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National Rifle Association (NRA)
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Charles W. Colson's Files
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March 5, 1971
Dear Mr. Daniel:
Thank you for your godd letter of March 3rd. I have turned your
letter over to the office that handles these special tours and I am
sure you will be hearing from them shortly. I have strongly recom-
mended that this be worked into the First Lady's schedule if she is
available on those dates.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
/jh
Charles W. Colson
Special Counsel to the President
Mr. Frank C. Daniel
Secretary
National Rifle Association of America
y
1600 Rhfide Island Avenue N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
April 4, 1970
Dear Mr. Daniel:
Thank you for your good letter of March 31 with suggestions for
the Ash Council. I will see that these are forwarded for consid-
eration.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
/jh
Charles W. Colson
Special Counsel to the President
Mr. Frank C. Daniel
Secretary
National Rifle Association of America
1600 Rhode Island Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20036
bcc: Amory Blandford
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
'69
operating report
THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Contents
Letter to the Board of Directors
8
The Story of NRA
9
Membership
11
Finances
14
The American Rifleman
16
Gun Collecting
18
Firearm Safety and Marksmanship
19
Competitive Shooting
22
Hunting and Conservation
28
Legislative Information Service
30
Public Relations
32
Organization Relationships
35
NRA Annual Meetings
36
NRA Headquarters Building
37
NRA Headquarters Operation
38
EXHIBITS
A
Comparative Schedule of Individual and
Organization Members
41
B
Comparative Statement of Financial Condition
42
c
Comparative Statement of Income and Expenses
43
D
Comparative Statement of NRA Sanctioned
Competitive Events
44
E
Comparative Statement of Leagues and Postal Matches
46
F
Hunter Safety Information by States
47
G
Headquarters Staff Organization Chart
48
H
Officers, Board of Directors, Executive Committee
and Council
49
Reproduced Richard NixontPresidential ibrary and Museum,
'69
operating
report
Officers
THE NATIONAL
RIFLE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
WOODSON D. SCOTT
President
7
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
MAXWELL E. RICH
Vice President
Officers
THE NATIONAL
RIFLE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
FRANKLIN L. ORTH
Executive Vice President
7
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
(O:
of
%
LOUIS F. LUCAS
Executive Director and Treasurer
Officers
THE NATIONAL
RIFLE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
FRANK C. DANIEL
Secretary
7
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
To the Board of Directors
April 7, 1970
This Operating Report provides a summary of operations for 1969, with statistical
comparisons for two prior years. Careful study of this data enables you to judge the
general status of our Association, the progress we are making, and to evaluate each
activity.
Our present position is strong. We are effectively accomplishing the overall objects
and purposes of NRA. And we are continuing to develop new activities and services to
promote further growth into the future.
In recent years, the National Rifle Association has withstood tremendous stress. This
has produced strength and determination which will enable us to reach for even greater
goals ahead. The support and dedication of our Officers, our Directors, our Staff and all
our Members will enable our Association to assume even greater leadership among
American sportsmen and patriotic citizens. Our nation is embarking on a long-needed
drive to improve air, water, and the outdoors environment to assure a healthful life and
wholesome recreation for all. Our own mission, long-term objectives, and well-earned
reputation for public service assure us a position in the front rank of those guiding this
new national effort.
WoodsonD.Acott
Louis Hucas
8
WOODSON D. SCOTT
LOUIS F. LUCAS
President
Executive Director
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
The Story of NRA
1871 through 1969
Background
The National Rifle Association was organized
as a nonprofit membership corporation in the State
of New York in November 1871 by a small group
of National Guard Officers. The object for which
it was formed was "the improvement of its members
in marksmanship, and to promote the introduction
of the system of aiming drill and rifle practice as
part of the military drill of the National Guard of
this and other states, and for those purposes to pro-
vide a suitable range or ranges in the vicinity
of the City of New York." In 1877, its name was
changed to the National Rifle Association of
America.
Purposes
The object and purposes of the Association have
been expanded to include, "and to promote social
welfare and public safety, law and order, and the
national defense; to educate and train citizens of
good repute in the safe and efficient handling of
small arms and in the technique of design, produc-
tion, and group instruction; to increase the knowl-
edge of small arms and promote efficiency in the
use of such arms on the part of members of law-
9
enforcement agencies, of the Armed Forces, and of
citizens who would be subject to service in the event
of war; and generally to encourage the lawful
ownership and use of small arms by citizens of
good repute."
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Activities
of Directors, with voice but without vote.
"The NRA," as it has become known over the
The President appoints annually eight standing
years, represents and promotes the best interests
committees on rules and programs and numerous
of gun owners and shooter-sportsmen and supports
special committees to study the effectiveness of
their belief in the ideals of the United States of
NRA activities and to make such written reports
America and its way of life. It is dedicated to fire-
to the Board or the Executive Committee as they
arms safety education as a public service, marks-
may from time to time deem to be advisable.
manship training as a contribution to individual
The Executive Vice President, as the senior paid
preparedness for personal and national defense,
executive, conducts the affairs of the Association
and the sport of shooting as a wholesome form of
in the absence of the President, Vice President and
recreation. It stands squarely behind the premise
Executive Committee in accordance with the pro-
that the ownership of firearms must not be denied
American citizens of good repute so long as they
grams and policies established by the Board of
Directors and the Executive Committee. The Execu-
use them for lawful purposes.
tive Director is responsible for the organization and
operation of the staff, the coordination of activities
Management
in their relation to the membership-at-large, and
A major factor in the success of the National
general supervision of the fiscal affairs of the Asso-
Rifle Association has been the abilities and de-
ciation. The Secretary has charge of the archives
votion of its leadership. Men and women from
of the Association and attends to official matters
various walks of life contribute time and effort,
which usually pertain to his office. The Treasurer
without compensation, to establish its policies
has charge of the books of account of the Associa-
and to guide its operation. No other member-
tion. Day-to-day operations are conducted by a
ship organization has more dedicated or more
paid staff at NRA Headquarters.
energetic direction.
