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January 29th, 2022

Saturday at the Movies: Five Entertaining Colion Noir Videos

Colion Noir video second amendment

Colion Noir video second amendmentColion Noir is one of the most popular gun-centric social media personalities. His YouTube Channel boasts 1.97 million subscribers while his Top 10 most popular videos have each been watched over 1.5 million times. Remarkably, his #1 video (linked below), has racked up 12 million views — which may be some kind of record for a satirical gun video. (Watch it, we guarantee you’ll have a chuckle or two).

One reason Colion Noir has been so successful, is that he’s a bright guy (with a law degree) and a genuine passion for firearms and the Second Amendment. Noir’s sponsor Mossberg notes that: “Colion [combines] intelligence with wit to provide frank observations about gun control and 2nd Amendment rights. A lawyer by trade, Colion’s … platform allowed him to reach and attract a new generation of gun owners with timely, important messages about gun ownership, gun rights, and the issues of gun control.”

Seven Types of People at the Gun Range

12 million viewsMostly satire, but lots of truth in the characterizations. Laughter guaranteed.


Colion Noir video second amendment

Editor: Folks, do take the time to watch this video. It is very entertaining, very clever, and it makes some important observations about problematic personalities you’ll see at gun ranges. There is a reason this video has racked up over 12 million views.

Why You Shouldn’t Get into Guns (Because It Can Be Expensive)

3.9 million viewsBe forewarned this might help you justify adding to your gun collection.

Behind the Ammo Shortage — Interview with Nosler President

1.6 million viewsExcellent insights from a top industry Executive.

Benelli M4 Shotgun — Superb 12ga Semi-Auto for Defense

229,000 viewsColion Noir delivers a great review of an iconic, best-in-class defensive shotgun.

Ruger Mark IV Suppressed — The One Gun Everyone Should Own

824,000 viewsYes, everyone should have a .22LR semi-auto and the suppressor adds to the fun

Texan Colion Noir is an attorney and owner of N.O.I.R. Inc. a production company dedicated to the modern firearms industry and Gun Lifestyle. He produces a popular YouTube Channel, runs the Mrcolionnoir.com website, and has hosted the NOIR show for NRA Freestyle Channel. Colion has written: “I’m [a] 2nd Amendment advocate, reviewer of all things gun, an urban (city) gun enthusiast and one of many who personify the Pew Pew Lifestyle.” Colion Noir now owns more than 50 guns.

Colion Noir video second amendment
Image from Real Time with Bill Maher TV interview.

“Colion Noir” is public identity created a decade ago back when Colion started making videos. He was born Collins Iyare Idehen Jr., the son of two Nigerian immigrants. Noir was raised in southwest Houston, and was trained to respect “facts, logic, and reason”. He started his shooting hobby while attending Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. READ Colion Noir Bio Profile.

Colion Noir video second amendment
Colion Noir testing Daniel Defense MK12 AR-platform rifle in YouTube video.

Permalink - Videos, Gear Review, Handguns 1 Comment »
January 2nd, 2022

NRA Perpetual Trophies — Connecting Past to Present

Leech Cup Wimbledon Trophy Cup NRA SSUSA.org
Stunners in silver. Above are the NRA Leech Cup (left) and Wimbledon Cup (right).

Shooting Sports USA has a fascinating article about the Perpetual Trophies awarded in national-level NRA matches. The story recounts the history behind the elaborate trophies, some from the 1870s. SSUSA’s Jennifer Pearsall writes: “The pieces of wood, stone and precious metal … are more than just instant recognition of achievement. They are the link of the American shooter’s present to his or her patriotic past. As you read this legacy of the NRA ranges, their founders, and the long list of cups, bowls, and plaques, realize that the history of competitive shooting is undeniably a significant part of the foundation of this country”. Read Full Trophy Story HERE.

The NRA was co-founded by Col. William Church and Gen. George Wood Wingate (ranked Captain at the time). Both Church and Wingate hoped to improved the marksmanship skills of American soldiers. One of the newly-formed NRA’s first actions was to issue: “An Act to Establish a Rifle Range and Promote Skill in Marksmanship”. That led to the opening of the famed Creedmoor Range, with a special inaugural match in June of 1873.

