FAIRFAX, Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- Whenever NRA reviews other organizations’ surveys or polls that claim to represent the views of NRA members, we do so with a suspicious eye.
Our membership rolls are not released, so it’s impossible for organizations that have no access to the NRA’s membership list, to “test the pulse” of NRA members as effectively as NRA can.
That’s why we viewed with skepticism a recent Pew Research poll, particularly its supposed findings regarding “NRA Households.” While NRA does not dispute everything in the poll, the results cited do show some now-familiar inaccuracies.
We know the findings are inaccurate because we recently completed our own polling, of our own members.
Under the heading “NRA Households,” the Pew poll stated, “Only about a third of those in NRA households favor bans on assault-style weapons (33%), which assumes that two thirds (67%) oppose bans on so-called “assault weapons.” NRA’s own polling data shows that a much higher 89 percent of actual members oppose banning semi-automatic firearms.
The Pew poll went on to state, “Yet people in NRA households overwhelmingly favor making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks: 74% favor this proposal while just 26% are opposed.” On the contrary, our own survey showed conclusively that NRA members strongly oppose these measures.
It is important to note that when the Pew poll says, “making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks,” what they are referring to are “universal” background checks.
The main thrust of “universal” background checks is the criminalization of private firearm transfers. The checks would be mandated on EVERY transfer, sale, purchase, trade, gift, rental, and loan of a firearm between any and all individuals, including family members and lifelong friends. The cost for a background check for a federally mandated program can be any amount the government decides.
These checks are nothing more than regulatory proposals that mandate the government collection of data on lawful gun buyers and sellers and amount to universal gun registration and gun owner licensing. Furthermore, they aren’t necessary or effective in reducing crime.
It is already a federal felony to be engaged in the business of buying and selling firearms without a federal dealer’s license. It is already a crime for a federally licensed dealer to sell a gun without doing a background check, and it is already a federal felony to sell, trade, give, lend, rent or transfer a gun to a person you know or should know is not legally allowed to own, purchase or possess a firearm.
NRA’s survey results showed that 93% of our members oppose laws requiring gun owners to register with the federal government, and 92% oppose federal laws banning the sale of firearms between private citizens.
The NRA survey of randomly selected NRA members across the country is the only legitimate survey of NRA members on these issues. (See full results of NRA survey here.)
NRA opposes, and will continue to oppose, “universal” background checks and registration schemes. We do believe that records of those who are prohibited by law from purchasing firearms (including those whose mental health history puts them in this category) ought to be included in the federal instant check system.
Please continue to contact your U.S. Senators and tell them to oppose “universal” background check legislation.
To identify and contact your elected officials in Washington, D.C., use the “Write Your Reps” feature at www.NRAILA.org, or you can reach your member of Congress by phone at 202-224-3121.
About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org
What is your position on gun silencer ?
@SHINEYDUMBDUDE: Typical liberal mentality, not to mention low IQ proof. Individual members can choose whether or not to say they are members, I am. The NRA does not release its list for privacy reasons, so liberal whack jobs like you won’t harrass its membership for no reason. As for being a wussy, it’s pretty much a given you are. I only responded to make fun of you really. I shouldn’t have, as your mom asked me not to pick on you last night after she put out. So apologize to her for me, kk.
If NRA members are so “proud” why are they afraid to release their members names? other than they are wussies?
Just ask yourself one question when the media or any ani-gun organization gives you a poll supposedly conducted by the NRA. Why would people take the time to join the NRA and pay yearly dues and shoot themselves in the foot by voting against what they stand for? This makes no sense at all and should be a red flag for anyone who reads it, no matter how anti-gun you are. Does not make it so and pro-gunners do not fall for these lies by gun grabbers. It is purely a waste of time and afford by people putting out… Read more »
Can I get a clarification here? What about the supposed NRA back office dealings with legislators working towards even more gun controls and legislation?
I was intending on becoming a NRA licensed Instructor. Now I am not so sure that is a good idea. Putting me on some sort of list that the Government can use to break into my home and take away my pea shooter.
What gives, and can I ever expect the truth from the NRA after this point?
good morning or good evening i just want to know i have the new XDS45 i went to the range my fisrt roun jamm why thats happened i just want to know some info about it want to know what ammo is the right one for it and for self defense the best wich one thanks very much i appreciatted have a nice day
Dear sir what is your position on silencer for hand guns. I was told u support this action. Please tell me u don’t. If u do I will not renew. My son is a police officer, u r putting him at greater risk. West ear plugs. Tu