Throughout its 98 years of existence, the NRA
A Board of Directors, consisting of 75 mem-
Headquarters has been located first in New York,
bers elected by and from its Life Members, has
then in New Jersey, and since 1908 in Washington,
general charge of the affairs and property of the
D.C. On April 1, 1957, the office moved into its
Association. The Board elects the officers, the
partially constructed home on Sixteenth Street at
Executive Committee consisting of 20 individuals,
Rhode Island Avenue. Now fully completed, this
and the members of the Executive Council. When
beautiful edifice stands as a symbol of an ideal
the Board of Directors is not in session, the Execu-
and as a monument to the contribution of the Na-
tive Committee acts for it. The Executive Council is
tional Rifle Association of America and its mem-
advisory to the Executive Committee and the Board
bers to the American way of life.
10
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Membership
MEMBERSHIP TABLE
LIFETIME MEMBERS
1969
1968
1967
Membership Pledge
Benefactor
47
42
34
Each individual who joins the National Rifle As-
Patron
83
72
74
Endowment
1,082
805
785
sociation must be endorsed by an active NRA
Life
109,130
95,086
82,948
member, a public official, or an officer in the U.S.
Total
110,342
96,005
83,841
Armed Forces. In addition, he must sign the NRA
ANNUAL MEMBERS
Membership Pledge: "I certify that I am a citizen
1-Year
462,098
508,791
419,315
of good repute of the United States of America; that
2-Years
84,393
72,047
57,389
I am not a member of any organization or group
3-Years
92,647
107,360
105,951
5-Years
142,570
128,047
105,543
having as its purpose or one of its purposes the
Club
74,729
86,371
82,845
overthrow by force and violence of the Govern-
Conditional Life
8,101
12,478
10,272
ment of the United States or any of the political
Associate
3,614
4,245
4,098
Junior, with TAR
12,776
16,663
16,359
subdivisions; that I have never been convicted of
Junior, without TAR
12,024
14,200
13,206
a crime of violence; and that, if admitted to mem-
Non-Resident
3,786
3,750
3,599
bership, I will fulfill the obligations of good sports-
Total
896,738
953,952
818,577
manship and good citizenship."
Grand Total
1,007,080
1,049,957
902,418
Individual Members
Membership Organizations
The strength of NRA, and therefore the ability
The number of organized groups affiliated with
to accomplish its object and purposes, depends en-
NRA has fluctuated between ten and twelve thou-
tirely upon the support of loyal Americans who
sand over the past few years. In 1926 we had ap-
believe in the right to keep and bear arms. From
proximately 1,300 clubs. Prior to World War II,
an organization founded in 1871 by a small group
this figure had grown to about 4,000, with a total
of interested citizens, it has grown in size and
today of 10,659 in the categories shown in the table
stature over the years.
below. (See Exhibit A on page 41 for a breakdown
In June of 1968 NRA reached a target of six
by states.)
years standing. The millionth member was en-
rolled. At the end of the year the roster contained
1969
1968
1967
one-million, forty-nine thousand members. Thus
State R&P
1968 became the year with the highest increase in
Associations
52
52
52
Gun Collectors
membership.
Associations
83
82
76
Other Associations
48
56
51
Other landmarks in membership growth were
11
Senior Clubs
4,724
4,900
5,866
50,000 in 1939, 250,000 in 1947, 300,000 in
Police Units
616
647
I
1957 and 500,000 in 1962.
Hunting Clubs
351
264
143
Junior Clubs
3,140
3,567
3,708
The table shows a comparison of individual
Summer Camps
1,329
1,560
1,668
Colleges
316
349
389
members for the past three years. Exhibit A on
Total
page 41 shows a breakdown of members by states.
10,659
11,477
11,953
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Thirty advertisements were placed in 7 national
membership by 6,000 members. NRA shared half
gun and youth publications resulting in 470 inquir-
the cost of these mailings.
ies for club organizational material. Fifty-five of
The NRA Sighting-In Day Program, established
these inquiries converted to NRA affiliated clubs.
in 1960, has provided a needed service for sports-
Thirteen advertisements were placed in THE
men of many communities. This important public
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN resulting in 2,178 inquiries
service is another step in the expanding NRA pro-
for club organizational material of which 93 con-
gram to render benefits to hunter-members of the
verted to NRA affiliated clubs. Special mailings
shooting fraternity. A total of 455 NRA Sighting-
were made to the American Camping Association's
In Days were held involving over 50,000 individ-
affiliates and the NRA Hunting and Conservation
uals. (These are incomplete returns.)
Inquiry list. A total of 15,877 club promotional
pieces were mailed to these lists resulting in 1,398
The hunting club program announced October
inquiries for club organizational material of which
1966 has had a steady growth since that time. The
38 converted to NRA affiliated clubs.
basic aim of this program is to cooperate with
To retain current club affiliations 40,481 re-
existing sportsmen-conservation organizations in
affiliation notices were mailed resulting in 10,773
preserving the rights of the hunters, to promote
reaffiliations for the year.
safer hunting afield, to promote better hunter-
landowner relations, to offer property owners
A total of 14,567 club organizational packets
protection under a liability and personal injury
were mailed to all types of inquiries during the
insurance plan, and to give groups of friends the
year which resulted in a total of 1,369 new clubs.
opportunities to enjoy the sport of hunting more
Special assistance was extended to 8 State As-
fully, to develop programs for year-around pleas-
sociations in 1969 by direct mail membership pro-
ure, and to participate in activities that will add to
motional campaigns. This helped to increase their
the hunters' experience and knowledge.