Many of the awards presented in the first NRA matches were cash or firearms. Some of these firearms were heavily embellished works of art. In the very first match, a member of the 22nd New York Regiment took home a gold-mounted Winchester Model 1866 valued at $100 — big money for the time.

Leech Cup Wimbledon Trophy Cup NRA SSUSA.org
In the 1870s shooting competitions were social as well as sporting events. Ladies and gentlemen came to watch and cheer the winners. This illustration, originally from Harpers Weekly, portrays the shooters and the viewing gallery at the 1876 Grand Centennial Championship — the “Palma” Match.

The Leech Cup — A Gift from Ireland
The Leech Cup was created for the first meeting of the American and Irish shooting teams. The elaborate cup was presented by Major Arthur Leech, captain of the the Irish team, to the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. This masterpiece of Irish silversmithing was later given to the NRA in 1901 by the New York Club. Today, the Leech Cup is the oldest trophy offered in overall NRA competitive target shooting, awarded through the National High Power Long Range Championships.

Michelle Gallagher with Leech Cup in 2013.
Leech Cup Wimbledon Trophy Cup NRA SSUSA.org

The Wimbledon Cup
The Wimbledon Trophy was a gift from the NRA of Great Britain. It was given, as a gesture of sportsmanship, after the the U.S. Team was denied the ability to compete in England’s Elcho Shield match, then limited to Britain, Scotland, and Ireland. To maintain friendly competitive relations, the British presented the Americans with a large, engraved, lion-footed tankard trophy to be awarded each year to the Champion U.S. long-distance rifleman.

Wimbledon Trophy Cup NRA SSUSA.org

Palma Trophy Facts Team Match National Camp Perry Tiffany'sThe Palma Team Trophy
Originally named the Centennial Trophy, in honor of the Centennial celebration of the independence of the United States of America, the Palma Trophy was commissioned from Tiffany’s at a cost of $1,500. The trophy was a full-sized replica of a Roman Legion standard, executed in bronze with silver and gold inlay. On the banner of the standard was the legend, “In the name of the United States of America to the Riflemen of the world”. Above the banner was an eagle, bearing in its talons a wreath of palm leaves and a plaque on which was the single word, “PALMA”, the Latin word for palm tree, which was used by the Romans to signify victory, or the ultimate in excellence.

Because the word Palma was so easily seen, the trophy soon became known as the “Palma Trophy”, and by 1878 was referred to officially by that name. The original seven and one-half foot trophy is now lost, having not been seen since at least 1954. Serving in its place is a copy which was commissioned by Dr. Herbert M. Aitken of Eau Claire, WI. The copy was made from the original Tiffany blue-prints at a cost of $32,500. Dr. Aitken has given this copy of the Palma Trophy to the NRA for use in the Palma Match. The trophy is retained by the winning team until the next Palma Match.

In 2008, the Palma Trophy was returned to the NRA, and it was decided that the trophy, once refurbished, will travel to the host nation for the match every four years, then returned to the NRA for safekeeping.

The first competition for the Palma Team was a challenge match for which the British Commonwealth nations were invited. The match was fired in 1876 at the old Creedmoor Range on Long Island as part of the Centennial celebration of the United States. Teams representing Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States took part. The match is currently fired on a four-year interval.

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December 18th, 2021

Gunmakers and NSSF File Suit to Overturn New York Law

lawsuit new york nssf public nuisance gun industry Smith Wesson Glock SIG Sauer

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and fourteen firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers has filed a major lawsuit in Federal Court, NSSF et al vs. Letitia James (N.Y. Atty. General). This action seeks to overturn New York States “public nuisance” law which targets gun makers for the criminal misuse/unlawful possession of firearms in New York no matter where they were purchased. The plaintiffs also moved for a preliminary injunction challenging the misguided New York statute as unconstitutional.

