The National Rifle Association

Author(s):

The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

Editor(s):

The Editors of The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

Home Organizations The National Rifle Association

2 min read

Table of Contents

Cite

Feedback

Introduction

The National Rifle Association America of America (NRA) is a prominent gun rights advocacy group founded in 1871 to promote rifle marksmanship. Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate formed the NRA after having witnessed an unsatisfactory level of marksmanship skill amongst their troops. Today, it is a leading gun rights lobbying organization and also focuses on teaching firearm safety and competency. The NRA has nearly 5 million claimed members, making it highly influential in U.S. politics. Its lobbying division, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), manages its political action committee (PAC), which has participated in shaping legislation, initiating lawsuits, and endorsing or opposing candidates at various levels of government.

Programs

NRA, National Rifle Association, sign promotes membership of NRA, Texas.

The National Rifle Association owns the National Firearms Museum in Virginia and the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum in Missouri, both showcasing historical firearms. The NRA publishes various periodicals, including American Rifleman. It sponsors firearm safety programs like “Eddie Eagle” for children and trains firearm instructors. In the past, the NRA was involved in Olympic shooting. The organization supports marksmanship training and hosts the National Rifle and Pistol Matches. The NRA collaborates with other organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and 4-H, contributing to youth shooting programs. It also holds annual meetings with notable attendance, including prominent political figures.