The NRA, or National Rifle Association, is one of the most famous organizations in the USA – its members believe in the right to bear arms, one of the cornerstones of the US Constitution. They have made headlines multiple times due to their strong views on guns, specifically gun control across the US – but, millions of people are registered with the group in the interest of looking after their own firearms. Here are some fun facts about the NRA
1. The NRA is over a century old.
The NRA may sound like more of a modern group, however, it was actually founded in 1871. It was created by two Union Army veterans, Colonel William Church and General George Wingate.
2. It is a non-profit organization.
One of the lesser-known details about the NRA is that it’s a non-profit organization, completely supported and funded by its members. It was originally established to improve the marksmanship of American citizens but has since made gun ownership rights a priority.
3. It has an important motto.
The NRA’s motto is “The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” This, of course, refers to the second amendment of the US Constitution, which refers specifically to citizens’ rights to “keep and bear arms.”
4. It has millions of members!
The NRA reportedly has about 4.3 million members at the time of last recording. However, the number of people registered with the group has decreased since 2021.
5. The group is passionate about promoting gun safety.
Although the NRA is perhaps best known to non-members as a pro-gun rights organization, it is also involved in multiple firearm safety education programs. These include the popular Eddie Eagle GunSafe program for children. The program’s goal is to teach children what to do if they find a firearm: “Stop! Don’t touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.”
6. It has significant political influence in the US.
The NRA famously lobbies the US Congress for gun rights and publicly endorses political candidates who support their positions. In fact, the NRA’s lobbying arm is known as the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), which focuses on legislative and political activities.
7. The NRA has its own museum!
The official NRA Museum is based in Fairfax, Virginia, and has a vast collection of firearms from various historical periods. It’s a great day out for anyone with even a mild interest in historic weaponry!
8. It has multiple magazines.
No – not litreal gun magazines, but those you read! The NRA publishes popular reading material for gun owners such as “American Rifleman,” “American Hunter,” and “America’s First Freedom.”
9. It offers firearm safety classes for adults, too.
It’s not just kids who benefit from the NRA’s safety precautions – as they also offer a wide range of firearm training courses. These include basic firearm safety, self-defense, and competitive shooting.
10. It is a very controversial group.
Due to its strong stance on gun rights, the NRA often faces criticism. Many are against its stance on gun control laws and its influence on US politics. In fact, the NRA has been involved in various legal challenges related to gun rights and the regulation of firearms. The conversation has only gotten more heated over the years as a result of public shootings.
FAQs about the NRA
Does the UK have an NRA?
The UK does have its own NRA, which was founded back in 1859. However, as there are no constitutional rights to keep and bear arms in the UK, this organization offers a slightly different purpose. Specifically, it’s a governing body that covers pistol and full-bore rifle sports.
How many gun owners are in America?
It is very difficult to say how many people own a gun in the United States of America, as there are many unregistered guns. It is believed that about 40% of Americans own or live with someone who owns a gun in their household.
Who is the current leader of the NRA?
The current leader of the NRA as of 2023 is Charles L. Cotton. He is also the moderator of TexasCHLForum.com, an online discussion forum about gun ownership.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/USA
https://home.nra.org/
https://www.nraila.org/
Do you know any interesting facts about the NRA? Share them in the comments below!