs Division to update members with facts and analysis of upcoming bills,[30] after the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 became the first federal gun-control law passed in the U.S.[31] Karl Frederick, NRA President in 1934, during congressional NFA hearings testified "I have never believed in the general practice of carrying weapons. I seldom carry one. ... I do not believe in the general promiscuous toting of guns. I think it should be sharply restricted and only under licenses."[32] The NRA supported the NFA along with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), which together created a system to federally license gun dealers and established restrictions on particular categories and classes of firearms.[33]

Until the middle 1970s, the NRA mainly focused on sportsmen, hunters and target shooters, and downplayed gun control issues. However, passage of the GCA galvanized a growing number of NRA gun rights activists, including Harlon Carter. In 1975, it began to focus more on politics and established its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), with Carter as director. The next year, its political action committee (PAC), the Political Victory Fund, was created in time for the 1976 elections.[34]: 158  The 1977 annual convention was a defining moment for the organization and came to be known as "The Cincinnati Revolution".[35] Leadership planned to relocate NRA headquarters to Colorado and to build a $30 million recreational facility in New Mexico, but activists within the organization whose central concern was Second Amendment rights defeated the incumbents and elected Carter as executive director and Neal Knox as head of the NRA-ILA.[36][37]

Political expansion

After 1977, the organization expanded its membership by focusing heavily on political issues and forming coalitions with conservative politicians, most of them are Republicans.[38] With a goal to weaken the GCA, Knox's ILA successfully lobbied Congress to pass the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986 and worked to reduce the powers of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In 1982, Knox was ousted as director of the ILA, but began mobilizing outside the NRA framework and continued to promote opposition to gun control laws.[39]

At the 1991 national convention, Knox's supporters were elected to the board and named staff lobbyist Wayne LaPierre as the executive vice president. The NRA focused its attention on the gun control policies of the Clinton Administration.[40] Knox again lost power in 1997, as he lost reelection to a coalition of moderate leaders who supported movie star Charlton Heston, despite Heston's past support of gun control legislation.[41] In 1994, the NRA unsuccessfully opposed the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB), but successfully lobbied for the ban's 2004 expiration.[42] Heston was elected president in 1998 and became a highly visible spokesman for the organization. In an effort to improve the NRA's image, Heston presented himself as the voice of reason in contrast to Knox.[43]: 262–68 

Lobbying and political activity

Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist and political strategist, in March 2016

When the National Rifle Association was officially incorporated on November 16, 1871,[1] its primary goal was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis". The NRA's website says the organization is "America's longest-standing civil rights organization".[44]

On February 7, 1872, the NRA created a committee to lobby for legislation in the interest of the organization.[45] Its first lobbying effort was to petition the New York State legislature for $25,000 to purchase land to set up a range.[46] Within three months, the legislation had passed and had been signed into law by Governor John T. Hoffman.[47]

In 1934, the National Rifle Association created a Legislative Affairs Division to work officially on Second Amendment issues.[citation needed]

The Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the lobbying branch of the NRA, was established in 1975. According to political scientists John M. Bruce and Clyde Wilcox, the NRA shifted its focus in the late 1970s to incorporate political advocacy, and started seeing its members as political resources rather than just as recipients of goods and services. Despite the impact on the volatility of membership, the politicization of the NRA has been consistent and its PAC, the Political Victory Fund established in 1976, ranked as "one of the biggest spenders in congressional elections" as of 1998.[48]

A 1999 Fortune magazine survey said that lawmakers and their staffers considered the NRA the most powerful lobbying organization three years in a row.[10] Chris W. Cox is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, a position he has held since 2002. In 2012, 88% of Republicans and 11% of Democrats in Congress had received an NRA PAC contribution at some point in their career. Of the members of the Congress that convened in 2013, 51% received funding from the NRA PAC within their political careers, and 47% received NRA money in their most recent race. According to Lee Drutman, political scientist and senior fellow at the Sunlight Foundation, "It is important to note that these contributions are probably a better measure of allegiance than of influence."[49]

