Hickok45 Talks About Leaving The NRA

[@terrytilson9201]

I left the NRA over 10 years ago because I got tired of them asking for money all the time.

[@workingmansdead44-ug8hl]

bye bye in 2002

[@bquinn3191]

It doesn't matter how much you give they always want more, enough is enough!!

[@donaldanderson7410]

Same here, I went after that to CRPA since it’s more local. I then found FPC was doing much more work, so they got my money. Then they asked for more. There isn’t a day go by that I don’t get an email asking fore money now and my membership lapsed 3 years ago. I’ve been a member of GOA and CRPA again since then, but thinking of going back to FPC, just unsubscribing from their emails.

[@robertscotti7970]

And sending things you didnt want.

[@bradcraig5111]

It's not just about begging for money, it's about what they were and weren't doing with it.

[@joe1940]

Wayne LaPierre is why I left the NRA. They treated him like a $king$ or something, it was ridiculous.

[@Bob_Adkins]

That's what happens when leaders are in place too long. There should be term limits for such top officials of non-profit organizations. (Congress too!)

[@doughesson]

Did you vote to try & get him out? Why would you still bitch about the NRA if you'd left?

[@D2023bm]

hes out. A former Marine is in. Keep up the fight. Come back. They need help. What other organization is going to do it? Be a life member of NRA and GOA and any state organization you have. Get invovled. Don't sit on youtube and complain bro.

[@randycox2360]

I left because of the politics and Wayne LaPierre. They want the money,but I'm not seeing any benefit for my investment!

[@davebrown8260]

@@doughesson Don't think he is bitching. Since when do NRA members have voting rights?

[@391wombat]

Our gun club got sued by a group of neighbors who wanted to shut the club down in the late 90’s. Contacted the NRA, which the club and members belonged to, for help/guidance and they were absolutely useless. We ultimately beat the lawsuit, no thanks to the NRA. Haven’t looked back.

[@terryspray2319]

GOA!!!!

[@terenceblanchette9059]

I too was an NRA member most of my life. When all the fraudulent news came out I decided that was not what I wanted to be associated with. I also was tired of the mailings and phone calls begging for more money.

[@joefudd]

Join the GOA! THEY REALLY KICK BUTT FOR OUR GUN RIGHTS!

[@barneyfyfe8313]

Which state?

[@391wombat]

@@barneyfyfe8313 New York. Syracuse area.

[@denverbowen4430]

You nailed it. NRA leadership was living the high life. They forgot the people they are supposed to represent. Hickok45 is a real jewel for people who have an interest in firearms and shooting.

[@kevinmcmillin3037]

Kinda sounds like our elected officials

[@mistabone3899]

He reminds me of my grandpa. ( I still think I'm 16 now 58) when listening to him. Old, wise, respected.

[@country-y6m]

I left the NRA a long time ago, I had a feeling that they cared more about exotic hunts around the world than my 2A rights.

[@shawnoandrew]

The Nra cares more about your 2nd amendment rights than you do if you quit the NRA....

[@chrisn5079]

Because they did/do 🫤 (Some clubs here require NRA membership, needless to say, I don't go there)

[@alanclontz1783]

Wow that's the same reason I stopped supporting NRA

[@alanclontz1783]

About 30 years ago

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

I left when they made membership lists available to the anti gun politicians over 30 years ago.

[@joshmccollen700]

Eric Hoffer once wrote, "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket." It's a good quote because it's true. And the NRAs politics sucked. The organization became ridiculously obstinate.

[@chansetwo]

That's rather pessimistic. For example, the Jimmy Carter Center started decades ago, has done and continues to do an enormous amount of good all over the world, from building homes and establishing healthcare in developing countries to fighting/eradicating disease, to promoting democracy and peace. It has been a great cause to improve the human condition for the last 40 years.

[@BeefT-Sq]

Obstinate ? The NRA supports "gun control" to the point they sold out the members. They let the Lautenberg Amendment pass, supported the armor-piercing ammo ban, the plastic gun ban, praised the "temporary " rifle ban by Bush... The JPFO wants to defeat gun control. The NRA only wants to "fight" gun control and syphon off all our money.

