NRA/TSRA membership question

[longtooth]

My sides really are at this one too.

Shouldnt we get it back to the NRA & TSRA original post.

[jason]

So, what I gather from the responses is that I should just send them money so they can effectively fight for our 2nd Amendment rights.

I can understand that, and I do see this as important. I think I just originally got turned off my the constant barrage of mail asking for more and more money.

There are many good organizations out there doing many of good things that could use money. I give to many organizations and I look hard at the way money is used. Sometimes it is easier to see the benefits of giving with smaller organizations that have less funds available to them.

Thanks for the responses. I will be renewing my memberships.

[Photoman]

Some really good replies in this one...

The original question was join NRA or TSRA? It is my understanding that you don't have a choice. If you want to join TSRA, you have to be an NRA member. Maybe that has changed?

I ~was~ an NRA member. I got so tired of all the junk mail I quit. And yes, I did notify them that I didn't want all the junk mail. Gadzooks! Getting three to five pieces of mail per month begging for money is obscene!

Like Jason said, what do I get for my NRA membership? Representation in Washington, I suppose, although I haven't seen anything remarkably pro-gun come out of Washington in my lifetime. I do like the training/support for law enforcement that the NRA provides. I'm not real fond of the anti-black rifle, pro-Fudd culture that seems to dominate the NRA.

While I understand that membership numbers count in Washington, I think the almighty dollar does much better. Supporting the right politicians is where its at if you're concerned about the politics of it all.

I'm happy to hear from Charles that the NRA is trying to resolve the mailing issue. Maybe I'll give them another try...

[Charles L. Cotton]

I'm not real fond of the anti-black rifle, pro-Fudd culture that seems to dominate the NRA.

There is no such culture at NRA. In fact, we are doing all we can to bring an end to the division among gun owners. For years, shotgunners haven't cared about protecting black rifles, hunters didn't see a need for people to carry a pistol around every day and no one wanted to go to bat for the .50 BMG. This problem didn't start with the NRA, the NRA didn't foster or promote it, but we're doing everything we can to unite all gun owners.

Yes, we send mailers asking for donations. It takes money to be effective and that's just a fact of political life.

Chas.

[nitrogen]

I'm not a fan when ANY political group does the "FUD" thing, but it's there for a reason.

For example, when the microstamping bill re-entered the california assembly AGAIN (its been introduced many years in a row) the California NRA folks basically said, "Don't worry, this bill never goes anywhere."

As you may know, it passed both the assembly and the state senate this year. It's awaiting a final vote before going to the Governor's desk.

As much as I dislike the alarmist culture of EVERY advocacy orginisation I'm a member of, its there for a reason.

[Liberty]

I'm not a fan when ANY political group does the "FUD" thing, but it's there for a reason.

For example, when the microstamping bill re-entered the california assembly AGAIN (its been introduced many years in a row) the California NRA folks basically said, "Don't worry, this bill never goes anywhere."

As you may know, it passed both the assembly and the state senate this year. It's awaiting a final vote before going to the Governor's desk.

As much as I dislike the alarmist culture of EVERY advocacy orginisation I'm a member of, its there for a reason.

My problem with the NRA/TSRA is that they have taken a stance against my political party. They will ignore 3rd party RKBA supporters in favor of incumbent with a somewhat occasional support. I have chosen to support those people whom I have a broader philosophical compatability with than with the folks who refuse to acknowledge the group of people that fully believe in the RKBA. Some day I hope it will happen, but so far the NRA and TSRA haven't shown any willingness to fairly rate all Libertarian candidates. So far I I haven't even seen any sign at all that they recognize that they have a problem.

What is weird though is that they have millions of members and millions of dollars.Until last year a Republican Congress a Republican President.
And a Constitutionalist Supreme Court.
What does the Brady bunch have?
They have uncle George Soros, to keep feeding them. They now have a Democratic Congress but most of the democrats won't associate with the likes of the Brady bunch and for the most part seem to want to be RKBA freindly.

Yet forward progress is painfully slow.

[Hamourkiller]

When you join the TSRA it is one of the steps to buying guns and ammo from the CMP. Your hunters certificate or CHL meets the shooting requirements, birth cetificate meets age and citizenship requirements and TDL gives them the shipping info. So join up then buy a Garand or two!
(Plus a case or two of 30-06 M2 Ball)

My son is already hooked on my carbines which my Dad got in 1968 from them and He will soon like shooting the Garand.

So join today and help our Texas gun rights and pick up a classic battle rifle.

[OnTexasTime]

I maintained basic memberships in both TSRA and NRA for years. Never have a problem with the TSRA, but have not always agreeded with the postion NRA has taken, plus the mail can be overwhelming at times.

A few years ago I some how ended up with two memberships coming at once. It appears I sent a check in on soliciation for a new member, thinking it was a renewal notice. When I called the NRA to try and get one membership dropped and added to the other the lady on the other end basically told me it was that their problem I was stupid, so hung up and started throwing all their mail in the trash.

Its been a year since the mail finally stopped coming, guess I should try joining again and trying the no extra mail thing mentioned earlier.

[KBCraig]

Here's the difference, to me: TSRA fights actively to reverse bad laws and create good ones. Every session of the Lege is full of TSRA-sponsored bills to increase gun rights.

We don't see that in Washington. The bills sponsored by NRA are mostly defensive. The NRA lobbyists' idea of "compromise" is like talking the mugger into letting you keep enough for cab fare and calling it a compromise when he takes the rest of your cash. They never go bold, and propose repealing NFA'34 or GCA'68, nor even correcting some of the ATF's more onerous Rules as codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (some of which are clearly contrary to the letter and spirit of the underlying law).

For an organization with such a fierce reputation as "controlling Congress", NRA sure does step lightly.

Sorry if that sounds harsh. I am a member (it's required for my gun club). And even though I salute TSRA, I still haven't signed up with them, although I keep meaning to.

Our Texarkana gun shows are on the Arkansas side of town. Think TSRA would set up a table there? I'd man it in exchange for a membership.

[para driver]

join both, change comes from within..
you spend more on ammo during any given trip to the range..