Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Which Is Better To Join? NRA or GOA?

[crobertson1]

And why? Thanks.

 

[jgillott]

And why? Thanks.

NRA member here. I'm honestly not very familiar with the Gun Owners of America. Their site is located at Gun Owners of America.

 

[DWordinger]

I am a life member of both. The NRA never fails to disappoint me with their compromising politics. When Clinton ran against the anti gun rights Bob Dole, the NRA encouraged its members to hold their noses and vote for Dole because Clinton would be worse. Clinton won, and was no friend of the Bill of Rights, but his assault weapons ban expired and I can't believe we are any worse now than we would have been with Dole. Would the Republican congress stand against a Republican president as it did (to a limited extent) the Democrat president? Any anti gun movements from Dole could have sailed through Congress.



The NRA backed Bush, who said he would renew Clinton's assault weapons ban if Congress would send it to him.



For years the NRA rightly criticized McCain for his McCain Feingold Incumbent Protection Act and the McCain Lieberman Act to close all gun shows. This was the candidate the NRA backed in the last election. The could have endorsed Dr. Ron Paul, an uncompromising supporter of the Bill of Rights, but chose not to. The didn't even support Bob Barr, a member of the NRA Board of Directors and the Libertarian candidate for President.



The NRA supported the waiting period for gun purchases, which assumes you are a felon until proven otherwise. More recently the NRA has supported the Veterans' Disarmament Act.



In 1996 the NRA could have supported the pro gun rights Harry Browne rather than "hold your nose" Dole. This could have put the Republicans on notice that the NRA would not support any undeserving Republican just because he was less undeserving than the Democrat. Had they done that, maybe the Republicans would have nominated Dr. Paul, or at least Huckabee this time. Or this time they could have backed their own Bob Barr sith some hope of success. Unfortunately principles and foresight are not the NRA's strong points.



The NRA has a much larger membership than the GOA and therefor more clout with Congress. For the half of the time they do stand for principle this large membership is a good thing. I wish more people would join the GOA.



NRA membership does include a small, limited life insurance policy, and reduced rates on rental cars.

 

[crobertson1]

That's the kind of info I'm after. I'm leaning towards GOA, however, since the NRA has the most clout, that may be the way to go.

 

[The patriot]

I am a life member of both. The NRA never fails to disappoint me with their compromising politics. When Clinton ran against the anti gun rights Bob Dole, the NRA encouraged its members to hold their noses and vote for Dole because Clinton would be worse. Clinton won, and was no friend of the Bill of Rights, but his assault weapons ban expired and I can't believe we are any worse now than we would have been with Dole. Would the Republican congress stand against a Republican president as it did (to a limited extent) the Democrat president? Any anti gun movements from Dole could have sailed through Congress.



The NRA backed Bush, who said he would renew Clinton's assault weapons ban if Congress would send it to him.



For years the NRA rightly criticized McCain for his McCain Feingold Incumbent Protection Act and the McCain Lieberman Act to close all gun shows. This was the candidate the NRA backed in the last election. The could have endorsed Dr. Ron Paul, an uncompromising supporter of the Bill of Rights, but chose not to. The didn't even support Bob Barr, a member of the NRA Board of Directors and the Libertarian candidate for President.



The NRA supported the waiting period for gun purchases, which assumes you are a felon until proven otherwise. More recently the NRA has supported the Veterans' Disarmament Act.



In 1996 the NRA could have supported the pro gun rights Harry Browne rather than "hold your nose" Dole. This could have put the Republicans on notice that the NRA would not support any undeserving Republican just because he was less undeserving than the Democrat. Had they done that, maybe the Republicans would have nominated Dr. Paul, or at least Huckabee this time. Or this time they could have backed their own Bob Barr sith some hope of success. Unfortunately principles and foresight are not the NRA's strong points.



The NRA has a much larger membership than the GOA and therefor more clout with Congress. For the half of the time they do stand for principle this large membership is a good thing. I wish more people would join the GOA.



NRA membership does include a small, limited life insurance policy, and reduced rates on rental cars.

That sums up my views of the two groups.

With the NRA your wrights will be "compromised" away slowly.

Compromise isnt really the correct term. With a compromise you GET something in return that you didnt expect. (like say a nationwide CCW bill)

Well anyway you get the idea.

Eric

 

[GHarman]

If you can, Join the NRA, support the GOA and the Citizens Commitee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. The're all good, each has a nitch. Use 'em! GregH

 

[SWCook]

Join both as they are large and powerful organizations, also look into state organizations near you.



Every little bit helps.



I will leave you with this, think about how many get out and fight for our rights to Keep and Bear Arms... ... . now think about all those that sit on the sidelines, provide dialog over the dinner table, lunch counter and internet forums without ever writing, emailing, calling or meeting with their local, state and federal politicians regarding the reinstatement of our 2nd Amendment Rights?



Be the one of the few that makes things happen, because millions are sitting on the sidelines and their only hope is the few that are actually doers instead of talkers.