Membership Promotion
13,300,000 bind-in cards. Twelve space ads and
To acquire new members in 1969, 91 direct
5,500,000 bind-in cards were placed in THE
mail promotions were made involving 6,043,101
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN.
mailing pieces. In all direct mail promotions, test-
To retain current members, 2,895,837 renewal
ing was done to find ways to improve results. One
notices were mailed. Tests were made to improve
hundred sixteen space advertisements were placed
the results of these mailings and certain changes
in sportsmen and gun publications along with
were introduced.
PROMOTION EFFORT 1969
Total
Total
Cost Per
Cost Per
EFFORT
Orders
Cost
Order—1969
Order—1968
Direct Mail
136,302
$254,687
$1.87
$1.11
TAR
12,938
14,786
1.14
0.30
Bind-ins (TAR)
12,628
24,800
1.96
0.99
Outside Advertising
55,948
245,614
4.39
1.63
Renewals
419,152
126,500
0.30
0.29
Club Secretaries
13,499
-
-
Subscriptions
2,736
I
-
12
Miscellaneous
83,800
I
I
Premiums
126,698
-
-
Guaranteed Postage
79,806
I
-
Other
74,656
-
I
Total 1969
737,003
$947,547
$1.28
$0.85
Total 1968
834,080
706,964
0.85
I
Increase (decrease)
(97,077)
240,583
$0.43
I
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Data Processing
The major jobs completed this year by our data
processing section are as follows:
A revision of our system handling miscellaneous
mailing files was completed in the early part of the
year. This revision was undertaken to reduce the
clerical effort involved in up-dating records on this
file and allow the addition of several public rela-
Membership cards, renewal notices, bills,
tions mailing lists.
checks and reports of the Association's
A system was designed and programmed to
activities are produced by a high speed
printer.
handle the Easy Payment Life account. This re-
placed the manual accounting and billing proced-
ure that was accomplished through the use of a
card file. All existing accounts were converted to
this computer system in May.
The primary computer system developed this
year was the NRA payroll. A study of the clerical
and bookkeeping machine operation was started
in January, the computer system was run parallel
with the payroll prepared by the Accounting De-
partment in June, and the computer system was put
into use in July after the second quarter tax re-
ports were completed.
A revision to our promotion system was com-
pleted in September. This revision was required
to allow the processing of changes of addresses on
A data processing center which utilizes an
IBM 360-Model 30 Computer serves the
our expire, inquiry and club non-NRA members
Membership; Competitions, Training and
file. It was also designed to remove duplications
Facilities; and Administrative Services Divi-
so that a person's name could not appear on more
sions as well as the Offices of the Secre-
tary and the Office of Public Relations.
than one of these files.
In late February, an additional unit of core
was added to our computer. This unit was pur-
chased to allow replacement of our old 1401 pro-
grams on IBM's compatibility operating system,
and allow for more flexibility and efficiency in
programming new systems in S360 languages. The
use of the compatibility operating system causes
the programs to process at a faster rate and results
in a saving of approximately 25 hours a month
computer time. This time was then available for
processing new computer applications.
No major changes were made in the remaining
sections of the Fulfillment Section of the Member-
ship Division. However, one very important fact
should be noted. The primary objective of the Ful-
fillment Section is to provide good service to our
The IBM-360 Computer operates under
members and through the use of scheduling tools
close controls. Operator relates the infor-
set up under Short Interval Scheduling and the ex-
mation in programs and operating man-
cellent cooperation between sections, the year 1969
uals to the central processing unit pic-
tured, through the console and automatic
was most sucessful in meeting this objective.
typewriter also pictured.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
16
FINANCIAL CONDITION
14
12
10
EARNED INCOME
66% Membership Dues
$4,906,042
8
6
4
2
STATE
10
1969
1968
1967
FINANCIAL CONDITION
INCOME AND EXPENSES
Net Book Assets
Earned Income
13% All Others
21% Advertising
$940,885
$1,563,462
Liabilities and
Operating Expenses
Deferred Income
TOTAL EARNED INCOME
$7,410,389
Reserves and
Transfers to Reserves
Retained Earnings
OPERATING EXPENSES
7
37% Office of Publications
36% All Others
INCOME AND EXPENSES
$2,547,013
$2,540,759
6
5
mm 6001 betrust STATE An ERICA
4
3
14
2
27% Membership
$1,909,932
1
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
$6,997,704
1969
1968
1967
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Finances
As the membership of the National Rifle Associa-
THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, and the remaining
tion has grown over the years, its financial picture
13% resulted from other income-producing serv-
has become brighter. More membership dues have
ices and activities. A total of 37% of operating
provided more funds; more funds have permitted
expenses related to the Office of Publications, with
expanded and diversified activities; and these activ-
the publication and distribution of THE AMERICAN
ities in turn, have attracted more members. Because
RIFLEMAN as its major concern; 27% related to
of careful planning and supervision by our leader-
the Membership Division, with membership pro-
ship, the financial position of NRA is stronger today
motion and membership records as its chief func-
than at any time in its history.
