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

Teaching Liberty Hillsdale College 1
Teaching Liberty Hillsdale College 1

Teaching Liberty: Hillsdale College & The Second Amendment

At Hillsdale College, students don't just learn about the fundamental truths behind the Second Amendment. They also learn the practical side of the right to keep and bear arms.

Smith & Wesson Partners With Lipsey's On Line Of "Mountain Guns"

First applied to its Model 629 in 1989, the Smith & Wesson "Mountain Gun" is a lightweight and compact variant designed to be carried afield, and thanks to a partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson is bringing them back.

Pro-NRA & Second Amendment Supporter Dr. Michael Fuljenz Wins National Writing Award

Longtime NRA benefactor Dr. Mike Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion, was honored by the Numismatic Literary Guild for his recent and timely article about the need to eliminate copper pennies.

Reloading The Stalwart .308 Winchester

For more than 70 years, the .308 Win. has been one of the world’s most tested and versatile cartridges—and it’s still far from obsolete.

The Rifleman Report: Tried-And-True Attributes

In this August 2025 issue, we explored how several entirely different kinds of firearms, and a classic cartridge, possess the tried-and-true attributes that make them effective for self-protection or hunting—even though none is as popular as the modern sporting rifles, semi-automatic pistols and specialty chamberings that account for much of today’s gun coverage.

C&H Precision And Grounds & Rounds HQ Grand Opening

Cavalier Attitude Global Holdings, parent company of eight industry brands, will officially host their grand opening celebration in September with raffles, concerts and the unveiling of Grounds & Rounds, a combination coffee bar and gun range.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.