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The Association Of The National Rifle Association

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The National Rifle Association, also known as the NRA, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1871 with the original goal to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.” Additionally, there was a heavy focus of proper shooting sports among America’s youth. It featured multiple shooting programs and developed ranges for members to use and train. Through the use of their magazine “The American Rifleman” members of the NRA were informed regarding firearm bills. With the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934, the NRA formed the Legislative Affairs Division (LAD). The early days of the LAD were not to lobby directly. The purpose of the LAD was to encourage members to proceed with their own action to combat the infringement of Second Amendment Rights by mailing legislative facts and analysis to members.
However, in 1975, the NRA recognized the need for “political defense” of the Second Amendment and formed the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA). In addition to the protection of the Second Amendment, education was a key initiative for the NRA by providing certification for law enforcement officials and the general public. With regards to the general public, “the NRA continues to be the leader in firearms education.” The NRA offers courses to instruct and train individual gun owners. An example of gun education would be in 1988, the NRA established the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program teaching 21 million pre-kindergarten to sixth grade children to

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