tions; and the remaining 36% related to other
In 1946 assets totaled less than 3/4 million dol-
divisions for such things as firearms legislative
lars, with income of less than $500,000. In 1951
information bulletins, firearms safety and marks-
both assets and income slightly exceeded 1 million
manship training, organized shooting competitions,
dollars. In 1956 assets had reached the 2 million
hunting and game conservation, Headquarters op-
mark, and income was almost 2 million. By the
erations and many other functions.
end of 1969 net assets were in excess of 16 million
It is the policy of NRA to plan its expenditures
dollars and income exceeded 71/3 million dollars.
on the basis of anticipated income, with the hope
The financial condition of the Association has
that enough can be saved in good years to offset
shown a gradual growth over the past 3 years as
possible losses in bad years. Due to our recent
indicated by the comparative figures shown in the
rapid growth, 1969 was an especially good finan-
tables.
cial year. The Headquarters Staff operates on a
budget which is approved in advance by the NRA
The earned income and expenses of the Associa-
Executive Committee. The operating budget for
tion likewise have shown a gradual growth over
1970, subject to adjustments, is $7,467,000.
the past 3 years as indicated by the comparative
A detailed comparative statement of financial
income and expense figures.
condition for the past three years will be found in
In 1969, 66% of the Association's earned in-
Exhibit B page 42, and a detailed comparative
come was received from annual membership dues,
statement of income and expenses for the same
21% came from the sale of advertising space in
years will be found in Exhibit C on page 43.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
INCOME AND EXPENSES
Net Book
Liabilities and
Reserves and
Earned
Operating
Transfers to
Year
Assets
Deferred Income
Retained Earnings
Income
Expenses
Reserves
15
1967
$11,900,436.34
$10,779,527.73
$1,120,908.61
$5,797,441.77
$5,671,018.76
$121,000.00
1968
$14,279,521.81
$13,202,090.26
$1.077,431.55
$6,575,989.37
$6,473,128.30
$ 97,146.77
1969
$16,047,461.79
$14,720,302.89
$1,327,158.90
$7,410,389.10
$6,997,704.11
$406,924.88
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
MARCH
1970
THE
AMERICAN
60 CENTS
RIFLEMAN
1970
EMBLEM OF THE NRA-SPONSORED
INTERNATIONAL SHOOTING UNION
40th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Phoenix, Arizona
The
American
Rifleman
Our monthly magazine, THE AMERICAN RIFLE-
it to present more data in more detail than is con-
MAN, is the chief means of communication with
tained in any similar publication. Its "Dope Bag"
more than a million NRA members. As the official
section has long been recognized as the finest thing
journal of the NRA, it conveys organization policy
of its kind on technical information. Its "Law-
and programs, developments and general informa-
makers" feature affords the most complete insight
tion to the membership. As a firearms and sporting
into legislative moves affecting firearms owners at
publication, it provides informative and educa-
the Federal, state, and local levels.
tional reading on hunting, target shooting, conser-
Every issue is planned to contain as much as
vation, firearms safety, gun collecting, handload-
possible of interest to the entire membership. In
ing, and a multitude of related subjects with a
16
keeping with the times, THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
clarity and authority that make it unexcelled in
has developed an advanced technique of covering
its field. It is to most members a tangible benefit
subjects concisely, putting all the facts into fewer
that they welcome every month.
words and less space. This enables the contents to
Essentially, THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN is a text
be varied and of value to all. In 1969, 503 articles
magazine as differentiated from the picture-book
of one or more pages in length were published
or photographic variety of magazine. This enables
compared with 493 in 1968, and 498 in 1967.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
tion. Members of the NRA technical staff and
OVERALL CONTENT
contributing editors of THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
1969
1968
1967
answer inquiries about firearms and related sub-
Authors Represented
101*
95
95
jects, initiate studies on reloading and similar
Staff Articles
(Pages)
176
171
177
projects, evaluate products and services, and pre-
*In addition there were 104 authors of "In My Experience."
pare major articles for the magazine of a type
TOTAL PAGES
which cannot be obtained from free lance sources.
1969
1968
1967
During the year, 22,728 inquiry letters of a
Editorial
842
843
859
technical nature were answered and 207 products
Advertising
513
560
565
were received for evaluation.
DIRECT PUBLICATION COSTS
1969
1968
1967
Shooting Information
Printing
$1,747,439
$1,695,092
$1,444,198
The NRA TOURNAMENT NEWS is published each
Postage
220,559
173,546
113,879
Manuscript and Art
52,784
57,146
71,861
month on a subscription basis, at the rate of $2.00
Engravings
32,417
32,743
29,373
per year or three years for $5.00, as a service
Total
$2,053,199
$1,958,527
$1,659,311
to members who are interested in competitive
shooting. It is furnished without charge to affiliated
A total of 13,671,895 copies of the magazine
clubs and official referees. The coverage of shoot-
were printed in 1969, compared to 13,115,847 in
ing activities has been broadened to give more in-
1968 and 10,930,819 in 1967.
formation about key shooters and scores fired at
important tournaments.
Rifleman Newsletter
Museum
Approximately 15,500 of these releases are
mailed each month to editors, columnists, com-
More than 1,000 firearms, antique and modern,
mentators, and to leaders in conservation, the arms
are on display in the NRA museum. Every major
manufacturer of firearms in the United States has
industry, and others influencing public opinion. It
reports on the contents of the current issue of THE
donated a basic model of each of its products.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, including a reprint of the
This provides a unique opportunity for NRA mem-
editorial.
bers to see every basic arm in current production in
one room and grouped for logical study. Hundreds
Firearms Information Service
of cartridges and shotshells have been deactivated
One of the more valuable services rendered by
for display. Modern firearms in the museum also
our Association is in the field of firearms informa-
have been deactivated.
