Mention the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a crowded room, and you’ll get a reaction. Guaranteed. Some see them as the ultimate shield for the Second Amendment, while others view them strictly through the lens of political lobbying. But honestly, if you ask the average person what does the National Rifle Association do, they usually point to the news clips of high-profile lawsuits or election-year ads.
That’s only a slice of the pie.
The reality is way more cluttered. It’s a massive, multi-headed beast that’s been around since 1871. Originally, it wasn't even about politics. It was about marksmanship because, frankly, Union veterans realized during the Civil War that their shooting skills were pretty dismal. Fast forward to 2026, and the NRA is a complex mix of safety training, competitive sports, youth programs, and, yes, some of the most aggressive lobbying in Washington D.C.
The Training Machine: What the NRA Does Behind the Scenes
Most folks don't realize the NRA is basically the "gold standard" for firearm instruction in the U.S. They aren't just giving out memberships; they are training the people who train you.
We’re talking about a network of over 125,000 certified instructors. If you’ve ever taken a concealed carry class or a basic pistol course at your local range, there’s a massive chance that the curriculum was developed by the NRA. They handle everything from basic rifle and shotgun courses to specialized law enforcement training.
Actually, their Law Enforcement Division is a huge deal. They run tuition-free armorer schools for cops. In March 2026, they’ve got a Glock Gen 5 Armorers Course scheduled at their headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. It's not just for show; it's about making sure the people carrying guns for a living actually know how to maintain and fix them safely.
The Eddie Eagle Factor
Then there’s the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program. You’ve probably seen the cartoon bird. It’s aimed at kids from pre-K to fourth grade. The message is dead simple: "STOP! Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult." While it’s been a lightning rod for critics who think guns and kids shouldn't be in the same sentence, the NRA has pushed this program to over 32 million children. They argue it’s no different than teaching a kid to stay away from a hot stove or a swimming pool without a grown-up.
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Lobbying and the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (ILA)
You can't talk about what the National Rifle Association does without talking about the NRA-ILA. This is the "heavy hitter" arm established back in 1975. If you see a headline about the NRA fighting a new bill in Washington or a statehouse in Olympia, that’s the ILA at work.
As of January 2026, they are knee-deep in state legislative sessions. In Washington state, they’re currently tracking "roll-over" bills from 2025. In Virginia, they are squaring off against proposed bans on semi-automatics and new taxes on suppressors.
How do they actually pull this off?
- Direct Lobbying: They hire former legislators who know which doors to knock on.
- The "Grassroots" Alert: They have a direct line to millions of members. When a bill pops up, they send out an alert, and suddenly, a legislator’s phone won't stop ringing.
- Litigation: They don't just talk; they sue. The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund spends a lot of money on court cases to challenge local ordinances they think overstep the Second Amendment.
It's a massive operation. Some research suggests they operate on a budget north of $250 million a year. Most of that goes into ads, legal fees, and political action committees (PACs) like the Political Victory Fund.
More Than Politics: The Competition Circuit
If you're into competitive shooting, the NRA is basically your NFL. They sanction over 11,000 tournaments a year. Think about that number for a second. That is a staggering amount of logistics.
For 2026, the calendar is already packed. You’ve got the World Shooting Championship happening at Camp Atterbury in Indiana this September. It’s a grueling event where people compete in 12 different stages using pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The winner gets crowned the "undisputed" champion and walks away with a chunk of a $250,000 prize pool.
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Beyond the pros, they run the National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). This isn't just about shooting targets. Kids get tested on:
- Wildlife identification (knowing the difference between a protected bird and a game bird).
- Orienteering (using a map and compass).
- Hunter ethics and responsibility exams.
It’s about "scientific" marksmanship and woodsmanship, staying true to that 1871 mission.
The Financial Engine: Grants and Fundraising
Ever heard of "Friends of NRA"? These are local banquets—usually in high school gyms or community centers—where people eat bad chicken, buy raffle tickets, and try to win a "Gun of the Year."
In 2026, the big prize is a Daniel Defense H9 with a custom NRA logo.
These events feed the NRA Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt org. This part is crucial because this money is legally separate from the lobbying funds. Half of what a local chapter raises stays in that state to fund things like:
- Range improvements (new backstops or wheelchair ramps).
- High school air rifle teams (like the Hilo High Vikings in Hawaii, who recently got a $15,000 grant).
- Ammunition for local constables or sheriff’s offices for training.
Since 1990, the Foundation has put more than $500 million back into these types of programs. It’s the "softer" side of the organization that rarely makes the 6 o'clock news but keeps the lights on at thousands of local gun clubs.
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Why People Get It Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the NRA is just a "gun manufacturing" lobby. While they definitely have corporate partners, their real power comes from those 5 million-ish members. When people wonder what does the National Rifle Association do to stay so powerful despite massive controversies and internal leadership shakeups, it’s that membership base.
They are incredibly engaged. They vote. They show up to the Annual Meetings—like the one coming up in Houston this April at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It’s 14 acres of guns and gear, sure, but it's also a massive political rally and family reunion all rolled into one.
There is also the flip side. Critics point out that the NRA has moved far away from its "hunting and conservation" roots toward a more "no-compromise" political stance. Groups like Everytown or Giffords argue that the NRA's lobbying actually makes the country less safe. On the other hand, some hardcore gun rights groups think the NRA is too willing to compromise. It’s a weird middle ground to be in.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
- Instructors: 125,000+
- Youth reached via Eddie Eagle: 32 Million+
- Sanctioned Matches: 11,000 annually
- Grants Awarded: $509 Million+ (since 1990)
Practical Next Steps for the Curious
If you’re trying to navigate the NRA's world for the first time, don't just rely on the headlines. They are way too polarized.
First, if you're looking for safety training, check out the NRA Instructors portal. You don't have to be a member to take a class. It's probably the most practical way to see their work firsthand.
Second, if you're interested in the legislative side, the NRA-ILA website has a "bill tracker" by state. It’s actually a pretty decent tool for seeing what’s being proposed in your own backyard, whether you agree with their stance or not.
Lastly, if you're a hunter or into conservation, look into the NRA Foundation grants. A lot of local clubs are actually looking for volunteers to help run the "Friends of NRA" events that fund those local grants.
The NRA is a lot of things: a lobbyist, a teacher, a sports coordinator, and a political lightning rod. Understanding that it’s all those things at once is the only way to really answer the question of what they do.