Executive Order? You Can Do Something

by
posted on January 11, 2016
gsagi2015_fs.jpg (3)

If you’re like me, your in-box, social-media feed and voicemails are overflowing with updates and opinions on President Obama’s Executive Order announcement last week. There’s a plethora of complaints, but no one seems to mention the easiest thing we can do to make huge a difference—renew your NRA membership, sign up a loved one or convince another gun owner to join today.

If each NRA member does a little work, membership can double overnight, and politicians will think twice before they assault the rights of lawful gun owners—thanks to the efforts of NRA-ILA. It sounds simple, but I also understand today’s hectic business and personal schedules can intervene.

Here are some easy steps I’ve taken and recommend.

First, is your membership current? I hate to admit it, but mine had lapsed. My wife’s did not, and when you get a magazine every month, it’s easy to forget. It’s fast and for about the price of a box of cartridges you get some of the finest firearm periodicals on the market delivered to your mailbox every month. I remedied my oversight. If you’ve inadvertently made the same mistake, use this join link or the one for renewal.

Second, the next time someone brings up the Executive Order and complains, politely mention the efforts of NRA-ILA and ask if he or she regularly visits the website for updates. This is a good spot to explain how the organization is the best defense of the Second Amendment we have and that a lot of its strength comes from NRA membership. Now ask if they’re a member. If not, mention that single box of cartridges, world-class magazines they’ll receive and the systematic infringement of their rights. The odds are good they won’t sign up once they go home, so follow up during your next encounter. You might even bring up an interesting article in the current issue of your membership magazine along with an offer to share it.  

Third, gift a membership to a family member or friend. It’s hard to find something different they’ll enjoy every birthday or anniversary, so if they’re a gun enthusiast this one’s a surefire hit.

Fourth, remind all those e-mailers and social media forwarders that they can get up-to-date and accurate information in their newsfeeds by becoming a fan of the official NRA page on Facebook. They should do the same for American Rifleman (official)—the facts are credible reading and family friendly, unlike a lot of what I’ve been subjected to all week. 

The steps are simple, but if enough do it, the impact is considerable. Double the NRA membership, and there’s no way Capitol Hill can ignore the message.

Latest

Aa Finn Sniper Team 1940 Using Soviet M91 30 With PE Scope
Aa Finn Sniper Team 1940 Using Soviet M91 30 With PE Scope

Snipers Below Freezing: An Assessment Of Finnish & Soviet Sniping In The Winter War

The remarkable performance of Finland’s small military in holding back the Red Army during the Winter War of 1939-1940 drew the attention of many military planners, particularly those with an eye towards engaging in combat with the Russians in the frozen north.

Handloads: A Tokarev Target Load

Finding surplus 7.62x25 mm Tokarev ammunition was easy 15 years ago. When it finally dried up, my Zastava M57 went to the very back of the safe. That was until I discovered that X-Treme makes an affordable 110-grain .308" copper-plated bullet.

New For 2025: Military Armament Corporation MAC-5 & MAC-5K

Military Armament Corporation is now shipping its MP5-like MAC-5 and MAC-5K large-format pistols.

The Rifleman Report: “To Keep And Bear Arms”

When it comes to the three major firearm types—rifle, shotgun and handgun—along with the ammunition and accessories they require, we strive to cover each as best we can. And even though any of them could be pressed into sporting or defensive use, all are only as useful as they are available to responsible citizens.

Exploded View: Ruger “Six” Series Revolvers

The Ruger Security-Six, Police Service-Six and Speed-Six double-action revolvers, introduced in 1970 and produced through 1988, innovated in design and construction in such ways as to challenge that period’s status quo regarding the modern wheelgun’s strength and simplicity.

New For 2025: Bergara BMR-X Steel & BMR-X Carbon

The Bergara Micro Rimfire line has now advanced in 2025 with an X factor and two new subvariants made with ultimate precision in mind.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.