Last week’s FREE Insight focused on the primary reasons for the success of the National Rifle Association.  First is its reputation for championing self-protection from both roaming and sedentary bandits. This requires protecting the Second Amendment guarantee of individuals rights to have arms.    

The second attraction is comradeship and fun times with families and friends. NRA packages these features well and its influence goes far beyond its paid membership.

NRA offers fun and games with people who share core convictions.  This from the convention promotion: "Bring your whole family and join us for a weekend of fellowship and fun! The 2018 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits features 15 acres of the most spectacular displays of firearms, shooting and hunting accessories in the world! Put on your best walking shoes and spend the day exploring products from every major firearm manufacturer...."

National Public Radio (NPR) speaker, Wayne Goodwyn, covered the convention.  His Friday morning comments indicated surprise at the friendly, family vacation feeling of the event.

Goodwyn: “It's a little like Vegas. It's very bright, very glitzy, and it goes on and on for acres. ... it reminds me of a big boat show - endless toys for boys. ...(And NRA is reaching out to attract more women members.) There's a level of excitement in the exhibition hall.”

In a sense NRA members have a tribal identity.  They are united by a shared philosophy, by outdoors activities, and identity.  Most are proud of being castigated by despised progressives as "deplorables" and "bitter clingers".

By Jerrold Jenson, Fresno Bee,April 20, 2018 03:03 PM

I am a registered gun owner and pay annual dues to the National Rifle Association to defend my constitutional right to own it. President Obama called people like me “bitter clingers” who cling to their guns and bibles. Hillary Clinton included us in her “basket of deplorables.”

The NRA seems to know how to reach out to such members.  (See "NRA Big Truck Giveaway"). In an effort to "...fight back against powerful gun-hating politicians, judges, and big media elites who attack our freedom", NRA members can register to win a limited edition $85,000 Dodge Ram crew cab, plus a truckload of guns and gear, plus $50,000 in cash.

REGISTER TO WIN A KRYPTEK MINOTAUR

The Kryptek Edition Minotaur has been selected as the NRA BIG TRUCK GIVEAWAY by the National Rifle Association. This one “NRA SPECIAL EDITION KRYPTEK TRUCK by PREFIX” will be outfitted with a selection of shooting, hunting, and adventure accessories from some of the best names in the business. Sign up to be notified when this exciting giveaway begins! Visit: www.NRABigTruckGiveAway.org

There also is an important arts and craft aspect that some NRA members find attractive.  Here for example are some artistically tricked out weapons.

In sum the NRA represents a tribe conjoining philosophy, identity, loyalty, and activities in convenient packages.  Given you know the cultural flavor, pick any size and style you like. This may be a gun safety class such as Women on Target, a trip to a hunting lodge, or public policy event.  Whatever your choice you are likely to be pleased. In stressful times tribal membership is comforting.