17
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Gun Collecting
In recognition of the ever-growing interest in
collecting both antique and modern firearms, pri-
marily for their intrinsic interest rather than for
shooting, the NRA Board of Directors established
a Gun Collectors Committee with the status of an
NRA Standing Committee in 1953. Since then,
many of the nation's leading collectors have served
on this and other NRA Committees, and through
the NRA have taken the initiative in furthering
programs of national importance and significance
in gun collecting.
Guides to assist gun collectors and to encourage
interest in gun collecting have been prepared:
NRA Condition Standards for Antique Fire-
arms
Bill of Sale for Antique Firearms
NRA Code of Ethics for Gun Collectors and
Dealers
NRA Code of Conduct for Gun Collectors
Meetings
"Why Americans Own, Shoot, and Collect
Guns."
An outstanding feature of the Annual Meetings
of the National Rifle Association is the display of
antique firearms in the exhibit hall which is made
possible by the efforts of gun collector associations.
This venture has been highly effective and provides
mutual benefits to NRA and collectors alike. A
walnut plaque is presented to each group that dis-
plays, with a gold star for each year.
A sterling silver trophy has been established, in
the name of the NRA Gun Collectors Committee, to
be awarded each year to the organization having
the most outstanding display. Three plaques are
18
presented at each NRA Annual Meeting to the gun
collector organizations which have the best educa-
tional displays. Silver medallions and certificates
are awarded each year to owners of 10 outstanding
firearms on display, and a certificate is awarded
for special groupings within each overall booth
display.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Firearm
Safety and
Marksmanship
Through firearm safety education and marks-
firearms training courses, training aids, targets and
manship training, the National Rifle Association
courses of fire.
renders much of its public service. These programs
are used by affiliated shooting clubs, state agencies
Certified Instructors
and national youth-serving organizations. These ac-
NRA Certified Instructors and NRA Training
tivities enable the NRA to maintain a widespread
Counselors are the heart of our training program;
contact with the youth of America. Unquestionably,
without them it could not exist. The total number
this has aided the growth of the NRA.
of instructors continues to grow and expand. It is
Police firearms training is a vital part of the
through the unselfish devotion of these dedicated
NRA firearms education effort. The availability of
members that many NRA objectives are achieved
this program has stimulated many law enforcement
and the influence of the National Rifle Association
agencies to place more emphasis on firearms train-
is spread. These volunteer instructors give thou-
ing. Some agencies have conducted their first com-
sands of hours annually to the introduction of new
plete firearms training courses as a result of expo-
people to the sport of shooting and firearms safety.
sure to the NRA program. During 1969 the NRA
Since 1933, our records show that 293,364 indi-
19
Training Staff trained 355 police firearms instruc-
viduals have been appointed as NRA instructors.
tors representing 147 enforcement agencies. The
All instructor ratings are renewed annually in
NRA Police Instructor Manual and combat shoot-
order that the files will include only active instruc-
ing filmstrip, introduced in 1968, have aided sub-
tors. The following figures show the growth in the
stantially in this area. NRA also serves as a clear-
number of instructors for the past 3 years and the
ing house and standardizing influence for police
new instructors during 1969.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
During 1969, 221 NRA Training Counselors
tion in 1871. It has shown a continued increase
(trainers of instructors) and NRA staff personnel
through the years. Growth has been achieved
trained 2,999 instructors. This means that more
through the creation of new manuals and teaching
than one-third of all new marksmanship instructors
aids, by the regular updating of methods and ma-
were appointed after in-person training.
terials and the development of new programs. A
total of 557,253 individuals, including many jun-
iors, have completed the courses. Participation for
Certified Instructors
the last 3 years is shown below:
TOTAL
NEW
TOTAL
TOTAL
12/31/69
1969
12/31/68
12/31/67
Hunter Safety
63,142
13,342
62,480
52,545
REGISTERED COURSES CONDUCTED
Rifle Marks-
1969
1968
1967
manship
24,948
3,294
25,470
24,915
Pistol Marks-
Rifle
828
947
1,069
manship
14,617
1,911
10,261
13,194
Pistol
206
246
184
Shotgun
6,904
1,287
6,481
5,461
Shotgun
63
61
51
Police
3,433
722
3,130
2,693
Home Safety
129
241
184
Home Safety
4,889
548
5,329
4,176
Total
1,226
1,495
1,488
Total
117,933
21,104
113,151
102,984
NRA Firearm Safety Programs
STUDENTS GRADUATED
The NRA, long considered an authority by those
1969
1968
1967
who know guns, is now widely recognized and ac-
Rifle
23,050
34,363
32,332
cepted as a partner by other organizations and
Pistol
4,280
5,316
3,654
Police
groups concerned with safety in other fields.
49,441
37,167
36,041
Shotgun
1,344
3,413
1,419
Forty-one states and six Canadian provinces now
Home Safety
3,725
4,813
5,327
operate hunter safety programs. Fifteen states and
Total
81,840
85,072
78,773
two provinces have laws which make hunter safety
training a prerequisite for obtaining the first hunt-
ing license. The remaining twenty-six states and
four provinces have official programs with volun-
NRA Marksmanship Qualification Courses
tary participation. The number of students gradu-
Marksmanship qualification courses are designed
ated during each of the last 3 years is: 385,244 in
to stimulate the shooter to practice in order to im-
1967; 387,070 in 1968; and 545,089 in 1969;
prove his skill. Such improvement is recognized by
with a total of 4,557,006 at the end of 1969. This
means of special awards at various stages through-
is the first year in which more than one-half million
out each course. Awards may be earned over vari-
students graduated. It was brought about by in-
ous courses of fire and with many types of firearms.
creasingly effective programs in a number of states
Some awards are within reach of the beginner while
and intensified efforts on the part of 3 states in
others present a challenge to even the most experi-
preparation for mandatory programs. (See Ex-
enced marksman. The NRA Qualification Program
hibit F on page 47 for breakdown of states.)
has been popular since its introduction in 1926.