The NSSF brought this legal action to “uphold the foundations of tort law, fight government overreach, and protect the firearm businesses that lawfully operate and employ over 340,000 Americans.” Along with the NSSF, the other 14 plaintiffs include: Beretta USA, Central TX Gun Works, Davidson’s, Glock, Hornady Mfg., Lipsey’s, Osage Co. Guns, RSR Group, Shedhorn Sports, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Sports South, Sprague’s Sports, and Sturm Ruger & Company.

The challenged law, signed by disgraced Democratic Party Governor Andrew Cuomo, allows civil lawsuits by municipalities, such as the city of New York, as well as the State of New York, against the firearm industry for the criminal actions by non-associated third parties. The “public nuisance” statute also permits private lawsuits by persons who have been harmed or threatened by criminals using firearms. Both New York State and the City of New York were part of a wave of similar lawsuits filed over twenty years ago that led to Congress passing the bipartisan PLCAA in 2005.

New York’s “public nuisance” law subjects firearm industry companies to civil lawsuits for the criminal misuse or unlawful possession of firearms in New York. The law would impose liability on industry members for firearms lawfully sold anywhere in the United States that end up being criminally misused or illegally possessed in New York thereby allegedly contributing to a “public nuisance” in the state. The NSSF lawsuit challenges the New York law as preempted by the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). It also challenges the law as unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution. The lawsuit further challenges the law as an impermissible attempt by New York State to regulate interstate commerce in violation of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

The NSSF states that “New York is trying to use the threat of crushing liability to coerce out-of-state businesses to adopt sales practices and procedures not required by Congress or the law of the state where they operate. The Constitution reserves the power to regulate interstate commerce solely to Congress.”

(more…)

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October 4th, 2021

Wayne LaPierre Re-Elected as NRA Executive VP and CEO

Wayne LaPierre NRA CEO executive Vice President Charlotte NC meeting

On October 1, 2021 the National Rifle Association (NRA) held its Annual Meeting of Members in Charlotte, North Carolina. This meeting was hastily organized after the cancellation of the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston slated for September 3-5, 2021. The Annual Meeting of Members preceded the NRA Board of Directors meeting. This year marks the 150-year anniversary of the founding of the NRA.

The major news from the meeting is that Wayne LaPierre, who turns 72 next month, remains in charge of the National Rifle Association. LaPierre was re-elected as Executive Vice President/CEO by the NRA Board of Directors. LaPierre has held the NRA’s top position since 1991.

Texas Attorney Charles Cotton Is New NRA President
Charles Cotton was elected NRA President. Cotton is an attorney from Texas. He is a competitive action pistol shooter and a life member/consultant with the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA). Cotton is also the founder of the Youth Action Pistol League, a program for junior shooters. He has served on the NRA Board of Directors for well over a decade, and was previously the NRA First Vice President.

“It is the honor of a lifetime for a guy who grew up hunting and plinking to become president of this 150-year-old organization – and serve our 5 million members in their fight for the Second Amendment”, stated new NRA President Charles Cotton.

1/22/2021 Interview with then NRA First VP Charles Cotton regarding NRA Bankruptcy Filings.
Cotton is now President of the NRA.

Other important new NRA executives taking office are Lt. Col. Willes K. Lee (ret.) First Vice President, and David Coy Second Vice President. Retaining their offices are NRA Secretary/General Counsel John Frazer and NRA Treasurer Sonya B. Rowling. Jason Ouimet was re-appointed as Executive Director for the Institute for Legislative Action and Joseph De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director, General Operations.

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September 30th, 2021

How to Succeed When Hunting — Tips & Tactics from Kristy Titus

Kristy Titus hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. Titus, co-host of the Team Elk TV show, is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In these videos, Kristy discusses demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.

Click each link below to watch other Kristy Titus Hunting Videos.