[@rodneyscott7108]

@@chansetwoYou make an excellent point. But then, Jimmy Carter was an exception to many rules and generalizations. Like so many other people around the country and around the world, I have been mourning the loss of President Carter. Your comment triggered me to consider the diametrically opposite legacies that Jimmy Carter and Wayne LaPierre will leave. One a political whore who got rich by manipulating people’s fears about threats to their rights to own firearms, and the other a man who truly lived his faith for 100 years, becoming a beloved world renowned statesman, and a humble man, who spent his golden years emulating his carpenter-savior, helping the less fortunate. Among President Carter’s many talents, he also found the time to write some beautiful poetry. His book of poems entitled “Always a Reckoning” is delightful. I highly recommend it if you would like to get a bit of insight into what kind of a man he was.

[@dominikborno4133]

​@@chansetwobut thats really rare and it doesn't happen often, sadly. Only few are like that

[@sluggonotnancy6178]

@@chansetwo ....Carter did so much damage to this country as, prior to obama, then biden, the worst president since Roosevelt, that he needed to work off the bad karma he earned ....and ONLY forty years wasn't nearly enough time to do that. Glad he's FINALLY gone....just sorry he beat biden and obama.

[@josephhradil86]

When I saw how much Wayne LaPierre was getting I left the NRA.

[@zillsburyy1]

same here we paid for his new suits and lavish vacations

[@danmarcell3167]

Look up how much the CEO of St Jude makes... They're going to make something

[@MarkVincent-h7q]

Went to a N.R.A.. banquet two years ago. Won two tickets in a raffle at my local gun club, didn't pay for the chances, members were given them along with our annual membership fee. This banquet was held in Harrisburg, Pa. It was the Great American Outdoor Show, the PREMIER event sponsored by the N R.A., their showcase event. They had "door prizes", which you were required to BUY tickets for!! The prizes were mediocre at best, sure they had a coupla' expensive trips but for the majority mediocre. The food was mediocre, the prizes mediocre...remember this was their premier event. Had the atmosphere of a "dog and pony" show. I looked around and my guest and we shared the thought,"This is what an organization worth hundreds of millions of dollars puts out?"... As far as I'm concerned, it just proves my feelings that membership fees are being used to primarily enrich the "leaders" of the organization versus the members.

[@akbychoice]

@@danmarcell3167same with the top dog at Goodwill, everyone donates to him being rich.

[@shawnoandrew]

He's gone. What's your excuse for not supporting temptation now?

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I was a life member + donating. No more. We were fleeced.

[@joefudd]

Same here. Joined the GOA. GOA NEVER compromises! The NRA always does!

[@goodcitizen64]

This

[@mad555max]

Life membership means life membership, you can still vote for change without giving them money. indifference from members and life members is what the living high off the hog leadership has thrived on for years. Please help righten the ship so it's back on course.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

@ Gave up my membership. No more donations.

[@masd107]

I am retired Navy veteran gunner’s made guns lifetime member of the NRA canceled my membership years ago Hickcock 45 you are and will always be the goat of the firearms world thank you for your years of service for the conscientious and safe handling of firearms❤😊

[@bobwills7607]

Gun owners of American!! I left the nra over a year ago!! The way the nra treated Bob Brownel and Oliver north! Two of the nicest people on the planet !!!

[@johnsechrest1880]

I for one appreciate you Hickok 45. Keep it up

[@jager6863]

LaPierre and his friends on the board committed actual crimes, including tax crimes. They all need to be in prison, not allowed to retire and enjoy the spoils of their corruption. Only through prosecution can we determine the true extent of what they actually stole.

[@mazepa-slavaukrayini932]

The nra is also in bed with the criminal mafia called ‘russia’!! They’re BOTH massively corrupt!! 🇺🇦💪🇬🇧💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇦

[@MalachiWhite-tw7hl]

You're kidding, right? The New York District Attorney would be overjoyed at prosecution, were there any basis for it. Perhaps the same for US Attorneys.

[@Holdover-zg5bj]

Been a life member since I was 17, I am now 79. Stopped supporting when I saw what was happening and the straw that broke the camels back is when I looked up and saw how much Wayne was getting paid.. Hopefully they will get back on track, they are not the only one working on saving our 2A rights and we need all the best honest groups helping

[@blazerdude89]

Buddy they're ain't a track left to get back on. NRA is cooked. It's just as hopeless as fixing our corrupt government.

[@vicroc4]

If anything, the're working against the Second Amendment by making shady backroom deals with lawmakers. The ones that are truly fighting to save it are the Firearms Policy Coalition, who have been responsible for winning several major pro-2A cases over the last few years. The big one I remember was NYSRPA v. Bruen, which finally made it so that states didn't have a legal standing for requiring concealed carry permit applicants to have a justification for their application.

