Is the NRA simply a lobbying group for the Gun Industry?

[Heartland Patriot]

The NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) is the industry group for the Firearms Industry, their purposes include (but is not limited to) lobbying for the industry.

I'm glad someone put this up. Accurate info.

[G.A. Heath]

The truth of the matter is that class warfare is a major tool in the anti-freedom side's toolbox. By portraying the NRA as the gun industry's lobby they are trying to set the stage where they can demonize the manufacturers as being "Big Business" and then "Everyone knows that the NRA is lobbying for the 'Big Business' intrests of the Gun Industry." That will then help erode support for the NRA once they start using the Class Warfare tools they have so effectively used in the past. We have to build up and then defend the NRA in order to defend our rights, even if you don't agree with things they have or have not done they are the 800lb gorilla in a room full of macaques.

[The Annoyed Man]

My question is, do any of the forum members think that there is any element of truth in this statement?

I don't ask this for the sake of argument. As I am biased and tend to think from my own perspective, I doubt that there is any truth to it. But I would like to see if there are any valid arguments otherwise.

I don't believe there is a shred of evidence of the NRA advocacy for manufacturers before Congress or the administration. What NRA does do is advocate for the right of their membership to buy and own whatever they want to buy and own—because of the foundational belief that the 2nd Amendment means exactly what it says it means, and not some twisted fascist version of what liberals want it to mean.

I would compare the relationship of NRA and NSSF to the relationship between AAA and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. The bottom line is that NRA exists to serve its members by doing everything it can do to protect the 2nd Amendment, to promote education and safety, to promote marksmanship, and to encourage people to be engaged in in the pleasures of firearm ownership and sports. It goes without saying that manufacturers probably benefit from this simply because it results perhaps in a larger volume of sales than if the NRA did not exist; but that is a collateral effect, not the primary intent.

[GrillKing]

I think is an element of truth to it, sure. I think they represent the members well, but firearms companies have made some sizeable donations. I tend to think most of us have the same goals so its not an issue for me.