I was planning to upgrade to Life, so I called the 1-800-672-3888 number. As recommended at another forum, I started my conversation with "I want to apply for the $300 life membership and have the NRA membership number and name for a current life member who is sponsoring me." This has worked for a number of people, but thanks to the woman at NRA who answered my call it didn't work for me - she refused to process the upgrade without actually talking to the sponsoring life member - she wanted me to put him on the line RIGHT NOW. Since he wasn't available, the upgrade was a no-go.I did get a sponsor, did not pretend to be a current member OR THE MEMBER who's membership number I had. I called & in fact stated I was not a member at all,verified my sponsors number AND NAME, where HE was from, gave my own name, address & payment info and told them I was a FRIEND to my sponsor...I paid $300.00 & I am now a NRA lifetime member.
I'll try again, maybe a different rep will answer the phone.
If not, fine - I'll keep my $300 and just extend my membership a year at a time "for free" when Cabela's has their periodic NRA Days. (Last time, $25 got you a 1 year extension . . . plus a $25 Cabela's gift card.)