[@mad555max]

You are still a life member even if you don't support or donate anymore. That means you are eligible to vote, please do it'll help righten the ship hopefully.

[@joshrieuf6527]

I love that you and John stick to your morals and ethics. We need more of that in the world.

[@johnelder4273]

I quit supporting the NRA 10 plus years ago when they were unwilling/unable to get rid of Wayne LaPierre.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

It seemed like LaPierre must have had dirt on everyone else at the NRA. They knew how much money was "making" and about all of the accusations and they knew that the membership didn't like him and they kept him anyway. I switched to GOA years ago and have no regrets at all.

[@tl337]

And to top it off they let him write his own employment contract with a golden parachute exit clause.

[@RinconPilot]

Nothing lasts forever. I grew up believing that they defended gun rights in the 80's and 90's. I donated quite a bit to them over the years up through the levels of lifetime, benfactor etc... Through the 2000's I could see they were wasteful and not protecting the interests of gun owners. I have found and support better organizations that align with my values since then. Vote with your dollar...

[@jimdunkle4823]

In the 80s, the company I worked for closed. NRA called me every week for money! I told they over and over I was laid off and had kids to feed! And I told them I would help when I got a job. Then I told them I would NEVER be a member again!!!!!

[@JoseyWales44s]

Sorry, but you can't really get pissed about an organization, like the NRA, asking for donations. They don't keep a detailed dossier in your current financial situation, especially back in the 80's. They were still doing good work back then, remember when the Dem's lost the House back in 94, in no small part to the NRA campaigning against those Dems who supported the "Assault Weapon" ban. They used to call me all the time. Sometimes I would donate and sometimes not.

[@matopezuta2050]

I've been an NRA member since 1983. My membership runs out this month, and I'm not renewing it. When I joined, they were heavy on education, and the magazines had content that I enjoyed reading. Over the years, the magazine has less content, and I swear they use all my yearly dues in postage, trying to get me to send in more money to basically pay their high salaries. The only reason I'm still a member is that my wife wasn't paying attention to my renewal date and kept sending in dues when they sent out the " renewal deals" and I was paid up over 10 years in advance!

[@mistabone3899]

I grew up with Eddie Eagle in the classroom, but then the teachers unions got involved and Eddie was no longer welcomed.

[@alan98296]

Such a straight talker. Appreciate you.

[@undagroundhustla]

Happy New Year @Hickok45 💥💥

[@peterberglund5492]

My dad quit the NRA in the 70's(retired Marine), I left in 1997, it wasn't the hunting and shooting crowd that I knew. I'm also a retired Marine. My dad was right,it became corporate greed .

[@bobbrace9824]

Thank you and your dad for your service.

[@matthonaker9390]

I had a feeling they were useless back in the late 90's and quit having anything to do with them

[@pekolucky]

I left the NRA many years ago. Wayne LaPierre and his treasurer were both convicted of corruption. They ruined a great organization that used to be open to all sportsmen.

[@danmarcell3167]

Where was this

[@bobwilson758]

@@danmarcell3167 ?

[@oceanaxim]

Eric Hoffer once wrote, "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket."

[@rileylabski]

They also helped polarize the NRA by embracing identity politics - it does not look like an inviting organization for ALL sportsmen any longer, that's for sure.

[@D2023bm]

Wayn'es out a former Marine is in. They're making necessary changes and need all the help they can get. Please reconsider.

[@JohnMcGlothlin-l7j]

Thanks again for Hickok45 being straight forward and honest and just wanting to set the record straight. It's not often these days when there's someone you can honestly say you'd just believe whatever they said based on their word. Hickock45 is a rare type.

[@julierana7382]

I think they have righted the ship. New President, leadership, etc. We need 2A organizations to be strong. Keep supporting them.

[@RangeRoninChronicles]

The last time that I renewed my NRA membership (many years ago), I was sent a cheap NRA hat that was made in China. I called them out on it, basically saying that, "With all the memberships you have, you can't or won't support American-owned businesses that can make a quality hat!" I followed that up with expressing my displeasure and vowing that this renewal would be my last...and it was! I support my state gun organization only now.

[@danmarcell3167]

So you're devout in buying only US made I'd like to see how you did that and where the things your State run organization gets their products to sell

[@stoeger2012]

​@danmarcell3167 you sound like you're on the board for the NRA. Nothing but a bunch of thieves.

