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Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 10:43 pm
by Gungirl
Hello, I am planning to become a NRA member. I am wondering if it is better to do it at a show, on the phone or online? And what is the difference of a yearly type membership and a lifetime membership. I am new to gun ownership, but a longtime supporter of the 2nd

amendment.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 10:59 pm
by Songbird
Welcome Gungirl! I'm fairly new to the gun world (have had my CHL and been shooting for about a year. ) I've learned more from the wonderful folks on this forum than I ever did in a class anywhere. I'm sure some experts will come along, but here's my .02 for what it's worth. If I pay a $35 yearly membership every year for the next 30 years, that would be $1,050.00. I am not in the greatest of health so I would hate to shell out a thousand big ones for a lifetime membership then something happens to me in a year or two and I spent all that money for nothing. So I just pay them $35 a year. I don't think you get any more bang for the bigger bucks. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. And I did mine on line quick, painless and easy. There's even a "click here to join NRA " up at the top of this page. Easy peasy!

Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:01 pm
by Jumping Frog
Glad you are becoming a member.
Here is one option, get an NRA annual membership for $25 and get a $25 Bass Pro gift card in return.
https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/sign ... id=4487688" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:07 pm
by 77346
Welcome to the forum!
The difference between yearly and life, is simple: yearly is usually $35, although sometimes you can get it for $25, it expires after one year; you buy 2-5 year membership and save some money. The life membership does not expire, is good for the rest of your life; regular price is $1,000, can be paid over time with an extended payment plan (EPL, 40 monthly or quarterly payments).
https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/sign ... ID=nranews
At this time you can buy a life membership for $300, but needs to be all at once with a credit card and you need to have an NRA life member sponsoring you. If you decide to go for the $300 life, I'll be happy to sponsor you (send PM).
I am not sure if there's a benefit for signing up at the meetings... but the $300 life is a really good deal.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:08 pm
by baldeagle
If you're over 65 or a disabled veteran, a lifetime membership is $375.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:59 pm
by gguess66
I've got my free gift from the NRA, but hae not received my card or member number. Anyone else have that problem?
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:04 am
by CenTex
It takes longer than it should to receive membership cards. Just wait a little longer and then just wait a little longer.... I called to check on the status of my Life membership it was taking so long.
I expect with the influx of new members and upgrades it is going to take even longer to process the mail outs. You will be in the membership database if you need to interface with the NRA.
I have never needed any NRA ID for any other purpose...
I know of no external benefits other than the satisfaction of adding another number and a few dollars to fight for our rights.

Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:42 am
by texanjoker
Just get online and DO IT.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:14 am
by Abraham
You can become a one year member for $10.00 - you won't get a magazine subscription though...
How do I know for sure?
That's what's I pay and have for a number of years.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:39 am
by WildBill
I have been an NRA life member for many years. I don't even remember the cost of membership, but I do remember it seemed very expensive at the time. After I made my decision to become a life member, it took several months to save enough to send in my check. Although the American Rifleman magazine is a good way to keep informed, I didn't join to get a magazine or hat, but to show my lifetime committment to gun ownership and protecting the second amendment.
As far as practical matters, I know that some people don't join because they disagree with some of the policies of the NRA. As a life member I have some influence on the policies of the NRA via my voting rights for NRA board members.
As I have stated several times on this forum I believe that all gun owners should become NRA life members. If not for the constant diligence and work of the NRA, I do not believe that we would have CHL in Texas or this CHL forum.
If you can not raise enough money for a life membership, then term memberships are still a good way to show support.

Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:11 pm
by 77346

, Bill.
I may not be in agreement with everything the NRA says, but overall, it is the best organization representing gun owners. Don't like something? Then try to change it from within... by exercising your right to vote -those that are eligible- and/or contacting directors to share your opinions.
In general, It's easier to just sit from the outside and criticize, rather than joining a group and let your voice be heard, be willing to step up to the plate to implement ideas, and volunteer your time and $$$.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:48 pm
by handog
The pharmaceutical companies should be in the hot seat over Sandy Hook, not the NRA. But, Big pharma has a lot more $$$ and didn't bother sending a rep to Bidens meeting leaving you and I, the law abiding gun owners as the target of the committee. If you are not a member join the NRA.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:57 pm
by Abraham
...and a heckuva lot more people die annually from medical/pharmaceutical error than by guns.
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 7:21 pm
by Gungirl
Thanks everyone, so am I understanding correctly that the only real difference between regular member and lifetime is voting rights?
Re: Becoming an NRA member
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 8:21 pm
by Jumping Frog
Gungirl wrote:Thanks everyone, so am I understanding correctly that the only real difference between regular member and lifetime is voting rights?
Annual members can vote too, after they have been a member for a number of years (I think 3 or 5, can't remember).
The other difference is "bragging rights", I guess, not in a negative sense but meant as a way of demonstrating a serious commitment to firearms rights.