Home Firearms Safety training continues to fill
Since that time 8,500,131 qualification awards of
a very definite need. Statistics show that firearms
all types have been issued. In 1969, a total of
accidents in the home exceed those in the hunting
342,340 were earned in the following qualification
20
field each year. NRA Clubs, women's organiza-
courses: Air Rifle, Gallery Pistol, Gallery Rifle,
tions, Police Departments and youth groups show
Outdoor Position Smallbore, Outdoor Prone, Out-
a continuing interest in this area of firearm safety.
door Pistol, Light Rifle, .22 Shotgun, Full-gauge
Shotgun, Police Combat, Collegiate Pistol, Col-
NRA Basic Marksmanship Courses
legiate Smallbore Position, High Power Rifle, Car-
Marksmanship training was the primary reason
bine and 9 International courses of fire for 4 dif-
for the organization of the National Rifle Associa-
ferent arms.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
2" X 12" TOP
1/2" SPACER BOLT,
6 TO 8 - 8D COATED BOX NAILS
2" 12"
PLATE
IN EACH END OF FACING
2" X 4" SUB PLATE
TOP PLATE
4 EA. BAFFLE
8D COATED
4" X 4" CENTER STUD
BOX NAILS
2" 4"
4" X 6" UPRIGHT
SIDE WALER
3/4"
CRUSHED
4" X 4" OR 2" X 4"
ROCK FILL
FRAME BOTTOM
1"x8"
TOENAIL
FACING
4" 6" TO
FRAME BOTTOM
4" LAG
SCREW
2" 8"
PLATE
1/2" X 6" ANGLE
FORCE 2" CROWN IN 2" X 8"
1" X 8" FACING
ALL JOINTS SHOULD
24' LONG 2" X 4" SPACED
PLATE WITH JACK AT THIS
1/2" MACHINE BOLTS
DOUBLE PLANKED
BE TIGHT, USE FEWER
WITH 3/8" PLYWOOD
POINT, BEFORE NAILING
TO ATTACH TO 6WF 15.5
USE STANDARD
NAILS IN CORNERS
ON FAC ING.
H-BEAMS.
SHEATHING.
6'-6'' ABOVE LEVEL
2" X 10" FACING
OF FIRING LINE
USED TO COVER
2" 6"
H-BEAMS.
FIRING
OVERHEAD RANGE
LINE
SAFETY BAFFLE
24' 0"
NRA Range Promotion and Development
The safety system which has been developed at
In today's busy, overcrowded environment, the
the NRA Experimental Range presently includes a
shooter is facing the toughest "match" of all-the
shooting house "overhang," a series of overhead
competition for open space. Like all sports, partici-
baffles filled with crushed stone, a newly designed
pation in recreational shooting is growing and more
backstop which incorporates an "eyebrow" to con-
ranges are needed to meet these increasing
tain shots deflected upward, and a "wing-baffle"
demands.
structure to close in the sides of the range. Still to
Land prices are skyrocketing, large areas of
be completed is a ground baffle system to catch and
greenspan are being developed for swimming pools,
contain ground ricochets. Once completed, this total
golf courses, regional parks and playgrounds, and
system will provide effective safeguards against ac-
people today, including the shooter, are reluctant
cidental discharges leaving the range area. A com-
to travel very far for their recreation.
plete plan booklet on baffled ranges is being
The answer sounds impossible! Build ranges
prepared.
close to population centers, on limited acreage,
NRA range construction plans are updated at
both safe and quiet enough to be accepted by the
every printing. The new publications contain the
non-shooting public. The answer is not simple, but
most current information available.
neither is it impossible.
At the NRA Experimental Safety Range in Chel-
The NRA Nationwide Shooting Facilities Survey
tenham, Maryland, a continuing study has been un-
currently lists some 8,000 ranges by type. In addi-
dertaken, researching bullet containment, acoustics
tion to serving as a locator file for persons trying to
and sound control, and general range design. The
find "a place to shoot," the survey is a valuable
facility presently includes a shooting house incor-
source of information in establishing guidelines for
porating various types of construction design and
range promotion.
21
materials, a one-hundred-yard smallbore and high
Through increased contact with states, counties,
power rifle range, a standard pistol and police com-
and their political sub-divisions, the NRA is seek-
bat pistol range which includes a manual turning
ing to establish valid priorities for shooting and
target system, and an international clay pigeon field
supporting facilities, within the total recreation
and trap house.
spectrum.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Competitive Shooting
Many consider formal competition to be the
containing many merchandise items which may be
backbone of our National Rifle Association. NRA
obtained with coupons has been produced by the
members who run tournaments and who compete
NRA Administrative Services Division.
in them are among those most dedicated to the
In the April 1969 issue of THE AMERICAN
sport of shooting.