Internationally, the NRA opposes the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).[50] It has opposed Canadian gun registry,[51] supported Brazilian gun rights,[52][53] and criticized Australian gun laws.[54]

In 2016 the NRA raised a record $366 million and spent $412 million for political activities. The NRA also maintains a PAC which is excluded from these figures.[55]

Elections

Wayne LaPierre, executive Vice President of the NRA, in 2017

The NRA Political Victory Fund (PVF) PAC was established in 1976 to challenge gun-control candidates and to support gun-rights candidates.[56] An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".[57]

The NRA endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time in 1980, backing Ronald Reagan over Jimmy Carter.[58][59] For example, in the 2006 Senate Elections the NRA endorsed Rick Santorum over Bob Casey, Jr.,[60] even though they both had an "A" rating.

The NRA spent $40 million on U.S. elections in 2008,[61] including $10 million in opposition to the election of Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign.[62]

The NRA spent over $360,000 in the Colorado recall election of 2013, which resulted in the ouster of state senators John Morse and Angela Giron.[63] The Huffington Post called the recall "a stunning victory for the National Rifle Association and gun rights activists."[63] Morse and Giron helped to pass expanded background checks and ammunition magazine capacity limits after the 2012 Aurora, Colorado, and Sandy Hook, Connecticut, shootings.[64]

On May 20, 2016, the NRA endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[65] The timing of the endorsement, before Trump became the official Republican nominee, was unusual, as the NRA typically endorses Republican nominees towards the end of the general election. The NRA said its early endorsement was due to the strong gun control stance of Hillary Clinton[66] In the 2016 United States presidential election the NRA reported spending more than $30 million in support of Donald Trump, more than any other independent group in that election, and three times what it spent in the 2012 presidential election.[67]

The ATF and Senate confirmations

The NRA has for decades sought to limit the ability of the ATF to regulate firearms by blocking nominees and lobbying against reforms that would ease the ability of the ATF to track gun crimes.[68] The NRA, for instance, opposed ATF reforms to trace guns to owners electronically; the ATF currently has to do so through paper records.[68] In 2006, the NRA lobbied U.S. Representative F. James Sensenbrenner to add a provision to the Patriot Act reauthorization that requires Senate confirmation of ATF director nominees.[69] For seven years after that, the NRA lobbied against and "effectively blocked" every presidential nominee.[69][70][71] First was President George W. Bush's choice, Michael J. Sullivan, whose confirmation was held up in 2008 by three Republican Senators who said the ATF was hostile to gun dealers. One of the Senators was Larry Craig, who was an NRA board member during his years in the Senate.[72] Confirmation of President Obama's first nominee, Andrew Traver, stalled in 2011 after the NRA expressed strong opposition.[69][73][68] Some Senators resisted confirming another Obama nominee, B. Todd Jones, because of the NRA's opposition,[71] until 2013, when the NRA said it was neutral on Jones' nomination and that it would not include the confirmation vote in its grading system.[69] Dan Freedman, national editor for Hearst Newspapers' Washington D.C. bureau, stated that it, "clears the way for senators from pro-gun states – Democrats as well as at least some Republicans – to vote for Jones without fear of political repercussions".[74]

In 2014, Obama weighed the idea of delaying a vote on his nominee for Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, when Republicans and some conservative Democrats criticized Murthy, after the NRA opposed him.[75] In February, the NRA wrote to Senate leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell to say that it "strongly opposes" Murthy's confirmation, and told The Washington Times' Emily Miller that it would score the vote in its PAC grading system. "The NRA decision", wrote Miller, "will undoubtedly make vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in the midterms reconsider voting party line on this nominee."[76] The Wall Street Journal stated on March 15, "Crossing the NRA to support Dr. Murthy could be a liability for some of the Democrats running for re-election this year in conservative-leaning states".[77]

The NRA also opposed the appointments of Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan as Supreme Court justices.[78]

Legislation

National Rifle Association Position on Federal U.S. Legislation
Bill/Law Year Supported Opposed
National Firearms Act 1934 ☒N
Federal Firearms Act 1938 ☒N
Gun Control Act 1968 ☒N ☒N
Federal Assault Weapons Ban 1994 ☒N
Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act 2005 ☒N
Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act 2006 ☒N
Assault Weapons Ban 2013 ☒N

