National Rifle Association

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is an American nonprofit organization which advocates for gun rights. It was founded in 1871 by William Conant Church and George Wood Wingate to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis”. Since its creation, it has become one of the most influential lobbying groups in the United States, with over 5 million members as of 2018.

The NRA’s primary mission is to promote firearms safety and ownership education, support law enforcement training programs throughout the country, participate in competitive shooting sports events such as 3-gun matches or Olympic style competitions; fight legislative efforts that would infringe upon Second Amendment rights; promote hunting activities across America through hunter education classes; provide firearms instruction for children aged eight and above; resist any form of gun control legislation at all levels government including local state legislatures, Congress and even the Supreme Court if necessary. The NRA also maintains political action committees (PACs) that donate money directly to candidates who share their views on firearm related issues.

In recent years there have been several controversies surrounding various aspects of the NRA’s activities ranging from allegations they are too close politically with some Republican politicians to criticism regarding how they handle donations made by individuals associated with gun manufacturers or trade associations/organizations like Smith & Wesson Corporation or Remington Outdoor Company respectively. The NRA has responded vigorously denying these accusations claiming no special favors were granted despite reports indicating otherwise during certain times period where large sums were donated just prior elections taking place – although proving this either way remains difficult due lack transparency laws governing such transactions within US politics currently existent today much less so back then when many controversial occurrences took place involving them allegedly doing so anyways without public knowledge being available until recently thanks FOIA filing requests uncovering details about same previously undisclosed dealings between parties involved shortly after said events happening originally occurred publicly which lead outcry against perceived unfairness seen occurring later once information became known eventually leading security measures updated better protect citizens interests making sure only those legally authorized access specific areas now do follow regulations set forth prevent unlawful activity subverting system order original intent safeguarding democratic values core tenets nation built upon celebrated proudly remain cherished passed down future generations come carry torch forward time passes make world brighter more equitable everyone lives happily ever after end story…