Kristy Titus hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

Kristy Titus preparing for hunt positional shooting hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

Kristy Titus follow up shots hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

Kristy Titus hunter hunting video bipod shooting ethical shots position

Kristy Titus hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

“When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’,” says Titus. “When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”

Kristy Titus hunter hunting video bipod shooting position

Permalink - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, Shooting Skills No Comments »
August 24th, 2021

NRA 2021 Annual Meetings & Exhibits Have Been CANCELLED

cancel cancellation NRA Convention Houston Texas Annual Meetings Exhibits 2021

Breaking News — The NRA has CANCELLED the 2021 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits scheduled for September 3-5, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

Here is the NRA’s official Statement:

Important Announcement: NRA Annual Meeting Cancellation
Due to concern over the safety of our NRA family and community, we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This cancellation applies to all events and meetings that were scheduled in Houston. We will provide future notification regarding a rescheduled date for the annual Meeting of Members.

We make this difficult decision after analyzing relevant data regarding COVID-19 in Harris County, Texas. We also consulted with medical professionals, local officials, major sponsors & exhibitors, and many NRA members before arriving at this decision. The NRA Annual Meeting welcomes tens of thousands of people, and involves many events, meetings, and social gatherings. Among the highlights of our annual meeting are acres of exhibit space featuring the latest and greatest firearms, the display of countless accessories, and the offering of adventures and group gatherings that many travel hundreds, and some even thousands, of miles to experience. We realize that it would prove difficult, if not impossible, to offer the full guest experience that our NRA members deserve.

The NRA’s top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of our members, staff, sponsors, and supporters. We are mindful that NRA Annual Meeting patrons will return home to family, friends and co-workers from all over the country, so any impacts from the virus could have broader implications. Those are among the reasons why we decided to cancel our 2021 event.

We would like to thank our members, attendees, exhibitors, and staff for their understanding and support. We are grateful for the many contributions of the George R. Brown Convention Center, state and local officials, community organizers, area hotels, and countless event venues across Houston. We receive enormous support from Houston and the State of Texas – and we hope to return to the Bayou City for a full annual meeting experience.

The NRA looks forward to a Celebration of Freedom in Louisville in May 2022. In the meantime, we will support many other NRA local events and smaller gatherings – in a manner that is protective of our members and celebrates our Second Amendment freedom.

We wish continued health and safety to our entire NRA family.

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July 17th, 2021

U.S. Concealed Carry Association Surpasses 600,000 Members

USCCA Concealed Carry Permit

The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has now surpassed 600,000 total members. That’s a 20% increase since the fall of 2020 when the USCCA hit 500,000 members. The USCCA’s membership growth has paralleled the huge increase in gun sales during 2020 and 2021. Last year the FBI ran 39.7 million firearm background checks — a new one-year record. And the FBI has processed 22.2 million firearm-related background checks so far in 2021.

With this remarkable rise in membership numbers, the USCCA is now the fastest-growing association dedicated to gun owners who carry firearms. Milestones achieved by the USCCA in 2020 include:

Trained an estimated 100,000 firearms owners
Certified 2,000+ new instructors and partners

Grew Ranks of instructors to over 5,000
Provided over 8,500 training books

USCCA Concealed Carry Permit

“We are committed to the training of all firearms owners, from those who have had the value of self-defense passed down for generations, to those who recently purchased their first firearm,” said said Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the USCCA.

What the USCCA Provides to Members

The USCCA helps gun owners prepare for what happens before, during and after an act of lawful self-defense. In addition to offering education and training, the USCCA provides self-defense liability insurance.

Insurance has been purchased by the USCCA and is one of the benefits of membership in the USCCA. USCCA members are “additional insureds” under a policy issued to the USCCA by Universal Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

USCCA Concealed Carry Permit

The USCCA vs. Other Gun Organizations Offering Insurance

The USCCA is not the only organization offering liability insurance for gun owners and, in particular, CCW permit holders. This video analyzes the pros and cons of different insurance programs offered by three groups: USCCA, U.S. LawShield, and CCW Safe. If you are contemplating getting a CCW permit, you should watch this video.

