TexasCHLforum.com

I belong to both organizations. From time to time I disagree with the tactics of each (and other organizations to which I belong as well) group--but they are both serving their purpose.

If I were only going to join one group, it would be the NRA without question; I see the 2af, GOA, CC-RKBA, etc as secondary "special interest" versions with similar end goals.

I do sometimes get frustrated with the public "shaming" of the NRA by the GOA, but the NRA has also been known to sideline the other organizations....it's like Pepsi and Coke -- similar products with a different take on things.

Although, having followed Larry Pratt off and on for years, I would hardly call the GOA a "startup" group at this point.

Let's also remember that the GOA is primarily a LOBBYING organization, and the NRA is not -- while the NRA is a powerful lobbying organization, they do MUCH MUCH more than just lobbying. I think of the NRA as a governing body and a resource that happens to have a lobbying arm. By comparison, it makes the full-on lobbyists (GOA, 2AF, etc.) look like rabid foam-at-the-mouth reactionaries.

As JumpingFrog mentions, that doesn't hurt the NRA at all--it makes us look tame by comparison.

BUT....my take on much of this is different than a lot of folks...I was the one who advocated to my friends who didn't like some of NRA's positions a few years ago that they upgrade to life, and get their voices heard in the only mainstream organization that stands for our rights.

In other words, for me it's NRA first and foremost, but I also support the others...we can co-exist.