RIFLEMAN, Competitions, Training and Facilities
Servicing these shooter members is the responsi-
Division announced a new expanded training plan
bility of the Competitions, Training & Facilities Di-
with authorization for a Special Approved tourna-
vision. Two sections within this Division actually
ment to be conducted at the end of an NRA Marks-
handle the "paper work" necessary to insure suc-
manship Training Course. This plan was started so
cessful tournaments.
that people interested in shooting on a competitive
level could enter their first tournament in a class
The Smallbore Rifle, Pistol and High Power
comparable to their marksmanship ability. Those
Rifle Rule Books were updated and reprinted dur-
who take an NRA Marksmanship Training Course
ing 1969. A new rule book for 10-Meter Precision
can shoot in a Special Approved tournament and
Air Rifle and Pistol was completed for distribution
scores fired are recorded in a Score Record Book.
in October. It took several years of hard work and
research by both the Air Gun Committee and NRA
They then shoot in their first "open" sanctioned
Staff personnel to complete the rule book and all
tournament with the temporary classification shown
the necessary program-supporting items such as
in the Score Record Book. Many groups are taking
advantage of this new plan.
classification materials and targets.
An agreement between the NRA and the Na-
Two innovations are showing great promise in
tional Small Bore Rifle Association of Great Britain
22
promoting the sport of competitive shooting among
has established a plan wherein the Pershing Trophy
gun owners. These are the NRA award point cou-
Team Match will be fired in the U. S. and four
pon plan and catalog, and NRA Special Approved
years later a similar team match will be fired in
tournaments. The award point coupon plan, first
England. A 14 man squad went to Bisley in June
started in 1967 on an experimental basis, was used
and brought back the Field Marshal Earl Roberts
at both the 1968 and 1969 National Champion-
Trophy. The 10 man U. S. team fired a Dewar
ships at Camp Perry, Ohio. An award point catalog
course score 21 points higher than that of Great
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Britain. Numerous individual match awards in-
cluding the grand aggregate were won by U. S.
NUMBER OF TOURNAMENTS
team members during the British Championships.
1969
1968
1967
The squad also conducted a "standing room only"
High Power Rifle
486
509
506
position shooting clinic.
Smallbore Rifle
878
917
854
Pistol
1,399
1,441
1,379
Sanctioned Tournaments
Shotgun
54
54
28
Int'l Running
Sanctioned tournaments are shoulder-to-shoulder
Boar/Deer
7
5
5
Air Gun
6
4
4
shooting events scheduled to be conducted under
Total
2,830
2,930
2,776
NRA rules and regulations. These include Regis-
tered and Approved tournaments, Registered
NUMBER OF ENTRIES
Leagues, State Championships, Regional and Sec-
1969
1968
1967
tional Championships, National Championships,
International Team Tryouts and International
High Power Rifle
20,501
21,507
27,871
Smallbore Rifle
33,958
37,667
35,674
Matches.
Pistol
47,068
46,752
52,893
The 1969 totals for both sanctioned tournaments
Shotgun
1,119
1,404
676
Int'l Running
and attendance are slightly down in comparison
Boar/Deer
184
55
67
with previous years. This is due to several factors,
Air Gun
139
117
80
all of which are being thoroughly investigated in
Total
102,969
107,502
117,261
order that incentives can be provided to increase
participation. A number of tournaments were can-
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
celed either due to extreme weather conditions or
1969
1968
1967
23
lack of competitors. Tournament sponsors who
High Power Rifle
42
42
55
have relied heavily on Service competitors are now
Smallbore Rifle
38
41
42
Pistol
33
32
38
feeling the full brunt of the military cutback in
Shotgun
20
26
24
competitive shooting. Restrictive gun laws, now on
Int'l Running
Boar/Deer
26
11
13
the books, are hampering young, potential shooters
Air Gun
23
29
20
from entering the competitive field.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
GERARD AWARD
The National Rifle & Pistol Championships
CITYOLICE
For the second consecutive year the NRA con-
ducted the National Rifle & Pistol Championships
at Camp Perry, Ohio, without military support. The
1969 program included more matches and at-
tracted 2,186 entries. It is important to note that
many Service shooters, who either did not or could
not enter in 1968, returned to compete at Camp
Perry in 1969.
Five High Power Rifle, 1 Pistol and 4 Smallbore
Rifle matches not fired at Camp Perry since 1967
were restored to the Championship program. The
Wimbledon and Leech Cup Matches, two of NRA's
1000-yd. classics, plus the Enlished Men's Trophy
Team Match, the Rumbold Trophy Team Match,
and the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle
Practice National Trophy Team Match were added
to the High Power program. The NBPRP National
Trophy Pistol Team Match and two Smallbore
Rifle Prone and two Position team events made up
other additions.
As in 1968, the same three factors insured suc-
cess of the 1969 Camp Perry operations; the fine
cooperation of the State of Ohio, participating com-
petitors, and the dedicated services of 305
volunteers.
FIELD MARSHAL
EARL ROBERTS TROPHY
With two years of experience, your Association
Staff is now planning to operate the 1970 National
Rifle and Pistol Championships in August at Camp
Perry. The plan of operation will be similar to
that used for 1968 and 1969.
NORTH
AMERICAN
TROPHY
THE NORTH AMERICAN
TROPHY
SCHOOLS
1969
1968
1967
High Power Rifle
-
I
TOP: The Gerard Award was originally donated by the
2,538
Pistol
I
-
2,536
Gerard family to the New York City Police Department.
Police
97
143
-
It has been reestablished under the combined auspices of
Junior
235
281
539
the Sumner Gerard Foundation, New York Mayor John V.
Instructor
54
71
122
Lindsay, and New York City Police Commissioner Howard
Total
386
Leary, to go to the high scoring fulltime police officer of
495
5,735
Federal, State, County or Municipal categories at the
NRA National Police Combat Pistol Championships. The
COMPETITIONS
originator of the award, James Watson Gerard (1876-
24
1951) was an Associate Justice of the New York State
1969
1968
1967
Supreme Court (1908-13) until he resigned to become
High Power Rifle
727
440
U.S. Ambassador to Germany.
