Can we get gunshops to give free NRA memberships with a new gun?

[jlbraun]

The system could work like this: buy a gun, get a free NRA membership to anyone you like. No option to not get the free membership and take the money off the price. Maintain a signup sheet for people that might not be able to afford an NRA membership but want one. Every new gun bought will get 1 new NRA member.

Are such memberships tax deductible or the gun shop?

Any idea how to pitch this?

[ronwill]

The only way the shop may get a tax deduction for it would probably be under business expenses. Memberships and donations to the NRA aren't tax deductible. It would be a good idea if it could be done but I'm not sure the shops would go for it.

[lee n. field]

Give? What is this "give" thing?

[S4Lee]

I was actually thinking something similar, but asking for the shops to require an NRA membership to buy a firearm. Also, at least for the more restrictive states, maybe offer a small discount if you're also a member of the state NRA affiliate.

[the foot]

"give free" doesn't compute with my idea of retail. Gun shops could, however, work deals with the NRA to forward the NRA's positions.

[kcbnac]

"require an NRA membership to buy a firearm"

Mandatory membership? Doesn't sound very "free" to me.

I agree, more people need to sign up...but, the difficulty is, anyone who's a member is immediately discounted as a 'gun nut' by those out to get our guns.

Now, an option would be like they do at stores "Would you like to donate a dollar to the Children's Cancer Fund?" but instead "Would you also like to join the NRA/GOA/JFPO, at a discounted $XX, and help ensure the rights you're taking advantage of today, remain there in the future?"

Don't JUST do the NRA. Let's get the rest in there too. Monopolies of ANY kind are usually bad.

NRA: $35/year (discounts for multiple); $1000 Life Member
JFPO: $25/year ($40 for 2); $500 Life Member
GOA: $20 to join; $500 Life Member
(Above numbers taken right off their respective sites)

So all three organizations work together, and come up with a "3-in-1" offer to join them all, in one go...

3 heads are better than 1!

[Car Knocker]

"Give free" and "free shipping" are much the same thing - the cost of both are built into the cost of the product. In any case, "free" is paid for by the consumer.

[hecate]

Wilson Combat gives out a free, one-year NRA membership or renewal with every new gun. I got one with each of my Wilson 1911's. You fill out a form and send it back to Wilson's, then the NRA sends you your new card.

[basicblur]

Way back when I bought my Taurus PT145 Millenium PRO, Taurus was giving a year's free NRA membership with purchase of the gun.
I'd been eyeing the gun for a while, my yearly dues were coming up (before I upgraded to life member), so everybody won!
1. Me
2. Taurus
3. NRA
4. Gun shop

Sounds like something all makers should be doing?

[Ringer]

Is the point of being an NRA member to provide funding for RKBA activities? Or is the point to drive up memebership numbers to (over) inflate apparent number of people supporting it.

Personally I don't like any of the free/discounted NRA memberships. If you feel it's worthy of your money then join. If it has to be given away,what does that do to the value?

Just my thoughts.

[lee n. field]

Way back when I bought my Taurus PT145 Millenium PRO, Taurus was giving a year's free NRA membership with purchase of the gun.

The still are. You need to go to Taurus' website and download the form.

Hmm. Maybe I'll buy another one next year....

[chemist308]

I don't see why not. A small increase in gun prices would do the trick. http://www.thehighroad.us/showthread.php?t=402642