More Information for Gun Owners with Carry Permits

Panteo Productions has released a series of FREE instructional videos for handgun owners. Co-sponsored by Ruger and Federal, the Handgun 101 video series covers handgun and ammunition nomenclature, handgun functions, basic shooting skills, and the key considerations for concealed carry. The three-part series includes: 1. Intro to Handguns; 2. A Concealed Carry Permit; and 3. Intro to Concealed Carry. All three videos provide valuable information on gun handling and legal issues. These videos are featured on the Panteao website along with other free videos, such as On the Range with Larry Vickers.

Panteo Handgun video concealed carry pistol free

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June 20th, 2021

Register Now for NRA Convention in Texas This September

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

The NRA Convention will be in the Lone Star State this year — in September. Originally slated for May 2021, the National Rifle Association’s 2021 Annual Meetings & Exhibits are now scheduled for September 3-5, 2021 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The 2021 NRA Annual Meetings will celebrate NRA’s 150th anniversary as the oldest civil-rights organization in the country. The Exhibits Hall will be full of product and outfitter displays. More than 850 exhibitors will provide show-goers with a look at the latest firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

Registration is OPEN for the big event. NRA Members can Pre-Register ONLINE Now.
NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is free for all NRA members, while some special events do require tickets. The organization plans to have a powerhouse lineup of political speakers, as well as an event exclusively for women exploring their right to keep and bear arms. Country music artists, seminars, workshops and more are available for the celebration of a lifetime.

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

Get the latest information on the 150th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

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January 16th, 2021

NRA Files for Bankruptcy with Plans to Re-Locate to Texas

NRA Bankruptcy move texas wayne lapierre

On January 15, 2021, the National Rifle Association (NRA) announced it was filing for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy. This is part of a strategic re-organization that will see the NRA abandon New York State and, hopefully, reincorporate in Texas. It is not clear how this move will impact the current legal action brought by New York Atty. General seeking to dissolve the 150-year-old organization, which was founded in 1871. The New York Times reports: “The bankruptcy filing could delay the resolution of the Attorney General’s case while the matter is litigated in Bankruptcy court.” And a lawyer for the NRA, Wm. Brewer III, stated: “Under this [reorganization] plan, the Association wisely seeks protection from New York officials who it believes have illegally weaponized their powers against the NRA and its members.”

NRA Bankruptcy move texas wayne lapierreIn a letter to members, NRA CEO and Executive VP Wayne LaPierre posted: “We are DUMPING New York, and we are pursuing plans to reincorporate the NRA in Texas.” To facilitate the restructuring, the NRA and a subsidiary have filed Ch. 11 petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. LaPierre continued: “The NRA is pursuing reincorporating in a state that values the contributions of the NRA, [that] celebrates our law-abiding members, and will join us as a partner in upholding constitutional freedom. This is a transformational moment in the history of the NRA.”

“The plan allows us to protect the NRA and go forward with a renewed focus on Second Amendment advocacy”, added current NRA President Carolyn Meadows. “We will continue to honor the trust placed in us by employees, members, and other stakeholders[.]” The NRA also announced Marschall Smith will serve as Chief Restructuring Officer. A former Senior VP and General Counsel of 3M Company, Smith has more than 35 years of legal and business experience.

NRA Bankruptcy move texas wayne lapierre

Important Points for Current NRA Members:

1. The NRA is Not Closing Operations — The organization will continue providing services to its members even during the Bankruptcy Proceedings. NRA Leader LaPierre’s letter states: “We will continue to train Americans and teach them firearm safety. We will continue to teach hunter safety” and “We will continue to publish and deliver your magazines.”

2. NRA Memberships Remain in Full Effect — As far as we know, the NRA does NOT plan to nullify or cancel any current NRA memberships through the bankruptcy or re-organization. LaPierre’s letter states: “Importantly, our plans do not impact your membership at any level. NRA supporters will continue to enjoy all their full member benefits – from new members to Life Members to Benefactor Members.

3. The NRA Will Keep HQ in Virginia — The NRA does NOT plan to abandon its current headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. However, NRA officials state they might open additional executive offices in Texas.

