NRA Membership - By the Numbers

[freestoneangler]

So I just received a mailer yesterday from NRA stating that dues are going up in 2016. They are offering some reduced 1, 2, 3, 5 and life membership rates along with some gifts. Simply running the numbers, I should go ahead and spend the $500 for the life member. Assuming the new 2016 annual rate stays at $40 over my lifetime (which it won't) and I live to the ripe old age of 76 (current average), I would save $340.

The buzz kill is that I want the ceramic hunting knife (3 year gift) vs. the NRA logo backpack that comes with the life option. Also, seems every years annual membership comes with an act now and receive a pocket knife, watch, etc. (I have both of those and a hat), so by opting for the life member, those perks go away.

I'm already a Life Trout Unlimited member (now that came with a Winston BIIx fly rod and Lamson reel... serious bait for dropping the $1500).

Curious what others are doing about their NRA memberships. Sure wish they offered some serious candy like TU did... maybe an NRA engraved S&W .357? Wouldn't that just send the anti-gunners into orbit .

Read More

 

[RLS]

I always figured the membership fee that best fit my circumstances was the one to go with and the so called freebies were to lure in those that are on the fence.

 

[Caveman Jim]

My 2A rights are too important to loose, didn't join for freebies.
Freebies are what Democraps give for voters who are on the fence. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Aaron Todd]

However freebies are a very nice perk if you can get em while supporting your 2A rights! Seems like a win win to me. Most of the time the freebies are serious junky gimmick crap, but the ceramic knife seems cool. I need to get my yearly membership paid for, next month for me... still recovering from back to school shopping for 4 kids, 2 birthdays, and hunting season all in the last 2 months. I think this next year will be if the most importance for 2A rights due to the upcoming election... gotta get it done!

 

[edslhead]

I just love my swell little knife!! I cant wait to see what they give me next year .
Its really about the NRA raising money so its up to you. The dues are just peanuts.

 

[etrain16]

I became a life member a couple of years ago. I want to be part of their numbers for the sake of the pull they have in congress. I haven't given extra donations at this point. I would if they would make a concerted effort to fight for us in Oregon, which they haven't done yet.

I think it's a very good idea to be a member. Even if you don't agree with their fundraising or their politics, there is one HUGE reason to be a member - they are the #1 target of the anti-gun groups. They are a big thorn in the side of people like Obama and Bloomberg. And I am happy to support a group that can make people like that lose sleep at night.

 

[freestoneangler]

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely agree they are our primary voice in 2AR's and firearm laws in general -- and have been a member for about 7 years now. I thought about the impact of them being able to say that a certain percentage of their members are life members... though I doubt that has any real impact... anyone know differently?

If you think about it, becoming life member's actually reduces their total funding over most members life time -- for sure if the member provides no further donations.

Maybe I'll just keep picking the gimmick gift renewal options and flaunt them at pro gun rally's .

 

[Don H]

Been a Life member for a few years, glad I did. They'll occasionally have a sale on the lifetime membership cost so take advantage of it when it happens...I did.

 

[motoman98]

NRA: lifetime membership is a minimum, in this for ever lifetime battle. Then, Upgrade!
Oh, they had a sale on Benefactor level memberships.....

 

[Caveman Jim]

Yep, we only have one life to make a difference in this world, because if you don't make a stand then we will get the snot beat out of us just like what is happening now!!!

Ya don't gotta love em but you should damn well support em. But if you can't bring yourself to support your 2A rights for the good then ya need to flee to a liberal site who say they do and vote the opposite....

 

[GuyBMeredith]

I did the Easy Payment Life membership a few years back. I don't have a whole lot to contribute so wanted to maximize what I had to offer.

 

[pioneer461]

My 2A rights are too important to loose, didn't join for freebies.
Freebies are what Democraps give for voters who are on the fence. Just my 2 cents...

Ditto, Caveman. I became a Life Member back when all you got was a hat and fancy certificate. Money well spent.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Ditto, Caveman. I became a Life Member back when all you got was a hat and fancy certificate. Money well spent.

You bet but that hat made me look like an 80's trucker, man that thing was huge!!!!

All kidding aside they are the big boys of the 2A fight, like em or not Dems will not take our guns while they are around.

 

[GuyBMeredith]

Actually the Second Amendment Foundation has been busy with litigation like the Heller case, forcing carry in Illinois and bugging the Californians on carry. The lefties absolutely insist on demonizing the NRA while the SAF is eating the antis' lunch.

I wonder what slick Willy thinks about the government being on the defense side in litigation.

The NRA was leery of going into the Heller case, but on the other hand have come on board and also do some serious lobbying. As far as I know the SAF does not lobby.

 

[nvs]

Just upgraded to a Patron Membership.

 

[Sgt Nambu]

I have yet to see a "gift" that I gave a snort for! I tell them to keep mine! I would much rather that they use that $0.00265 to pay the lawyers!
Maybe I'm thin skinned, but I feel it's insulting to be offered an incentive that I wouldn't offer an ill mannered cat to stop
hissing!
"Oh, no thank you! Perhaps you could pass my, ever so cool, bullet pen to one of our attorneys!" "I signed up to support our Second Amendment rights!" Rant over!

 

[P7M13]

Never gave a rat's bubblegum about the gift. I made a point to wear the hat, a lot, until it wore out. And I don't wear hats much. I'm up for renewal in a few years, figure I'll do the lifetime then.

 

[pokerace]

Just upgraded to a Patron Membership.

Me too!!!