[@RangeRoninChronicles]

@@danmarcell3167 No I am not devout about buying only U.S. made products, but I prefer them when I do purchase things. My state organization does not give out free gifts as an incentive for joining for joining - just an i.d. card. I purchase firearms made in Italy, Germany, Turkey, the Philippines, Croatia etc., but they are purchased through local gun shops, primary because I do support them. So, get off the high horse! The NRA has become the "National Rip-off Association" that has been corrupted by greed. Period!

[@Kyle17206]

@@danmarcell3167 Why do you keep sticking up for the NRA? I see a few of your comments in here lol get out of here

[@BongoBill]

@@Kyle17206Dan Pierre?

[@TheGary1171]

I left NRA because of LaPierre. I just joined again in 2024. I am constantly getting requests for money from the NRA. I am not going to renew. I’m done.

[@michaelpage4199]

I have been an NRA life member since 1980 and yes Wayne embellished his position with out a doubt. I am hoping the new leadership will turn the ship around but only time will tell but I do have my fingers crossed

[@Bullzeye1000yds]

I am doing the same.

[@ZXChrisR14]

You feel good about donating money to millionaires? I sure as fuck don’t.

[@roadking681]

Lets hope so.

[@jamesburns2232]

Charleston Heston was a great advocate for the NRA. He personally owned more than 1000 military and civilian firearms. 🤠

[@genevabrown450]

I left the NRA when they compromised the Second Amendment..

[@SmokeGrinder]

@genevabrown450 , "I left the NRA when they compromised the Second Amendment.." THIS !!! Absolutely this.

[@goodcitizen64]

Facts 👌

[@Degan1000]

How did the NRA ever compromise the Second Amendment? I'm having no problem buying a handgun, rifle, shotgun or ammunition. How was the Second Amendment compromised?

[@coaltrain4423]

Yes.

[@M31410]

Ditto.

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

I became a Life Member 54 years ago and upgraded to Patron over the years. When the facts started coming out I joined the GOA. When I would get solicitations for money I would put all of the paper back in the pre-paid envelope and write “CALL ME WHEN YOU GET RID OF WAYNE” and mail it back to them. Hopefully things are changing but as long as they have 76 Directors there’s no way 8-10 “reform” candidates can accomplish anything. I’m still waiting and hoping.

[@davidmiller6981]

Yep did same thing🤑

[@SWebb-tg1ki]

They have also called my place of work asking for me directly, and this was 5 yrs after dumping them. I absolutely detest that 3 letter organization

[@danielarbegast481]

Sadly, I left the NRA back in the ninety's during the udget fight. I rejoined as a annual member a couple times, but those problems still were there. It saddened me to see that great organization lose its way. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

[@ryanstuckey8677]

i bought a lifetime membership at 18 it lasted 5 years and when i called them they had never heard of me. they will never get another penney

[@danmarcell3167]

I would call again they've always been really helpful to me and have traced my annual memberships to over 20 years

[@Kyle17206]

@@danmarcell3167 They shouldn't need to "trace" memberships shill

[@danmarcell3167]

@@Kyle17206 they don't need to but can if an individual ask...hack

[@ralphsawyer9535]

Support the GOA and TGR... and Hickok45 👍

[@jpbulkley33]

Right on. I appreciate your strait forward honesty. Been a subscriber for many years. A lifetime of NRA membership and a belief that there was an organization protecting the second amendment ended for me recently. Disappointing, but organizations that absorb lots of money may become decadent and lose focus.

[@GunsNmore]

Happy New Year to you Hickok45 and rest of you in comments as well. I just left the NRA as I signed up and then kept getting mail monthly about renewing my membership early and what not, without seeing any benefit.

[@rickyoung6005]

Been a Life Member since 1982. They still send me mail & emails wanting me to renew my membership.

[@ray.d.oeaux1230]

Quit the NRA because I got tired of financing extravagant trips and expensive clothing and came to realize that it had nothing to do with protecting my Second Amendment rights.

[@patallen5095]

Hickok 45, a man of morals and wisdom! That's why I watch his vids! 👍

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

My grandfather was a WW2 veteran and a lifetime member of the NRA, he signed me up as a jr member around 1988, I quit renewing my membership years ago for the same reasons others have listed. It became more of a business for them to ask for money and the true cause was lost along the way…. Wayne LaPierre was living the highlife off of peoples loyalty to the Constitution and Patriotic Values in my opinion.

[@brighter22]

NRA - Negotiating your Rights Away

[@shoreguyeast]

Good one! NRA is useless! They do nothing for the blue states......who need them the most.