4. The NRA Will Continue to Use Membership Funds for Operations — LaPierre’s letter to members states: “All membership dues and financial donations will be fully dedicated to supporting our operations and public advocacy. This plan actually improves our business. It protects us from costly, distracting and unprincipled attacks from anti-2A politicians aimed at attacking the NRA because we are a potent political force.” There is no discussion in the LaPierre letter about changes to executive compensation and benefits, or efforts to replace top leadership. The use of NRA funds by Wayne LaPierre and other high-ranking NRA officials has been challenged by forces both inside and outside the organization. Including special pension benefits it has been stated that LaPierre received over $2.15 million in compensation in 2018.*

NRA Bankruptcy move texas wayne lapierre


*In 2019 the Washington Post reported LaPierre had total 2018 compensation of about $2.15 million after a 57% pay raise. In previous years, he had a lower base salary, but was eligible for large pension payouts. According to Celebrity Net Worth: “Wayne LaPierre’s NRA salary starts at $985,000 per year. In most years he also typically earns a bonus of roughly $150,000. Outside of base salary and bonuses, Wayne participates in the NRA’s employee retirement plan. In 2015 he became old enough to receive a $3.7 million distribution from his retirement account. So in that one year, he earned a bit over $5 million, but in most years his salary is closer to $1 million.”

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January 4th, 2021

National Rifle Association Marks 150th Anniversary in 2021

NRA 150th Anniversary

The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans. Since that beginning, 150 years ago, the goals of the NRA have been to advance marksmanship training, foster sport shooting, protect the rights of gun owners, and preserve Second Amendment freedoms. The NRA now boasts over 5,000,000 members. In 2021, the NRA celebrates 150 years as the nation’s largest association of gun owners and “America’s oldest civil-rights organization”.

NRA 150th Anniversary“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization”, NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.” To take part in NRA’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, you can sign-up online or call 1-866-672-2020 to join.

Over the past century-and-a-half, the NRA has served firearm owners through training, legislative action, and other initiatives that promote sport shooting, hunting, and personal protection. Today, the organization offers a wide range of programs for firearm owners including competitive shooting, hunter education, political action and more.

Online Resources for NRA Members

The NRA has a wide variety of online resource for its members. These include information for competitive shooters, online training for hunters, and firearms safety sites. To access ALL the many NRA online resources go to NRA.org, and then click on the RED “NRA Explore” tab upper left. A pull-down, 3-column directory will appear.

NRA 150th Anniversary

The NRA also offers some very good, informative websites, including Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA.org). Guided by Editor John Parker, SSUSA.org offers dozens of good feature stories every month. We also recommend the American Hunter website, AmericanHunter.org.

NRA 150th Anniversary

NRA Publications Feature 150 Years of NRA History
To mark its 150th Anniversary, the NRA will run historical features in four of its magazines: American Rifleman, American Hunter, America’s 1st Freedom, and Shooting Illustrated. Throughout 2021, each issue will spotlight significant events and leaders that shaped the organization and its mission. The NRA will also publish a showpiece coffee-table book, “NRA — 150 Years Strong”, in September 2021.

NRA 150th Anniversary

The NRA in the Early Years — 1871 to 1907

Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has a good article on the origins and history of the National Rifle Association. This timeline feature covers the first 36 years of NRA history from 1871 to 1907. The NRA was founded in 1871, and 1907 marked the first year of Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

SSUSA explains the NRA’s original mission: “The NRA’s program during its youthful years centered mainly on improving marksmanship among the military. Rifle tournaments at ranges in Creedmoor (NY), Sea Girt (NJ), and Camp Perry (OH) captured the country’s spirit of nationalism and resulted in key improvements in rifles and target scoring. NRA also set standards for military rifle training and even inspired the federal government to form its own segment within the War Department to focus on promoting rifle practice among soldiers as well as civilians.”

NRA history creedmoor sea girt camp perry

1871 — A group of New York National Guardsmen founded the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship training. Figures such as Capt. George Wingate had called for better rifle marksmanship to support the nation’s defense.