The NRA supported the 1934 National Firearms Act,[79] which regulated what were considered at the time "gangster weapons" such as machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and sound suppressors.[80] However, the organization's position on suppressors has since changed.[81]

The NRA supported the 1938 Federal Firearms Act (FFA) which established the Federal Firearms License (FFL) program. The FFA required all manufacturers and dealers of firearms who ship or receive firearms or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce to have a license, and forbade them from transferring any firearm or most ammunition to any person interstate unless certain conditions were met.[82]

The NRA supported and opposed parts of the Gun Control Act of 1968, which broadly regulated the firearms industry and firearms owners, primarily focusing on regulating interstate commerce in firearms by prohibiting interstate firearms transfers except among licensed manufacturers, dealers and importers. The law was supported by America's oldest manufacturers (Colt, S&W, etc.) in an effort to forestall even greater restrictions which were feared in response to recent domestic violence. The NRA supported elements of the law, such as those forbidding the sale of firearms to convicted criminals and the mentally ill.[83][84]

The NRA influenced the writing of the Firearm Owners Protection Act and worked for its passage.[85]

In 2004, the NRA opposed renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. The ban expired on September 13, 2004.[86]

In 2005 President George W. Bush signed into law the NRA-backed Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act which prevent firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes have been committed with their products.[87]

Litigation

In November 2005, the NRA and other gun advocates filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco Proposition H, which banned the ownership and sales of firearms. The NRA argued that the proposition overstepped local government authority and intruded into an area regulated by the state. The San Francisco County Superior Court agreed with the NRA position.[88] The city appealed the court's ruling, but lost a 2008 appeal.[89] In October 2008, San Francisco was forced to pay a $380,000 settlement to the National Rifle Association and other plaintiffs to cover the costs of litigating Proposition H.[90]

In April 2006, New Orleans, Louisiana, police began returning to citizens guns that had been confiscated after Hurricane Katrina. The NRA, Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and other groups agreed to drop a lawsuit against the city in exchange for the return.[91]

In 2009 the NRA again filed suit (Guy Montag Doe v. San Francisco Housing Authority) in the city of San Francisco challenging the city's ban of guns in public housing. On January 14, 2009, the San Francisco Housing Authority reached a settlement with the NRA, which allows residents to possess legal firearms within a SFHA apartment building.[92]

In 2010, the NRA sued the city of Chicago, Illinois (McDonald v. Chicago) and the Supreme Court ruled that like other substantive rights, the right to bear arms is incorporated via the Fourteenth Amendment to the Bill of Rights, and therefore applies to the states.[93][94]

In March 2013, the NRA joined a federal lawsuit with other gun rights groups challenging New York's gun control law (the NY SAFE Act), arguing that Governor Andrew Cuomo "usurped the legislative and democratic process" in passing the law, which included restrictions on magazine capacity and expanding the state's assault weapons ban.[95]

In November 2013, voters in Sunnyvale, California, passed an ordinance banning certain ammunition magazines along with three other firearm-related restrictions. The ordinance was passed by 66 percent in favor.[96] The requires city residents to "dispose, donate, or sell" any magazine capable of holding more than ten rounds within a proscribed period of time once the measure takes effect.[97] The following month, the NRA joined local residents in suing the city on second amendment grounds.[96] A federal judge dismissed the suit three months later, upholding the Sunnyvale's ordinance.[98][99]

The city of San Francisco then passed similar ordinances a short time later. The San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association (SFVPOA), represented by NRA attorneys, filed a lawsuit challenging San Francisco's ban on the possession of high-capacity magazines, seeking an injunction.[100] A federal judge denied the injunction in February 2014.[98][101]

