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.
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.
Get the latest information on the 150th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.
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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.”
In 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.
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.*
*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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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”.
“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.
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 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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Get the latest information on the 150th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.
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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.
“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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Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris want to take a wide variety of guns away from Americans. (See DNC Platform.) That may prove difficult because Americans own over 393 millions guns according to a recent story. With 393,300,000 firearms in the hands of Americans, that means that there are more guns than people in the USA.
Biden Buy-Back? What could it really cost?
If the Democrats want to confiscate even 10% of firearms with a $500 average buy-back per gun, that could cost nearly $20 BILLION dollars.
Here’s the math for 10% of total guns: 39,300,000 x $500 buyback = $19,650,000,000.00
Where do these numbers come from? This 393 million number comes from the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey. While the USA has roughly 4% of the world’s population, we have nearly 40% of civilian-owned guns on the planet, “ranking the U.S. number one in firearms per capita” (source: WAMU.org. According to the NSSF and Gallup polls there are about 105 to 110 million gun owners in America.
Referring to that same SAS survey, Forbes Magazine noted: “The United States has more guns than people and the research estimates that it had a grand total of 393,300,000 civilian-owned firearms in 2017 — 120.5 for every 100 residents. So how does that compare to other countries? India has a population of 1.35 billion and it comes a very distant second in the gun-ownership league with an estimated 71.1 million weapons. China, the world’s most populous country, comes third with 49.7 million. Pakistan is in fourth place with 43.9 million civilian-owned guns while Russia rounds off the top-five with 17.6 million.”
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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.
“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.”
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Hunting season is starting soon in most areas of the country. Here’s a way you can improve your hunting skills/knowledge. The NRA is offering a FREE online Experienced Hunter Education Course for those preparing to take advantage of the 2020 hunting season.
“As a result of COVID travel restrictions, states have seen a considerable increase in the number of hunting license sales”, said Peter Churchbourne, director of NRA’s Hunters Leadership Forum. “Our Experienced Hunter Education Course provides those who might have taken a season or two off a convenient way to sharpen their skills before heading back into the field.”
NRA’s free 2-hour course is a firearm and hunting safety-training refresher in a convenient and engaging platform available through desktop, tablet, or smartphone. The course is available to everyone at www.NRAEHE.org. NOTE: The course is NOT a substitute for state-mandated hunter safety requirements and does not offer any certifications.
The NRA’s NRA Experienced Hunter Education Course, is an online training program designed to help hunters brush up their skills. Free to all, this comprehensive hunting refresher course will help hunters become safer and more confident before heading out into the field. CLICK HERE for more information.
“If you’ve taken a break from the shooting sports or haven’t hunted in a season or two, our Experienced Hunter Education Course is the perfect refresher for firearms safety and safe hunting practices,” explained Elizabeth Bush, managing director of NRA Community Engagement. “Best of all, we’re offering this service completely free of charge.”
Course Description
This online training course is specifically designed for individuals who have not hunted in the past year or more and are looking for a safety refresher before they head back out in the field. In this course, hunters will have the opportunity to refresh their skills by taking a look at safe hunting practices and firearms safety. Once completed, you will be a safer hunter in the field.
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Election Day is just 61 days away. On November 3, 2020, Americans will head to the polls. For gun owners, this may be the most significant Presidential election in a generation. The Democratic Party, as stated in the DNC platform, intends to severely restrict gun rights, and ban whole classes of firearms.
Nearly 5 million Americans are first-time gun buyers. We hope they, along with ALL gun owners, will vote on November 3rd, and remember which candidates support the Second Amendment. As the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) states: “Current events across the United States demonstrate why the Founding Fathers 230 years ago had the foresight to recognize why the right to keep and bear arms would still be vital today.”
Smith & Wesson Contributes $500,000 to 2020 Gunvote Effort
#GUNVOTE is a vital NSSF campaign to encourage America’s gun owners to register to vote and vote for candidates who support the Second Amendment and gun rights. Go to Action.gunvote.org to learn how to register to vote in your state, and find your polling place.
Firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson has contributed $500,000 to the NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration and education campaign. This is the largest donation the campaign has received to date.
“This election cycle marks a crossroads in the future of the firearms industry and of our very freedom to bear arms,” said Mark Smith, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson. “We must ensure the Second Amendment is protected at every level. It is critical that hunters, recreational target shooters, and all those seeking to exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves and their families be educated and vote in November. [Voters’] choices at the polls will impact the future of all Americans’ free exercise of their constitutional rights.”
Six Companies Will Match NRA-ILA Donations Dollar-for-Dollar
The NRA-ILA has joined forces with with six companies that have pledged to match $1 million in donations made to NRA-ILA through November 15, 2020. The six participating companies are: SIG SAUER, Kel-Tec, Credova, Rock Island Auction Company, Taurus, and Davidson’s Gallery of Guns. If you make a donation to the NRA-ILA, your donation will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, by these six companies. If you give $50, they give $50. If you give $100, they give $100. The maximum matching is $1,000,000.