[@Jay-nc7vk]

Classic Acronym

[@slayer04031974]

N.R.A. National Rhino Association.

[@dvdbiller]

I love your honesty and recognizing the situation. I left the NRA before I was a 21. I could see the writing on the wall then and that was 3 decades ago. Anyhow great move and been watching you for a couple of years and love your videos

[@edm52]

@Hickok45 you continue to impress me, Sir. You Actions speak louder than money or words. Thank You.

[@doitnow3291]

I left the nra years ago…when it finally dawned on me that raising money was their main goal..protecting gun rights is secondary

[@brucebanner6149]

Secondary?? They are MIA in every major 2A case. They joined 1 pistol case, way late to the table!

[@BeefT-Sq]

Protecting gun rights ? By syphoning off all our money, the NRA is the most effective ANTI-gun organization around.

[@OldManStrength2112]

I stopped supporting the NRA at least 8 years ago. Have a Great 2025!!

[@fjb4932]

I was pissed when i heard about how much Wayne was being paid ( not Earning ). But when i read about his contract clause stating how much he would be paid each year for ten ( 10 ) years after leaving the NRA to be a "consultant " to them i was Really pissed ! But the icing on the cake, to add insult to injury, was those on the Board that knew this, approved of it, hid it as much as possible, and profitted from it. Table scraps to them, millions of dollars from us. And most are STILL on the Board. You can't eradicate cancer by putting a bandaid on it. The cancer is Still in the system. Gun Owners of America AND Second Amendment Foundation are who i support...because they support US ! ☆

[@RTWMC]

The Board...yep. LaWayne didn't do all his skullduggery by himself on his on...The Board was right there with him.

[@vicroc4]

Don't forget the Firearms Policy Coalition, who have been filing and winning lawsuits to get anti-2A laws overturned.

[@mesomachines]

I dropped out several years ago out of protest when they booted Ollie North out for trying to implement financial responsibility. With the recent management change I'm back in for now. I wish they would put more emphasis on youth development and safety and less on politics, but that's just me.

[@joefudd]

Ollie was a snake in the grass. He messed things up.

[@mistabone3899]

Just simple adds about if you see a gun, don't touch, get a parent ot adult. Doesn't have to be flashy, but if you have a child in your house, everything needs to be vaulted.

[@danaoneal1]

There are many facets of the NRA, I’m a life member. I became a NRA Certified Range Safety Officer then a NRA Pistol Instructor. Not to try and make a living as an instructor but to better my knowledge and help guide family and friends at the range. Being a member and instructor have saved me money on other memberships and firearm purchases, so I’m okay with my decision. I understand about the whole asking for money the whole time, I usually wrote, “Get rid of LaPierre” on the paperwork and mailed it back to them in the prepaid envelope. Hopefully now that leadership has changed they will listen to the members and actually do some good in the 2A community.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

I quit NRA cuz they arent about 2A

[@BtRct]

I used to be a member, they couldn’t stop telling members that the legal battles aren’t cheap and are protecting your 2nd amendment rights cost money. I got absolutely offended when they asked if I could make a “small” donation of $500. WTF?! Small? Bro, you are off by two zeroes if you think thats small. Every few months they’d call and ask for money. Ridiculous.

[@peagee4518]

Truth was told......I sent my money two places....Second Amendment Foundation....and Virginai Civil defense fund....both actively promite the second amendment in a proper way without building their own mansions and lining their pockets.....thanks for the Truth Hickok45

[@RandDCustoms2]

I left the NRA in 2016 when I got sick of them being silent during every election!

[@michaelmerrick5472]

Waited a long period of my life to join and was so proud when I did. But then as many have stated all I saw was their hand out and doing little to nothing other than extravagants. No longer a member. I'll stand on my own for the 2nd Amendment.

[@claudiosartori4441]

Happy New Year!!!!

[@stevem5383]

I left the NRA two years ago after most of my life as a member. My father was a member and I became one when I joined the Navy and left home for good. When I found what Wayne LaPierrre was doing with my money I was done. We were treated as suckers.

[@ethang6735]

I was so glad when you guys left the NRA. I couldnt believe they were a sponsor as long as they were

[@johnwood3891]

I am still a member - Paid Benefactor Life Membership. That being said, I have not purchased any NRA gear or supported them otherwise until I see they are being managed in a financially responsible way. LaPierre was a great CEO when he was squaring off against the Clintons, but now... They need to be held accountable for the money they rake in.