In 2014 the NRA lobbied for a bill in Pennsylvania which grants it and other advocacy groups legal standing to sue municipalities to overturn local firearm regulations passed in violation of a state law preempting such regulations, and which also allows the court to force cities to pay their legal fees. As soon as it became law, the NRA sued three cities: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Lancaster. In Philadelphia, seven regulations the NRA sued to overturn included a ban on gun possession by those found to be a risk for harming themselves or others, and a requirement to report stolen guns to the police within twenty-four hours after discovery of the loss or theft.[102] In Lancaster, a city of fewer than 60,000, mayor Rick Gray, who has chaired the pro-gun control group Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was also named in the suit. In that city, the NRA challenged an ordinance requiring gun owners to tell police when a firearm is lost or stolen within 72 hours or face jail time.[103] The basis for the lawsuits is "a 1974 state law that bars municipalities against passing restrictions that are pre-empted by state gun laws". At least 20 Pennsylvania municipalities have rescinded regulations in response to threatened litigation.[104][105]

Programs

NRA headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia that houses the museum

The National Rifle Association owns the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia, featuring exhibits on the evolution and history of firearms in America.[106] In August 2013, the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum opened at an expansive Bass Pro Shops retail store in Springfield, Missouri. It displays almost 1,000 firearms, including historically significant firearms from the NRA and other collections.[107] The NRA publishes a number of periodicals including American Rifleman and others.[108]

In 1994, following disagreements between the NRA and athletes over control of the program of Olympic shooting sports, the U.S. Olympic Committee recommended USA Shooting replace the NRA as the national governing body for Olympic shooting. The NRA dropped out just before the decision was announced, citing a lack of appreciation for their efforts.[109]

The NRA hosts the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, events which are considered[by whom?] to be the "world series of competitive shooting"[110]

The National Rifle Association maintains ties with other organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and 4-H.[111] The NRA has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union in opposing gun registration.[112][113]

Organizational structure and finances

Leadership

Executive staff and spokespersons

Since 1991, Wayne LaPierre has been the organization's executive vice president, and functions as the chief executive officer.[114] Previous notable holders of that office include: Milton Reckord, Floyd Lavinius Parks, Franklin Orth, Maxwell Rich, Harlon Carter, J. Warren Cassidy, and Gary Anderson.

Chris W. Cox is the executive director of the NRA's lobbying branch, the Institute for Legislative Action. Kyle Weaver is executive director of general operations.[115] Kayne B. Robinson is executive director of the General Operations Division and chairman of the Whittington Center.[116]

Spokesperson Dana Loesch

In 2017, political commentator Dana Loesch was appointed special assistant to the NRA's executive vice president for public communication.[117] Loesch hosts The DL on NRA TV and has featured prominently in other NRA-produced videos.

Actor Chuck Norris serves as a celebrity spokesperson for the association.[118] Colion Noir hosts a video program on the NRA's online video channel.[119]

Board of directors

The NRA is governed by a board of 76 elected directors. Of these, 75 serve three-year terms and one is elected to serve as a cross-over director who "holds office from the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Members at which [this person] was elected until the adjournment of the next Annual Meeting of Members, or until a successor is elected and qualified." The directors choose a president, one or more vice presidents, an executive vice president (the leading spokesperson for the organization), a secretary, and treasurer from among their fellows. Two other officers are also elected by the board: the executive director of the NRA General Operations and the executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).[120] In 2015, 71 members were white and 65 were male. More came from Texas than any other state.[121] Only 7% of eligible members vote.[122]

Most nominations are vetted by a nine-member Nominating Committee.[123] The committee is appointed, though the appointment process is not public.[124] One member is George Kollitides of the Freedom Group.[123] The nomination committee has been called "kingmakers" by MSNBC and Jeff Knox says "the process is front-loaded to give incumbents and Nominating Committee candidates a significant advantage".[122]

Membership

According to Wayne La Pierre, as of May 2013, NRA membership exceeded 5 million, one-tenth of whom had joined in the prior six months.[5] Mother Jones has questioned the membership numbers published by the NRA. They say that in 2008, for example, the organization claimed both 3 million and 4.3 million members. Journalist Osha Gray Davidson suggested in 2000 that many deceased "life members" are kept on the books in order to inflate the membership rolls.[125] A 2017 Pew Research Center Study found that more than 14 million Americans consider themselves NRA members, above the real membership number of 5 million. This may be attributed to the fact that the NRA has millions more of Americans who support them and will tell pollsters they are members, even when they are not. In other cases, it could be that their membership has lapsed and for others, they might consider a family member's membership part of their own.[3][126]

