NRA Celebrates 150th Anniversary in 2021

by
posted on January 4, 2021
** 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. **
nra-150-logo-stack_web.jpg

Founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans, the National Rifle Association has led the way ever since to protect our Second Amendment freedom, teach marksmanship and gun safety and pass self-defense laws across the country. In 2021, the NRA celebrates a momentous 150 years of service as America’s oldest civil-rights organization.

“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization,” NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.”

Throughout its century and a half of existence, NRA has served firearm owners across the nation through training, legislative action and other initiatives aimed at promoting avenues for shooting, hunting and personal protection. Today, the organization encompasses a wide range of programs all aimed at bettering the experience of the American firearm owner, whether it’s through competitive programs, hunter education, political action and more.


“Our Founding Fathers knew the value of all our freedoms and what it takes to defend those freedoms, and that’s why we have the Second Amendment,” said Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president. “The NRA has always been the refuge of Americans who recognize how important it is to preserve the right to keep and bear arms, to be able to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to hunt, and we’re celebrating 150 years of our commitment to protect those sacred and noble rights.”

To mark the occasion, the NRA is highlighting its history in all four of its Official Journals: American Rifleman, American Hunter, America’s 1st Freedom and Shooting Illustrated. Each issue throughout 2021 features dedicated columns entitled “Milestones: NRA150” that spotlight significant events and leaders that shaped the organization and its mission.


“Our magazines have always been the conduit through which we reach our members, now 5 million strong,” said Doug Hamlin, executive director of NRA Publications. “Through these monthly magazines, our dedicated supporters have a chance to fully understand and appreciate the importance of this great organization. There’s never been a better time—or a more important time—to be an NRA member.”

In addition, the NRA will be publishing a showpiece, coffee-table-type book, “NRA—150 Years Strong,” in September 2021. This colorful retrospective takes a fresh look at the key events and achievements that have made the organization’s 150-year run such an indelible part of American history. Across 160 pages divided into seven themed chapters, this keepsake chronology will examine the turning points, personalities and anecdotes that defined the NRA’s critical role in defending the freedom that makes our nation the greatest ever conceived.


More than 425,000 hardbound and digital copies will be distributed to new NRA members and subscribers across the entire NRA Publications digital network. In addition, copies of the book will also be offered for sale at the NRA Store, NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits and the Great American Outdoor Show.

To take part in NRA’s 150th anniversary celebrations, be sure to sign up for a membership today at NRA.org or call 1-866-672-2020. You’ll have the pride of knowing that you’re one of more than 5 million members who’ve pledged to support and defend the Second Amendment.

Advertising slots in “NRA—150 Years Strong” remain available, with custom ad units and section sponsorships open for interested manufacturers. Orders close April 30, 2021.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.