Guide Note

The National Rifle Associated, or NRA, is a non-profit gun ownership advocacy group that promotes the second amendment to the constitution and firearm rights. The association is considered to be one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington, D.C., with a membership of 4.3 million people and millions of dollars to spend on advertising and campaigns. It was established in 1871 as the "American Rifle Association." In addition to promoting the second amendment, the NRA provides firearm safety training courses.

Fast Facts

1. Established: November 17, 1871
2. Headquarters: Fairfax, Virginia
3. Membership: 4.3 million
4. President: Sandra Froman
5. Charlton Heston was the former president

The National Rifle Association is primarily an advocacy group for gun ownership. The lobbying arm of the NRA was created in 1975 and is considered to be one of the most important lobbying organizations in the country. While the NRA is a single issue organization, it deals with all aspects of gun ownership.

While the NRA strongly supports the second amendment, some critics argue that the the group focuses on the last part of the amendment and ignores the first part. The full amendment reads, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The group has also been criticized for opposing the Assault Weapons Ban and other gun control measures for weapons that have no practical hunting purposes.