Notable members

Nine U.S. Presidents have been NRA members. In addition to Grant, they are: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush (who resigned in 1995), and Donald Trump.[127][128] Three U.S. Vice Presidents, two Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, and several U.S. Congressmen, as well as legislators and officials of state governments are members.[129][130]

Current or past members also include journalist Hunter S. Thompson,[131] Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh,[132] documentarian Michael Moore (to try to put an end to the organization),[133] actor Rick Schroder,[134] and singer James Hetfield.[135]

Interconnected organizations

The National Rifle Association is composed of several financially interconnected organizations under common leadership,[136] including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) which manages the NRA's political action committee and the NRA Civil Defense Fund which does pro bono legal work for people with cases involving Second Amendment rights.[136] The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund was established in 1978.[137] Harlon Carter and Neal Knox were responsible for its founding.[138]

In 1994, the Fund spent over $500,000 on legal fees to support legal cases involving guns and gun control measures. It donated $20,000 in 1996 for the defense of New York City resident Bernhard Goetz when he was sued by a man he shot and left paralyzed.[139] It paid the legal bills in the case of Brian Aitken, a New Jersey resident sentenced to seven years in state prison for transporting guns without a carry permit.[140] On December 20, 2010, Governor Chris Christie granted Aitken clemency and ordered Aitken's immediate release from prison.[141]

NRA Foundation

The NRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises and donates money to outdoors groups and others such as ROTC programs, 4-H and Boy Scouts. In 2010, the NRA Foundation distributed $21.2 million in grants for gun-related training and education programs: $12.6 million to the NRA itself, and the rest to community programs for hunters, competitive shooters, gun collectors, and law enforcement, and to women and youth groups.[142] The foundation has no staff and pays no salaries.[142]

Friends of NRA is a program that raises money for the NRA Foundation. Since its inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has held over 17,600 events, reached over 3.2 million attendees and raised over $600 million for The NRA Foundation.[143]

Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF)

By 1976, as the NRA became more politically-oriented, the Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), a PAC, was established as a subsidiary to the NRA, to support NRA-friendly policians.[56] Chris W. Cox, who is the NRA's chief lobbyist and principal political strategist, is also the NRA-PVF chairman. Through the NRA-PVF, the NRA began to rate political candidates on their positions on gun rights. An NRA "A+" candidate is one who has "not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment", whereas an NRA "F" candidate is deemed a "true enemy of gun owners' rights".[57]

In the 2008 elections, the PVF spent millions on "direct campaign donations" and "grassroots operation".[144] In 2012, NRA-PVF income was $14.4 million and expenses were $16.1 million.[145] By 2014, the NRA-PVF income rose to 21.9 million with expenses of 20.7 million.[146]

Finances

Name Year Income in Millions Expenses in Millions
National Rifle Association (NRA) 2011[147] 218.9 231.0
NRA Institute for Legislative Action n/a n/a n/a
NRA Civil Defense Fund 2012[148] 1.6 1.0
NRA Civil Defense Fund 2013[149] 1.3 0.9
NRA Foundation 2012[150] 43.0 29.1
NRA Foundation 2013[151] 41.3 31.4
NRA Freedom Action Foundation 2012[152] 2.1 2.3
NRA Freedom Action Foundation 2013[153] 0.5 0.1
NRA Political Victory Fund 2012[145] 14.4 16.1
NRA Political Victory Fund 2014[146] 21.9 20.7
NRA Special Contribution Fund 2012[154] 3.3 3.1
NRA Special Contribution Fund 2013[155] 4.3 3.6

