The NRA Wasn't Always Against Gun Restrictions | Ron's Office Hours | NPR

Summary

The National Rifle Association (NRA), founded in 1871 as a marksmanship club, evolved into a powerful lobbying group with over 5 million members. Initially working with the government to limit gun trafficking, the NRA’s stance shifted in response to rising crime rates and personal protection concerns. In 1977, the leadership of Harlon Carter transformed the NRA into an aggressive advocate for gun rights, opposing all forms of gun control. The organization's influence grew further with the creation of a lobbying arm and its involvement in political campaign funding, solidifying its role in shaping U.S. gun legislation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The NRA began in 1871 as a marksmanship club founded by Civil War veterans.
• 😀 Initially, the NRA worked with the government to limit the trafficking of guns, particularly regarding ex-convicts and mentally ill individuals.
• 😀 In the 1930s and 1960s, the NRA continued collaborating with Congress and the White House on gun limitation legislation.
• 😀 The rise in crime rates during the 1960s led many NRA members to push for more personal gun ownership for protection.
• 😀 In 1975, the NRA established its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action, marking a shift toward political activism.
• 😀 The 1977 Cincinnati Revolt, led by Harlon Carter, changed the direction of the NRA, making it a staunch opponent of all forms of gun control.
• 😀 Harlon Carter’s leadership emphasized the NRA’s mission to oppose gun control and lobby for gun owners' rights.
• 😀 The NRA’s power grew as it began funding political campaigns, which enabled it to influence elections and block gun control legislation.
• 😀 The NRA’s report cards on legislators have played a significant role in determining the success or failure of political candidates.
• 😀 The NRA’s influence on the U.S. gun debate remains significant, and its political activities continue to shape gun legislation at both state and federal levels.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the NRA when it was founded in 1871?

The NRA was founded in 1871 as a marksmanship club to teach Northern soldiers how to shoot as well as their Southern counterparts during the Civil War.

How did the NRA initially work with the government on gun control?

For several decades, the NRA collaborated with the government to support measures that limited the trafficking of guns, particularly in relation to ex-convicts and mentally ill individuals.

What role did the NRA play in gun legislation in the 1930s and 1960s?

In the 1930s and 1960s, the NRA worked with Congress and the White House on major pieces of gun limitation legislation, which angered some of its members who began advocating for stronger gun rights.

Why did the NRA begin to change its direction in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, rising crime rates and concerns over personal safety led many of the NRA’s members to push for a more aggressive stance in defending gun rights, moving the organization away from supporting gun control.

What event marked a significant turning point for the NRA in 1977?

The 1977 Cincinnati Revolt was a significant turning point for the NRA, where a leadership struggle led by Harlon Carter changed the organization’s direction, making it a more hard-edged political lobbying group focused on opposing gun control.

Who was Harlon Carter, and what was his influence on the NRA?

Harlon Carter was a former Border Patrol head and a strong anti-immigration advocate. After leading the 1977 Cincinnati Revolt, he became the NRA’s de facto leader, pushing the organization to focus on opposing all forms of gun control and aggressively advocating for gun owners' rights.

What is the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), and when was it created?

The Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the NRA’s lobbying arm, created in 1975 to focus on political advocacy and legislative influence, marking the organization’s shift to a more politically active role.

How did the NRA's approach to political funding change after 1977?

After 1977, the NRA capitalized on court rulings that allowed for unlimited political donations, enabling it to fund campaigns and candidates at all levels, which strengthened its political influence.

What impact did the NRA’s political power have on gun legislation?

The NRA’s political power has been pivotal in preventing major gun control legislation from passing and in advancing pro-gun policies through lobbying, campaign donations, and issuing report cards for lawmakers.

How has the NRA’s influence on U.S. politics evolved over time?

The NRA’s influence has evolved from a small marksmanship club to one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the U.S., shaping political discourse on gun rights through its advocacy, funding, and election influence.