[@rickf5615]

I am still a member but only because I need to be a NRA member to belong to my range. I have asked them several times WHY do we need to be an NRA member? Why not GOA or some other group that actually uses the money for what it is intended for. NRA pesters me constantly for more money, extended memberships, NRAILA donations. For what? To defend Wayne! They burned their own bridges and have completely forgotten what their core values were. Teaching youth gun safety and safe gun programs. Thanks for bringing this to the forefront!

[@Vamike9]

I respect that decision. I, too, left the NRA years ago. If I can't trust them, there was no reason to be a part of that association. GOA, VCDL, and others got my vote. Take care!

[@brianosborne1096]

I dropped the NRA when my wife was battling cancer my membership ran out and they were calling me daily. I told them my situation and couldn’t join until the funds came back but they didn’t stop after many more calls I finally had enough and went off on a couple of there callers finally the harassment stopped and I have never heard from them again.

[@pauljsmith2113]

I left the NRA during the Marion Hammer years. I felt like they were falling into the anti-2A arguments, rather than dismissing them outright. I almost went back a few years later, but something still stunk about them. It took me awhile to understand that WLP was the real problem there. They still haven't fixed it, apparently, so I have no plans to return. There are plenty of other organizations out there at the national and state level who better deserve the support of Constitution loving Americans.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

The NRA never saw another time after the Forbes magazine article in 2012. A quarter billion dollars passed through their hands in 2011. 10 million was spent on lobbying and legislation. And they were in the red at the end of the year. The article was titled what the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre gets paid to defend your gun rights. I called them to discuss the article. They transferred me up the chain of command until I got ahold of a very snotty man who hung up on me. Goodbye NRA

[@ricks4468]

I lost track of the NRA about a decade ago. I was a long time annual member. My money now goes towards things like self defense liability insurance, and disaster preparedness. Have a great new year, and always remember your ABCs (always be carrying).

[@dusty7264]

My Dad quit them in the early eighties, when they started telling him how to vote. I quit working they were wasting my money and time

[@MM-gq3rx]

Couldn’t agree more with Hickok45 taking a position on this. Much respect.

[@maddogwillie1019]

Was a member for years. Noticed that the only time I heard from them was about wanting money. Left them before all the crap came out.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Full agreement. When I gave my money to the NRA it was not with the intent of paying for the landscaping of Wayne LaPierre's mansion or paying for new cars or hair dresser's for his spouse. In February 2024 a NY civil court found Mr. LaPierre guilty of fraudulent actions (finally) and ordered partial repayment of the misused 5.4 million NRA dollars. The former Treasurer of the NRA was also ordered to repay 2 million dollars.

[@robertburgard8588]

Happy new years buddy.

[@thepurplemaskknows9383]

I have been out of the NRA for 20 years. I was a charter member. As such, I had expectations of support and assistance in case of firearms related trouble. Unfortunately there was an incident that I was involved with and I was charged with offenses I was innocent of. I contacted the legal arm of the NRA and was basically told to pound it. I was exonerated but in the process I lost an large valuable collection of firearms, some were irreplaceable. Law enforcement illegally confiscated them and despite my innocence, they were never returned. My repeated attempts to get promised help from the NRA was refused. I am not alone. They will never get another dine of my money.

[@jamest5804]

I worked closely with the NRA about 10 years ago and I can tell you they’re overriding priorities to make money. Their second priority is to find new ways of making money. Don’t waste your money.

[@KLRStiegy]

The NRA needs to come clean and explain what has gone on in its organization (note, no mention in their magazines of any problem), they keep their head in the sand hoping the remaining members won't find out about the widespread waste of our funds.--- With most federal, many state government agencies joined by big business in criminal activities now even the NRA is found corrupt, our country is in big trouble. Thanks for the commentary Mr. Hickok--want to be NRA President?

[@richardburger3350]

I’m a Lifetime NRA member for around 20 years. Like you, I saw them not supporting where the support was needed. They completely discarded California. I have since found FPC to be much better supporters of the 2A and worthy of my support.

[@JoseyWales44s]

I have lived in California for 57 years. Anyone who does live here knows that California a lost cause and a waste of resources. The Dems have controlled every state-wide office for decades and have such a super-majority that they can form a quorum and conduct business with out a single Republican being present. You may have a legitimate beef with the NRA for other reasons, but failing to waste money in California should not be one of them.

[@BigMuff520]

Thanks for taking a principled stand on this and speaking out in earnest.