In 2010, the NRA reported revenue of $227.8 million and expenses of $243.5 million,[156] with revenue including roughly $115 million generated from fundraising, sales, advertising and royalties, and most of the rest from membership dues.[157] Less than half of the NRA's income is from membership dues and program fees; the majority is from contributions, grants, royalties, and advertising.[142][157][158]

Corporate donors include a variety of companies such as outdoors supply, sporting goods companies, and firearm manufacturers.[142][157][158][159] From 2005 through 2011, the NRA received at least $14.8 million from more than 50 firearms-related firms.[157] An April 2011 Violence Policy Center presentation said that the NRA had received between $14.7 million and $38.9 million from the firearms industry since 2005.[159] In 2008, Beretta exceeded $2 million in donations to the NRA, and in 2012, Smith & Wesson gave more than $1 million. Sturm, Ruger & Company raised $1.25 million through a program in which it donated $1 to the NRA-ILA for each gun it sold from May 2011 to May 2012. In a similar program, gun buyers and participating stores are invited to "round up" the purchase price to the nearest dollar as a voluntary contribution. According to the NRA's 2010 tax forms, the "round-up" funds have been allocated to both public interest programs and lobbying.[142]

Public opinion and image

A Reuters/Ipsos poll in April 2012 found that 82% of Republicans and 55% of Democrats saw the NRA "in a positive light".[160] In seven of eight Gallup polls between 1993 and 2015, a majority of Americans reported holding a favorable opinion of the NRA. Its highest rating was at 60% favourability in 2005 (with 34% unfavourable), while its lowest rating was at 42% favourability in 1995 (with 51% unfavourable). In October 2015, 58% of Americans held a favorable opinion of the NRA, though there was a wide spread among political affiliations: 77% of conservatives, 56% of moderates and 30% of liberals held this view.[161]

A Washington Post/ABC News poll in January 2013 showed that only 36% of Americans had a favorable opinion of the NRA leadership.[162]

A 2017 poll conducted by the political action committee Americans for Responsible Solutions, which supports gun control, exclusively questioned 661 gun owners. 26% of the respondents stated they were a member of the NRA. The ARS reported that less than 50% of gun owners polled believed the NRA represented their interests, while 67% of them somewhat or strongly agreed with the statement that it had been "overtaken by lobbyists and the interests of gun manufacturers and lost its original purpose and mission." The NRA disputed the poll's veracity in an e-mail sent to Politico, which had published the story.[163]

The NRA has been called the "the oldest continuously operating civil liberties organization" and "one of the largest and best-funded lobbying organizations" in the United States by The Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues and Ashok Sharma.[164][165] The NRA was founded to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis." The NRA began promoting gun rights in 1934.[166][167]

Criticism

Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) speaking at an event for Mayors Against Illegal Guns

The National Rifle Association has been criticized by newspaper editorial boards, gun control and gun rights advocacy groups, political commentators, and politicians. Democrats and liberals frequently criticize the organization.[12][13][168] The NRA's oldest organized critics include the gun control advocacy groups the Brady Campaign, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV), and the Violence Policy Center (VPC). Twenty-first century groups include Everytown for Gun Safety (formerly Mayors Against Illegal Guns), Moms Demand Action, and Americans for Responsible Solutions.

Political involvement

In 1995, former U.S. President George H. W. Bush resigned his life membership to the organization after receiving a National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) fund-raising letter, signed by executive vice president Wayne LaPierre, that referred to ATF agents as "jack-booted government thugs".[169][170] The NRA later apologized for the letter's language.[171]

In December 2008, The New York Times editorial board criticized the NRA's attacks, which it called false and misleading, on Barack Obama's presidential campaign.[172]

After Donald Trump's election, the NRA closely aligned with Trump.[173] At an event in February 2018, Trump said that he was a "big fan of the NRA" but said that "that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything."[174]

A number of observers have argued that the NRA has become a partisan organization, focusing overwhelmingly on supporting the Republican Party. They argue that the NRA does not support Democratic candidates, even when the Democrat holds pro-gun views, and that the organization supports Republican causes even when they are unrelated to gun rights.[175][173][failed verification]

