The National Rifle Association

During the “War of Northern Aggression” known by some as the American Civil War, it was common knowledge that the troops of the Confederacy displayed marksmanship skills that far surpassed those of the Union troops. After all, boys like my great grandfather had grown up in a primarily agrarian society and hunted the woodlands, the mountains and plains for much of the meat that was put on the table. The northern lads were primarily city boys and though they had far more equipment due to the much greater manufacturing capabilities in the North, for the most part they “couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a shotgun standing on the inside” as granddaddy used to say.   

After the war, deeply troubled by the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops, Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate formed the National Rifle Association in 1871. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial of the day written by Col. Church.

And so began the NRA, America’s leading firearms training organization. Since it’s inception the NRA has grown to be much more. Today the NRA is known at America’s preeminent shooting, training, educational and public service organization fostering the safe, responsible ownership and use of firearms.

The membership of the NRA has included seven U. S. Presidents, several Chief Justices of the U. S. Supreme Court, scores of members of the Congress and Senate and a very long list of America’s very best and brightest in the fields of diplomacy, military science criminal justice and law enforcement as well as millions upon millions of average U. S. Citizens like your self and many of your neighbors.  

·      Protect and defend the Constitution of the United States especially in respect of the Second Amendment which establishes what many, from the likes of Washington and Jefferson to Americans today see as America’s original Homeland Security.

·      Promote public safety, law and order and the national defense

·      Train citizens and members of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Armed Forces in the safe handling and efficient use of firearms

·      Promote hunter safety and proper wildlife management and

·      Foster and promote the shooting sports at the local, state, national and international levels.  

 For more on the NRA and it’s training programs such as Hunter safety, NRA Police Firearms Instructor certification program, Eddie Eagle® Gun Safety Program for children, Refuse To Be A Victim^{® and} a whole host of other educational and training programs, click here. 

If you would like to join the NRA, renew your membership, make a donation or join the Business alliance program click here.