By David Codrea
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- “The National Rifle Association Disinvites United States Concealed Carry Association from Annual Meeting and Exhibits,” a Thursday press release from USCCA announced. The reason given was due to ““concerns regarding its programs.”
“The move shocked the leadership of the USCCA because they were given less than two weeks notice that they had been banned from the annual show, even though they had attended for the past several years,” the release elaborates. “This decision also came as a surprise because, over the past two months, the leadership of the NRA and the USCCA met twice to discuss the shared goal of the two organizations in support of the Second Amendment.”
What NRA’s “concerns” might be, remain unstated. The development was discussed by host Mark Walters on the nationally syndicated Armed American Radio Daily Defense program Friday, where he acknowledged USCCA’s statement. Walters indicated further developments will be discussed on future programs.
That said, enough clues exist to speculate that banishing USCCA may have something to do with NRA recently launching very similar insurance products competing with those offered by USCCA. Bearing in mind that USCCA acknowledges meeting with NRA over “shared goals,” it’s fair to note how similar NRA’s new Carry Guard service is to USCCA’s established program. Both offer three levels of services with similar price points (named after metals), and both offer magazines and memberships.
For its part, USCCA has taken the high ground, announcing Founder and President Tim Schmidt’s commitment “that even though the NRA might be fearing the competition, USCCA will still support the NRA’s efforts to protect the Second Amendment.”
About David Codrea:
David Codrea is the winner of multiple journalist awards for investigating / defending the RKBA and a long-time gun owner rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament.
In addition to being a field editor/columnist at GUNS Magazine and associate editor for Oath Keepers, he blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance,” and posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.
More people on 1 side is a good thing. It would seem to me that setting up a divide and conquer is a bad deal for all.Also, if you are restricting USCCA access, it would be clear to me that you have something that can’t compete without setting up a monopoly.
No if I were you I would join the NRA for their fight for the 2nd Amendment but as far as bake sales and then begging for money all the time I wouldn’t give to that. After that stunt they pulled on the uscca.
For some reason–okay, pretty much procrastination–I haven’t joined the NRA. Now I definitely won’t because of its banning USCCA from the NRA convention. Terribly bad idea, NRA. I support your support of the Second Amendment, but now I’ve lost a lot of respect for your leadership. Per your tacky scheme, you will get a number of attendees to buy your insurance plan because, well hell, no other organization will be at the convention promoting ITS insurance plan. Just don’t send me anything in the mail asking me to join the NRA or to make a contribution. It’s time for the… Read more »
This is just what the Liberals want to see us fighting amongst ourselves. Here is the real joke some anti-gunners no more than the ILA. TRY CALLING THEM ON LOCAL GUN LAWS.
The only information they can give you is how to give them more donations..
Not to sound or be irreverent, BUT in (the book of) ACTS when the early NT church known as “The Way”(Early Christians) were persecuted, they seemed to become bigger an grow. Will this also happen to the USCCA? I have votes for both companies and also belong to both. I read every blog and comment on this post and equally agree with many. It was in many way wrong, inappropriate and possibly unethical for NRA to follow the typical business model driven by greed and possibly plagiarism, even if they claim that it was done by Navy Seals and LAPD… Read more »
I have been an NRA member for about 60 years, more than half as a life member. I don’t understand your greed as a not for profit corporation to step into a market well served by a capitalist, an entrepreneur. I appreciate your efforts to keep the 2nd amendment sacred but not your encroaching on a former non-competitor. When my phone rings with a beggar for the NRA, I will nicely say, “So sorry, not now. You do not need my money!!” You business relationships are not very honest and respectful if you cancel an exhibitor’s participation just days before… Read more »
I contacted the NRA 3 times regarding this matter. The first time I received a cryptic email basically saying that this was just business. Then they tried to get me to view their Carry Guard program. I replied to this email again to express my concerns about the position they took. Received no reply from this email so I sent another email again expressing my concerns and stating that they are both defenders of the 2nd Amendment. I ended this email with requesting that my membership be terminated. I received an email with the address of the NRA stating that… Read more »
In the prior comment I forgot to give my opinion about NRA cutting USCCA out of the show. This action was formed on a poor decision and I do not like it. I believe the NRA should have done differently unless they are so afraid of the USCCA that they can’t take the competition.
I have decided to carry both USCCA and NRA insurance. I believe there are some differences in the policies that interlock needed coverage. I have USCCA Platinum which is $30 per month and the NRA coverage is $19.99 each month. We all realize that insurance is something we do not ever want to use, but I certainly do not want to risk prison and other ugly bills by selling myself short.
NRA show, NRA rules, NRA decision. Free enterprise. etc. That being said… For an “American institution” to pull an obviously corporate profit-motivated move against another organization who obviously fights for the same 2nd Amendment rights and privileges is not only bad business and bad P.R., it goes against what the NRA claims to promote. Competition is good. If NRA wants to put together something to compete in the space, no harm, no foul, capitalism in action. However, to put together the same programs as a “long-term ally” and then purposely kick them out of the premier annual event 2 weeks… Read more »