[@kubacks]

Appreciate your honesty. The NRA has lost its way. I left as well after 60 years.

[@chuchan60]

Several years ago, I visited the NRA firearm museum at their headquarters and was appalled at the thick layer of dust on all of the firearms in the display cases. It was very disappointing to see the extent of the disrespect and visible lack of care for all of those valuable and important firearms entrusted to their custody. That, coupled with their incessant calls and tacky junk mail soliciting for more donations (even after obtaining a Life Membership many years ago) all made sense to me after Wayne's outrageous salary was made public. Shame on them for nose-diving a once great institution into the ground through their greed.

[@thomasmino]

Was a member for a little under 10 years, gave $$ for their advocacy, etc. Like every other organization, give them some cash and they hound you for more. Then it became very apparent that those at the top were treating it like their very own piggy bank. I don't think so.

[@MrBownze]

Patron Life Member here: I stopped sending $$$ to the NRA after they completely dropped the ball on the FRT issue (or maybe it was the MCK thing, I don't remember). Every other 2A organization was filing lawsuits fighting the ban EXCEPT the NRA. Only after the other organizations started winning injunctions for their members did NRA step up. The double edged blade with this is the NRA is undoubtedly the biggest, most well known and best DC connected 2A organization in the US. But yeah, there are absolutely better organizations to defend out 2A rights.

[@christopherderaps]

The political activism arm of the NRA seems to have gotten lost. The finances have become clouded in controversy. They haven't seemed to step up to the plate to actually back state organizations in fights against anti 2A legislation, and they haven't seemingly stood their ground nationally enough to be meaningful. However, the training and education side of the NRA, which is a completely different side of the coin, is an outstanding resource, and offers training that is valuable and ranges from foundational introductions to firearms safety, all the way up to Range Safety Officers that help keep public shooting facilities open and safe. I used to be proud to be an NRA Life Member, but I'm still very proud to be an NRA Instructor and help others become responsible, well educated, and well trained firearms owners. I wish more people would become Instructors and RSO's. That would help even more people have an opportunity to become educated and see the benefits of firearms ownership.

[@mikeclark5036]

I quit the NRA about 25 years ago. Wayne LaPierre was eating 50 dollar steaks. I was working my ass off to buy hamburger to feed my family. They were calling all the time wanting donations.

[@peejay6855]

I joined the NRA 35 years ago as a life member. I quit the NRA 30 years ago. I saved all the mail that I got in 1 month from the NRA and the stack was 4 inches tall! It was all asking for more money. Those mailings aren't cheap Then I saw what Mr. Lapierre sucked out of the NRA. Thats when I quit. Not to mention how useless they were to saving our gun rights. And, I continued to get mail from them for years asking for money and to re-join.

[@mad555max]

Once a life member always a life member, contact them to get a ballot for the next NRA election.

[@JosephTrybulski]

I am NRA life member and have been for quite some time and I really regret spending my hard earned money on this organization at this point in time... It appears that some of the people there have become as corrupt as our government... it is truly a shame... when I think about all the years I was a member and the money I've spent as a member it sickens me...

[@janusn9]

Happy new years!

[@cobeeble]

Same thing happened with the Wounded Warrior Project a few years ago. The CEO and his 2nd banana were spending ludicrous amounts of money on themselves and they finally got run out because so many people were disgusted with their behavior.

[@58dorsett]

I live in California, and the main reason I quit was every time gun restrictive legislation was being imposed they never would go to bat for us, they just wanted my money.

[@lizzardwizard2000]

I hope you are a California Rifle and Pistol Association member. Been a life member longer than NRA.

[@JoseyWales44s]

Exactly what kind of pressure do you think the NRA, or any gun group, can bring in California? I have lived in California for 57 years. Anyone who does live here knows that California a lost cause and a waste of resources. The Dems have controlled every state-wide office for decades and have such a super-majority that they can form a quorum and conduct business with out a single Republican being present. You may have a legitimate beef with the NRA for other reasons, but failing to waste money in California should not be one of them. Unfortunately, the slow moving judicial process is the only hope for California.

[@davidr2975]

You have to ask yourself , were would we be at now, without the N.R.A. they are not perfect , but they did alot for our second amendment.

