NRA

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a United States nonprofit advocacy and membership organization focused on firearms training, safety, and gun rights. Founded in 1871 by William Conant Church and George Wood Wingate, its early purpose was to improve rifle marksmanship among civilians and military personnel. Over time, the NRA expanded into a broad program of education, competitions, and publications.

It operates several programs and divisions, including the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), which coordinates lobbying and political advocacy on gun policy; the NRA Foundation, which funds youth education and safety programs; and a network of state and local affiliates. The organization also runs training courses, marksmanship programs, and competitive shooting events, and publishes magazines such as American Rifleman and Shooting Times.

With millions of members, the NRA has been a major influence in U.S. gun policy debates, frequently supporting legislation expanding firearm rights while opposing many proposed gun-control measures. The group argues that it protects the Second Amendment and promotes personal safety and responsible gun ownership. Critics contend that the NRA's political activities have excessive influence on lawmakers and public policy.

The acronym NRA can refer to other organizations in different countries or fields, but this article describes the National Rifle Association of the United States.