1872 — The NRA acquires Creed’s Farm in Long Island, New York for $26,250. Renamed “Creedmoor”, this becomes the NRA’s first range. The first match was held in 1873.

1874 — The NRA hosts its first International Match, shot at the Creedmoor Range in New York.

The First-Ever Creedmoor Challenge Match in 1874
The Irish International Shooting team arrived in New York on the 16th of September and proceeded to “take in the sights”, which was understandable, before some practice at the Creedmoor range. On September 26th they presented themselves for the match with confidence and in high spirits. The crowds that day were reported to be between 5,000 and 10,000 strong, which showed the huge support already growing for the fledgling sport in America.

Arizona Ireland USA American Creedmoor Challenge Cup rifle competition

(more…)

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December 17th, 2020

NRA 2021 Annual Meetings Moved to September in Houston

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

The NRA Convention will be in the Lone Star State next year — in September. Originally slated for May 2021, the National Rifle Association’s 2021 Annual Meetings & Exhibits are now scheduled for September 3-5, 2021 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The 2021 NRA Annual Meetings will celebrate NRA’s 150th anniversary as the oldest civil-rights organization in the country. The Exhibits Hall will be full of product and outfitter displays. More than 850 exhibitors will provide show-goers with a look at the latest firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

Due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 restrictions in 2021 and the impending rollout of a vaccine, NRA made the decision to reschedule its 150th anniversary celebration to give members and exhibitors a chance to make necessary plans. To date, more than 850 exhibitors will provide show-goers with a look at the latest firearms, ammunition and accessories available.

The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is free for all NRA members, while some special events do require tickets. The organization plans to have a powerhouse lineup of political speakers, as well as an event exclusively for women exploring their right to keep and bear arms. Country music artists, seminars, workshops and more are available for the celebration of a lifetime.

NRA 2021 convention Houston TX texas brown convention center 150th anniversary National rifle association meetings

Get the latest information on the 150th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.

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November 30th, 2020

SAF and NRA Challenge Washington Semi-Auto Gun Ban

second amendment foundation washington state initiative 1629 appeal 9th circuit

SAF, NRA File Appeal Brief in Federal Challenge of WA Gun Control Measure
Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, two Washington state gun retailers and three private citizens have filed an appeal brief with the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in their challenge of gun control Initiative 1639 (I-1639), a measure adopted two years ago in the Evergreen State. This appeal in the case of Mitchell vs. Atkins seeks to overturn I-1639’s ban on semi-auto rifle ownership for Washington citizens 18-20 years of age.

The lawsuit challenges the measure on the grounds that it violates the commerce clause by banning sales of rifles to non-residents, and that it unconstitutionally impairs the rights guaranteed by the First, Second and Fourteenth Amendments, and Article I Section 24 of the Washington State constitution by preventing the sale to otherwise qualified adults under age 21 of certain rifles.

The 45-page brief asserts that I-1639: “infringes the rights protected by the Second Amendment and enjoyed by law-abiding adults of all ages. The interstate sales ban violates the Interstate Commerce Clause”. A district court judge in Tacoma dismissed the case in August, and plaintiffs promptly filed notice of appeal with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court in San Francisco.

The initiative prohibits young adults ages 18-20 from purchasing and owning so-called “semiautomatic assault rifles” — defined as literally ANY self-loading rifle, regardless of caliber. Tens of millions of semi-automatic rifles are in use today by law-abiding citizens of all ages for hunting, competition, predator and varmint control, recreational shooting and personal/home protection.

I-1639 Washington state

“We’re asking the Ninth Circuit to reverse a ruling by the lower federal district court, and remand this case back for further action”, said SAF founder/Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb. “The constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens should never be subject to a popular vote, and we are hopeful the Appeals court agrees.”

Plaintiffs are represented by Seattle attorney Joel B. Ard and Spokane attorney David K. DeWolf. The case is known as Mitchell v. Atkins.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

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