Gun control

In February 2013, USA Today editors criticized the NRA for flip-flopping on expansion of universal background checks to private and gun show sales, which NRA now opposes.[176]

In March 2014, The Washington Post criticized the NRA's interference in government research on gun violence,[177] and both Post and Los Angeles Times editors criticized its opposition of Vivek Murthy for U.S. Surgeon General.[178]

A survey of NRA members found that the majority support certain gun control policies, such as a universal background check:

For instance, 84% of gun owners and 74% of NRA members (vs. 90% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a universal background-check system for all gun sales; 76% of gun owners and 62% of NRA members (vs. 83% of non-gun owners) supported prohibiting gun ownership for 10 years after a person has been convicted of violating a domestic-violence restraining order; and 71% of gun owners and 70% of NRA members (vs. 78% of non-gun owners) supported requiring a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison for a person convicted of selling a gun to someone who cannot legally have a gun.[179]

Gun manufacturing industry

Critics have charged that the NRA represents the interests of gun manufacturers rather than gun owners.[180][181][182][183] For example, in 2011, Violence Policy Center executive director Josh Sugarmann, said: "Today's NRA is a virtual subsidiary of the gun industry. While the NRA portrays itself as protecting the 'freedom' of individual gun owners, it's actually working to protect the freedom of the gun industry to manufacture and sell virtually any weapon or accessory".[159]

Mass shootings

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting

Total U.S. deaths by year in mass shootings: 1982 to 2016[184]

Following the high-profile 2012 shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, the organization began to become the focus of intense criticism, due to its continued refusal to endorse any new restrictions on assault-style gun ownership, or to endorse any other types of new restrictions on gun ownership.[185][158][186] While supporters say the organization advances their rights to buy and own guns according to the constitution's Second Amendment, some critics have described it as a "terrorist organization" for advocating policies that enable and permit the widespread distribution and sale of assault-style weapons, and for its opposition to any other types of restrictions on gun sales or use.[187][188][189]

In December 2012, following the shooting, NRA broke its social media silence and media blackout to announce a press conference.[190] At the event, LaPierre announced an NRA-backed effort to assess the feasibility of placing armed security officers in the nation's 135,000 public and private schools under a "National School Shield Program". He called on Congress "to act immediately to appropriate whatever is necessary". The announcement came in the same week after President Obama had stated his support for a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.[191][192][193]

The NRA has been criticized for their media strategy following mass shootings in the United States. After the Sandy Hook shooting the NRA released an online video which attacked Obama and mentioned Obama's daughters; New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called it "reprehensible" and said that it demeaned the organization.[194] A senior lobbyist for the organization later characterized the video as "ill-advised".[195]

2017 Las Vegas shooting

After the October 2017 shooting at a concert in Las Vegas, which left 58 people dead and 851 injured, the NRA was initially criticized for their silence.[196] After four days they issued a statement opposing additional gun control laws, which they said would not stop further attacks, and calling for a federal law allowing people who have a concealed carry permit in one state to carry concealed weapons in all other states. The organization also suggested additional regulations on so-called bump fire stocks, which allow a semi-automatic weapon to function like a machine gun; the Las Vegas shooter had used such a device.[197]

Stoneman Douglas High School shooting

In February 2018 a school shooting at a high school in Florida left 17 dead, and student survivors organized a movement called Never Again MSD to demand passage of certain gun control measures. Many of the students blamed the NRA, and the politicians who accept money from the organization, for preventing enactment of any gun control proposals after previous high profile shootings.[198][199] An NRA spokesman responded by blaming the shooting on the FBI and the media.[200] The NRA also issued a statement that the incident was proof that more guns were immediately required in schools in the hands of a bolstered force of armed security personnel in order to "harden" them against any further similar assaults.[201] A Florida law passed in the wake of the shooting, which includes a provision to ban the sale of firearms to people under 21, was immediately challenged in federal court by the NRA on the grounds that it is "violating the constitutional rights of 18- to 21-year-olds."[202][203]

