By Tony DeFalco
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most recognized and influential organizations in the United States, particularly in the realm of gun rights advocacy and firearms training. While it's often associated today with political lobbying and Second Amendment issues, the NRA was originally founded for a very different, more practical purpose.
A Response to Poor Marksmanship
The NRA was established in 1871 by Colonel William C. Church and General George Wingate, two veterans of the Union Army. After witnessing firsthand the poor marksmanship of many Union soldiers during the Civil War, Church and Wingate believed the nation needed a better system to train civilians in the safe and effective use of firearms. They envisioned an organization that would promote marksmanship training on a scientific basis, providing both recreational and practical value.
The importance of this mission was underscored by a sobering statistic from the Civil War: it took an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 shots to kill a single enemy soldier. Despite advances in weaponry, including rifled muskets like the Springfield Model 1861, many soldiers lacked adequate training. Poor visibility, stress, and limited experience led to significant inefficiencies in combat. In response, Church and Wingate saw the urgent need to improve marksmanship among American citizens.
To fulfill this mission, the NRA built its first shooting range in Long Island, New York, known as Creedmoor Rifle Range. Funded in part by the State of New York, this facility became a hub for civilian and military marksmanship competitions. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the NRA worked closely with state militias and the federal government to improve firearm proficiency nationwide, including during both World Wars.
A Focus on Safety and Education
As it grew, the NRA expanded its reach beyond competitive shooting. In the early 1900s, the organization began publishing educational materials and safety guides, promoting responsible gun ownership. The launch of its official publication, The American Rifleman, provided readers with firearm reviews, safety tips, hunting stories, and political commentary. The NRA also created youth programs, like the NRA Junior Rifle Corps, to teach children the fundamentals of safe shooting.
By the mid-20th century, the NRA had earned a reputation as a nonpartisan authority on firearms training, safety, and sporting use. Its instructors trained thousands of law enforcement officers, hunters, and recreational shooters. Through initiatives like hunter safety certification programs and firearms safety courses, the NRA became a trusted resource for millions of Americans who owned and used firearms responsibly.
The Shift Toward Advocacy
A major turning point came in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as public attitudes toward firearms began to change in response to high-profile assassinations and rising urban crime. In 1968, Congress passed the Gun Control Act, introducing new federal restrictions on firearm sales and ownership. Many NRA members viewed this as an encroachment on their rights.
This prompted an internal shift within the organization. During the Cincinnati Revolt of 1977, a group of reform-minded members effectively changed the direction of the NRA, pushing it toward a stronger emphasis on Second Amendment advocacy. From that moment forward, the NRA became a powerful voice in national politics, working to oppose gun control legislation and promote the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
The NRA in the Modern Era
Today, the NRA claims over 4 million members and continues to be a significant player in American politics. The organization maintains a dual focus: on one hand, it still offers firearms training, safety education, and marksmanship programs, serving recreational shooters, hunters, and law enforcement professionals. On the other hand, it plays a major role in the political landscape, lobbying lawmakers, endorsing candidates, and engaging in legal battles over gun rights.
Through its Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and NRA Foundation, the group supports a wide range of educational and legal efforts designed to protect what it sees as fundamental American freedoms. It also continues to host major events like the Annual Meetings & Exhibits, bringing together industry leaders, firearm enthusiasts, and supporters from around the country.
A Legacy of Firearms Advocacy and Education
While the NRA has certainly evolved over the past 150 years, its core mission—promoting safe and responsible firearm use—remains intact. Whether through marksmanship training, hunter education, or defending constitutional rights, the organization has played a defining role in shaping the national conversation around guns.
Despite facing legal and organizational challenges in recent years, the NRA continues to be a focal point in the ongoing debate over gun rights and regulation. Its history reflects both the complexity of American views on firearms and the enduring importance of education, advocacy, and responsible ownership.