NRA All-Access Video: Origins of the NRA

by
  • NRA Staff
posted on November 17, 2015
Videos News Extras Rifles Historical Rifles
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Happy Birthday, NRA! Founded on Nov. 17, 1871, the NRA has been the worldwide leader in firearm education and training. If you have ever wondered—or have been asked—how and why the NRA was formed, this video from NRA All Access is an excellent primer, taking you back to its Civil War roots up to its current 5 million+ strong membership base.














In this article
history of the nra origin, nra all access, nra founding, nra history

Related Stories

More like this from around the NRA

Revolvers Top 2600 in Hands of the “Babe” | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

Revolvers Top 2600 in Hands of the “Babe” | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal

NRA All-Access Video: Origins of the NRA | An Official Journal Of The NRA

NRA All-Access Video: Origins of the NRA | An Official Journal Of The NRA

NRA Blog | Watch a Preview of Tonight's NRA All Access

NRA Blog | Watch a Preview of Tonight's NRA All Access

NRA Blog | Jessie Duff takes home 3rd National Single Stack Title

NRA Blog | Jessie Duff takes home 3rd National Single Stack Title

Latest

More
260909NRA
260909NRA

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

News

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

News, Optics
Sightmark Strikon VMP optic Sightmark Strikon VMP optic

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

News, Tips & Techniques
lead projectiles lead projectiles

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

News, Gear
Crosman Raiden 01 Crosman Raiden 01

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

News, Tips & Techniques
flame shooting out of rifle flame shooting out of rifle

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

Reviews, News
Mossberg 590R Chisel GOTW 1 Mossberg 590R Chisel GOTW 1
More Latest Stories

Interests

More
American Rifleman Television
Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Walther Arms, PDP Pro-X PMM, Parker Mountain Machine
ARTV
I Have This Old Gun
I Have This Old Gun: Universal Model 1000 Carbine | An Official Journal Of The NRA

I Have This Old Gun: Universal Model 1000 Carbine | An Official Journal Of The NRA

I Have This Old Gun, Model 1000 Universal Carbine, .30 Carbine
I Have This Old Gun
Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen® June 12, 2026 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 2026 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Armed Citizen, The Armed Citizen Blog, The Armed Citizen Online
Armed Citizen
American Rifleman News
NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns | An Official Journal Of The NRA

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns | An Official Journal Of The NRA

NRA, NRA YHEC, Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship
News
American Rifleman Reviews
Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PDP Pro-X PMM | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Walther Arms, PDP Pro-X PMM, Parker Mountain Machine
Reviews
NRA Gun of the Week
Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Robinson Armament, Robinson XCR-L, AR-15
NRA Gun of the Week
New For 2026
Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Crosman, Crosman Raiden, BB Gun
New For 2026
The Keefe Report
The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

The Keefe Report: The Incomparable, Inimitable Phil Schreier—1962-2025 | An Official Journal Of The NRA

Philip Schreier, The Keefe Report, Mark Keefe
The Keefe Report
More Interests


Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE (IT'S FREE!)

GET IN TOUCH

CONNECT WITH US

SECTIONS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NRA MEMBERSHIP

EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS

NRA Publications
American Hunter
Shooting Illustrated
America's 1st Freedom
NRA Women
NRA Family
Shooting Sports USA
Hunters Leadership Forum
NRA Blog
Online And Print Nra Publications

Take Your NRA Magazine With You!

NRA Logo On Blue

Join The NRA And Our Growing Community

AR Footer NRA Explore 01

Discover Everything That The NRA Has To Offer

AR Footer Friends 02

Attend A Friends Of NRA Event Near You

Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Corporate Ethics
Warnings
FAQ
© Copyright 2026 National Rifle Association