Do NRA Members Support an "Assault Weapon" Ban?

by
posted on February 8, 2013
** 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. **
20132159333-bullshooters-logo.jpg

By BullShooters Staff

The Myth
“74 percent of NRA Members Support a Ban on Assault Weapons."

The Lies
You’ve likely heard it reported several dozen times across news media outlets. Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, claims responsibility for conducting this Frank Luntz poll that claims 74 percent of NRA Members support a ban on so-called assault weapons. Then President Obama mentioned this stat in his address in which he presented 23 executive orders on gun control.

The Facts
The NRA was founded in 1871 to train military men and civilians in the proper marksmanship of the military arm of the day, which now happens to be AR-style rifles, the civilian versions of the M16 that was adopted by the U.S. military in 1964. The NRA has legions of competitive shooters, enthusiasts, collectors and hunters who use these rifles. NRA’s flagship magazine, American Rifleman, contributes significant pages to AR rifles each month. Another magazine, Shooting Illustrated, is dedicated to these useful guns. Feedback and surveys indicate the magazines are well received by NRA membership. So, it’s difficult at best for me to believe this “poll,” one that happens to be sponsored by one of the most notorious and certainly the most well funded anti-gun group on the planet. In fact, I’m dialing the toll free 1-800-BullShooters hotline for immediate help.

The Real Poll
If there is any group that has its finger on the pulse of NRA members, it’s the NRA. After all, its membership rosters are private. To combat the Bloomberg nonsense, NRA, via a professional third-party polling company, recently conducted its own scientific poll of its members.

Findings are as follows:

• 91 percent of NRA members support laws keeping firearms away from the mentally ill.
• 92 percent of NRA members oppose gun confiscation via mandatory buy-back laws
• 89 percent oppose banning semi-automatic firearms, often mistakenly called “assault rifles”.
• 93 percent oppose a law requiring gun owners to register with the federal government.
• 92 percent oppose a new federal law banning the sale of firearms between private citizens

That’s right. Bloomberg, Obama and the majority of the leftist media are off by 63 percentage points. Fact is, 89 percent of NRA members oppose banning assault rifles.

The Anti-BS Quote
“Mayor Bloomberg’s claims that gun owners are divided are totally false. It is nothing more than an attempt by anti-gun activists to further their long-standing political agenda,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox. “American gun owners and Second Amendment supporters are ready for Washington to put politics aside and come together to fix our broken mental health system.”

The Answer
When it comes to its Membership and about guns, Chris, the NRA and millions of law-abiding gun-owning Americans are the experts. Period.

The Lesson
Don’t trust the polls and the stats parroted by politicians and the mass media. Find them for yourself, for freedom can be found in the truth.

Latest

SHOT LEDE
SHOT LEDE

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Hardware Review: Hornady Backcountry Defense

A casual hike, a quick trip to grab firewood or a morning spent chasing trout all carry the potential of encountering a furry threat that might want to remind you that you are no longer at the top of the hierarchy.

Ruger Announces American Rifle Generation II Scout Models

Ruger ups the ante in 2026, delivering a newly crafted Scout rifle under its increasingly popular American Gen II line.

New for 2026: Hawke Optics Vantage IR 1-4x20mm in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Purpose-built to give turkey hunters fast target acquisition, precise shot placement and a camo pattern that blends seamlessly into the Spring woods, Hawke's latest LVPO is designed to impress.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.