[@wilderwyoming]

I never quit the NRA like so many others. But I don't blame or mind that they dropped their membership. I've kept mine, although there have been a number of times, I seriously thought about quitting due to all drama going on at the top. I truly questioned the way funds were being spent. Nevertheless, it is my fervent hope that the NRA does in fact get things turned around quickly with the new team in place. I am a life member of the California Rifle & Pistol Association because they spend the money close to home. Anyway, no hating here. I just want to see things get better as soon as possible. My regards to the all the Hickok45 Family regardless of which 2nd amendment association they support.

[@danmarcell3167]

I'm not going to turn my back on the NRA because I've seen what they actually do and appreciate their work and last thing I'm going to let persuade me is jackasses on the internet

[@shawnoandrew]

Preach! ​@@danmarcell3167

[@Kyle17206]

@@danmarcell3167 Shill

[@banzaii6285]

You're not the only one who withdrew support a few years ago. Happy New Year!

[@vernonkuhns3561]

I was a lifetime California resident born in the 50's and left in 2017. I lived through the NRA selling us out on the Assault Weapons ban. I had purchased a lifetime membership to help fight that ban. I have never given them a penny since. I would have been better off giving that money to any of several other 2nd Amendment groups.

[@frankburkett4627]

Your integrity is just one of the reasons I follow your channel 😉😁😊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍

[@rustyshorts64]

They don’t stop hounding you if you don’t renew your membership. Stopped supporting them years ago! Have no use for their dishonesty.

[@matthewmccann1471]

It’s all about integrity, so thank you. Honestly and integrity are always the best way to do things. I’ve parted ways with people I once called my best friends when I found they had a low level of integrity. Unfortunately good organizations sometimes change as people do . I rarely join groups for this reason.

[@davidwade4825]

I'm a life member but they will get no more money from me. I am not convinced that they have resolved their many issues. Once credibility is lost, it is nearly impossible to get it back.

[@MultiOhioman]

Appreciate your straight talk! Thank you.

[@floydjames6418]

People are stupid you got to love a rumors. Thank you for everything you do sir ps and jon

[@Mrbuggsnot]

I got tried of paying for Wayne LaPierre's millionaire lifestyle.

[@bigtb1717]

I was a member and even donated money many years ago. But the solicitation calls I started getting used a script that REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. It was really manipulative and just felt gross. Just a bunch of classic, manipulative, high-pressure, shady sales tactics, with heavy scaremongering thrown in. And they would call and go on with that script all the time. And if you tried to say no, they'd try to throw in all kinds of "free gifts." How about not wasting money on cheap trash that nobody needs? Some of the times I did renew or donate, they ended up sending me things I didn't want, and it was always the cheapest junk. Or how about telling me what you're doing with the money, other than sending out cheap junk, instead of trying to scare and pressure me into blindly throwing more money at you. I finally interrupted the person once and told them that I didn't like the manipulative tactics. Just call and ask for money, or stop calling. They never stopped calling and never changed their BS. So I stopped renewing and stopped donating.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

I am still 'with' the NRA... I'm an Endowment Life Member so I would have to 'resign' or something to leave. I'm not ready to do that - I am very upset with Wayne LaPierre who is a criminal IMHO, as are all those that knew what he was doing and did nothing to stop it or took advantage themselves.... obviously, the NRA was way off course. I am hanging in there at this point as I have seen that they are working to rectify things and get moving back in the right direction.

[@elsullo2]

Are all of the NRA Board of Directors still effectively PAID by LaPierre with luxury travel and accommodations and gifts when they visited Headquarters? Possibly small gold bars secretly dropped in their pockets? Somehow they always voted to give him a blank check for his wardrobe............................elsullo

[@shawnoandrew]

The ones dropping memberships wouldn't be happy if the organization was perfect and Christ himself ran it. Theyre the ones who turn I their guns when the government asks for em.

[@wendystrong3827]

When NRA was first started they did great things. The organization needs support. But the people entrenched that are running it need to be ousted and guidelines set by the membership for anyone leading the NRA,

[@michaeltaylor4984]

I was the same. Called them, gave them a piece of my mind and haven't heard from them since

[@scottrandle5645]

If it wasn’t for the NRA your second amendment would’ve been gone long ago

[@matrixx860]

I left the NRA some years back. Got tired of them asking for money every month. I appreciate what they do for the 2A but there are other groups out there that won't harass you for money.

[@Chiller11]

I left the NRA shortly after I joined when in 1977 it ceased being an organization whose main effort was education and became a group whose main concern was political lobbying. The slide toward corruption began shortly thereafter.

[@PonderosaOutdoors-20-gauge]

Very glad you left the NRA. Appreciate your backing of ethical standards in your sponsorships as well.