“These patriotic businesses are pledging vital resources to support and defend the Second Amendment because they understand that our right to own a gun in defense of ourselves and our families is on the ballot in November. By working together with such partners, our membership intends to defeat those … trying to strip our rights away”, said Jason Ouimet, executive director, NRA-ILA.
Through this Partners for Patriotism campaign, anyone who makes a donation to NRA-ILA between now and 11/15/2020 will have their donation matched. Folks can make donations of any size — whatever they can spare. Whatever individuals donate will automatically be doubled by the six participating companies.
With the Presidential election looming, the stakes have never been higher. Joe Biden and his VP candidate Kamala Harris have pledged to enact new laws that could result in rifle confiscation, criminalization of private sales, and banning of online guns and ammo purchases. In addition, Biden and Harris have called for new gun taxes, while Harris has advocated banning guns by Executive Action — rule by fiat, bypassing the legislative process.
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The 2020 NRA Annual Meetings, originally set for June in Nashville, TN, and then rescheduled for September in Springfield, MO, has been moved yet again. This week the NRA announced that the 2020 NRA Annual meeting will be held in Tucson, Arizona, on October 24, 2020, at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort hotel. Here is the NRA’s official announcement of the venue change:
The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce that the 149th Annual Meeting of Members, previously scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2020 in Springfield, Missouri, has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort hotel located at 7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson, Arizona.
The NRA Annual Meeting will take place in the Kiva Ballroom and commence at 9:00 am local time. All members are invited to attend. Please visit nraam.org/membersmeeting for further details and updates on pre-registering.
The NRA has not yet released a full schedule of events. But this will be a meeting of members only — not a multi-day gathering with entertainment and celebrity guests. And there will be no large trade show with hundreds of exhibitors. This is a basic meeting of members only, being held to comply with the NRA’s charter. All NRA members are invited to attend.
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The state of New York, through NY Atty. General Letitia James, has filed suit against the NRA attacking actions by its leadership, claiming that funds were spent improperly. The purpose of the suit, said James, is “to dissolve the organization in its entirety”. This lawsuit originates from New York because the NRA is a New York-chartered organization. In a coordinated legal action, likewise motivated by partisan politics, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine brought suit against the NRA Foundation, claiming the Foundation gave money to the NRA without proper oversight.
About the New York Lawsuit: The NY suit claims NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, Wilson “Woody” Phillips (former NRA treasurer/CFO), Joshua Powell (former chief of staff) and John Frazer (corporate secretary/general counsel) diverted tens of millions of dollars for their personal benefit and enrichment. NY alleges that the “The NRA was serving as a personal piggy bank” for these four men.
About the DC Lawsuit: “Key to the D.C. complaint are a pair of $5 million loans in 2017 and 2018 from the Foundation to the Association. In addition to those loans, the suit alleges the Foundation paid millions in fees to the NRA with no oversight, essentially placing the NRA’s interests above its own. That is a violation of the Foundation’s articles of incorporation.” Source: The Shooting Wire, 8/7/2020.
The NRA Responds — And Files Suit for First Amendment Violations
LaPierre stated that the action by New York is “an unconstitutional, premeditated attack aiming to dismantle and destroy the NRA”. Immediately the NRA began to fight back, filing a countersuit on 8/6/2020 stated that the NY AG’s lawsuit has violated the NRA’s First Amendment rights. NRA President Carolyn Meadows called the NY lawsuit a “baseless, premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend”.
Lawsuits filed against the NRA will be the major issue at the NRA Annual Meeting next month.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation issued a statement condemning the NY Atty. General’s politically-motivated scheme to dissolve the NRA:
“NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization.
The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.
NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.
This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.”
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The NRA remains a vital voice for American gun owners. There have been controversies, but the NRA still remains the largest organization supporting gun rights in the United States. We think that all persons who value the Second Amendment should consider joining the NRA. And if you are already a members, consider extending your membership or getting a Life Membership.
Right now you can SAVE $900 on an NRA Life Membership. And NRAStore is also offering 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year memberships with significant savings — up to 33% Off the regular price. NOTE: These discounts will only be offered for a limited time, so don’t delay.
Here Are Savings Offers on NRA Memberships:
NRA Life Membership discounted from $1500 to $600 — Save $900 (60%)
NRA 5-Year Membership discounted from $150 to $100 — Save $50 (33%)
NRA 3-Year Membership discounted from $100 to $85 — Save $15 (15%)
NRA 1-Year Membership discounted from $45 to $30 — Save $15 (33%)
All memberships include your selection of a monthly print magazine: American Rifleman, American Hunter, Shooting Illustrated, or America’s Freedom.
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In a 
“NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization.