Boycott

The NRA offers corporate discounts to its members at various businesses through its corporate affiliate programs. For several years, and increasingly in the aftermath of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, "affiliate companies" have been targeted in social media as part of a boycott effort[204] to terminate their business relationships with the NRA.[205] As a result of this boycott movement, several major corporations such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Hertz, Symantec, and MetLife have disaffiliated from the NRA, while others, such as FedEx have refused to disaffiliate.[206][207][208]

Media campaigns

In 2017, Zack Beauchamp of Vox and Mark Sumner of Daily Kos criticized a video advertisement from the NRA. In the video, Dana Loesch runs through a list of wrongs committed by an unspecified "they":

They use their media to assassinate real news. They use their schools to teach children that the president is another Hitler. They use their movie stars, and singers, and comedy shows, and award shows to repeat their narrative over and over again. And then they use their ex-president to endorse the resistance. All to make them march. Make them protest. Make them scream racism and sexism and xenophobia and homophobia. To smash windows, burn cars, shut down interstates and airports, bully and terrorize the law abiding. Until the only option left is for the police to do their jobs and stop the madness. And when that happens, they'll use it as an excuse for their outrage. The only way we stop this. The only way we save our country and our freedom, is to fight this violence of lies with the clenched fist of truth.

Sumner alleged the NRA was trying to boost gun sales by "convincing half of America to declare war on the other half." Beauchamp wrote, "It's a paranoid vision of American life that encourages the NRA's fans to see liberals not as political opponents, but as monsters."[209]

Pro-gun rights criticism

Pro-gun rights critics include Gun Owners of America (GOA), founded in the 1970s because some gun rights advocates believed the NRA was too flexible on gun issues.[210]: 110–111  Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO) has also disagreed with NRA for what it perceives as a willingness to compromise on gun control.[211] The National Association for Gun Rights criticizes the NRA as not being conservative enough or not sufficiently protective of gun rights.[212][213] In June 2014, an open carry group in Texas threatened to withdraw its support of the NRA if it did not retract its statements critical of the practice. The NRA-ILA's Chris Cox said the statements were a staffer's personal opinion and a mistake.[214]

List of past and present leaders

Presidents

Presidents of the NRA are elected by the board of directors.

Directors

Notable directors, past and present, include:[121]

See also

References

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  3. ^ a b "Remarkable Finding from Pew Survey on NRA membership". National Rifle Association Institute of Legislative Action. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
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  6. ^ Carter, Gregg Lee, ed. (2012). "National Rifle Association (NRA)". Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO. pp. 616–20. ISBN 978-0313386701. Retrieved June 6, 2014. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is the nation's largest, oldest, and most politically powerful interest group that opposes gun laws and favors gun rights. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ More gun rights sources:
    • Carter, Greg Lee (2006). Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO. p. 285. ISBN 978-1851097609. Almost all of [the groups listed] are readily classifiable as either advocating a 'gun control' or a 'gun rights' position.
    • Knox, Neal (2009). Knox, Christopher (ed.). Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War. MacFarlane Press. p. 159. ISBN 978-0976863304. One of the few advantages – possibly the only advantage – that supporters of gun rights hold is the fact that there are more one-issue voters on the pro-gun side than on the anti-gun side.
    • Patterson, Samuel C.; Eakins, Keith R. (1998). "Congress and Gun Control". In Bruce, John M.; Wilcox, Clyde (eds.). The Changing Politics of Gun Control. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 0847686159. OCLC 833118449. Retrieved April 8, 2014. During the gun control legislation battles of the 1960s, the NRA, although it had no registered lobbyists, was the most powerful gun rights organization. It still enjoys this distinction, although it has undergone significant change. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
    • Utter, Glenn H. (2011). Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights. Grey House. ISBN 978-1592376728.
    • Wellford, Charles F; Pepper, John V; Petrie, Carol V, eds. (2013) [Print ed. 2005]. Firearms and Violence: A Critical Review (Electronic ed.). Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. p. 283. ISBN 0309546400. Another commentator pointed out, however, that a significant number of the articles supporting the individual right model published between 1970 and 1989 were written by lawyers who had either been employed by or who represented gun rights organizations, including the NRA.
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