2,167
Pistol
671
540
1,537
BOTTOM: In order to promote Junior attendance in the
Smallbore Rifle,
High Power Rifle phase of the National Championships,
Prone
429
444
654
a new trophy was put into annual competition in 1969.
Position
271
278
436
It is given to the high scoring Junior in the aggregate.
Total
2,098
1,702
The trophy, entitled The North American Trophy, is a
4,794
bronze statuette by Herman Atkins MacNeil.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
POLICE
NRA
POLICE
SUMPIONSHIPS
1969
Red, white and blue decal
JACKSON,
MISS.
given to all 1969 National
Police Combat Competitors
National Police Combat Pistol Championships
ond only to the National Championships in impor-
In 1969 the NRA sponsored the 8th National
tance. There are six different types of Regionals—
Police Combat Pistol Championships. These were
High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle Prone, Small-
previously fired on the University of Indiana 32
bore Rifle Position, Smallbore Rifle Junior, Pistol
firing point range at Bloomington. Increasing at-
and Police Combat. The only Regional entry re-
tendance forced the NRA to look elsewhere for
strictions are: Junior, for which the competitor
larger range facilities.
must be under 19 years of age, and Police Combat
The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers'
for which only law enforcement personnel are
Training Academy at Jackson was the site of the
eligible.
1969 Championships on September 16-18. The 243
A new award plan was instituted for the 1969
acre Academy grounds with a 60 point combat
Regionals. NRA award points were issued and the
range, shotgun ranges and a cafeteria, plus the able
number of points was established on a sliding
assistance of many law enforcement officers made
scale controlled by the number of competitors in
this first National Police tournament in Jackson a
the tournament.
complete success for 281 police officers.
The peak of the indoor shooting season is the
An addition to the regular police course of fire
local NRA Sectional. In fact, Sectionals rank on
was a shotgun course, all firing done with riot guns.
the same level as the outdoor National Champion-
One phase of this shotgun course was a regulation
ships. Seven over-all Indoor National Champion-
conventional skeet course and the other was a prac-
ships are determined in the Sectionals-Smallbore
tical shotgun course of hip and shoulder shooting
Rifle, Pistol, Junior Rifle, Intercollegiate Rifle
with buckshot and rifled slugs at B-27 silhouette
(conventional and international) and Intercol-
targets.
legiate Pistol (conventional and international). In
This shotgun course was an experiment which
each type of Sectional the same course of fire is
proved popular and will be repeated with modifica-
conducted and all scores are sent to the NRA head-
tions in the 1970 program.
quarters and compiled into a National Bulletin for
each type. Individuals and teams can win awards
Regional and Sectional Tournaments
on both a local and National basis with one entry
One hundred Regionals were fired in 1969.
fee. Firing in a collegiate Sectional is an eligibility
These outdoor NRA tournaments conducted by
requirement for nomination to an NRA All-Ameri-
NRA affiliated clubs throughout the U.S. are sec-
can Team.
REGIONALS
1969
1968
1967
No.
Entries
No.
Entries
No.
Entries
High Power Rifle
19
2,334
21
2,481
19
3,032
25
Smallbore Rifle:
Prone
18
1,018
19
1,088
17
1,094
Position
16
579
16
586
16
567
Junior
19
778
19
848
21
1,008
Pistol and Revolver
20
2,388
21
2,481
19
2,515
Police Combat
8
615
7
461
7
468
Total
100
7,712
103
7,945
99
8,684
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
SECTIONALS
1969
1968
1967
No.
Entries
No.
Entries
No.
Entries
Smallbore Rifle
42
1,866
41
2,044
41
2,112
Pistol and Revolver
31
2,104
34
2,407
36
2,492
Junior Rifle
64
4,025
67
4,162
63
4,082
Intercollegiate Rifle
43
1,759
48
2,039
41
1,757
Intercollegiate Pistol
10
373
13
347
12
348
Total
190
10,127
203
10,999
193
10,791
LOCAL TOURNAMENTS
Registered
Approved
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
High Power Rifle
140
163
132
276
277
308
Smallbore Rifle, Prone
67
70
86
122
117
101
Smallbore Rifle, Position
36
52
53
98
106
85
Smallbore Rifle, Indoor
81
81
77
123
129
106
Pistol, Outdoor
260
293
277
671
698
677
Pistol, Indoor
62
68
62
213
194
195
Police Combat
3
2
1
29
24
10
Shotgun
15
6
4
35
45
22
International Running Boar/Deer
4
3
3
0
0
1
Air Gun
o
1
o
0
0
2
Precision Air Rifle/Pistol
1
o
0
1
0
0
*Total
669
739
695
1,568
1,590
1,507
*Does not include National, Regional, Sectional and State Championships.
Registered Leagues
turn, mainly because of the de-emphasis on com-
Registered leagues provide an opportunity for
petitive shooting in the Armed Forces. Civilian
clubs and other organizations to plan local shooting
clubs do not place the stress on international shot-
activities through a complete season on an informal,
gun activities that the Armed Forces did. Also,
sociable basis. NRA offers five different award
1969 did not present a true major world level com-
plans for both winter and summer leagues. League
petition, being an off year.
shooting helps new shooters earn an NRA classifi-
In 1969, the NRA made contacts with and as-
cation so they can enter the first sanctioned tourna-
sisted the International Association of College
ment with an earned classification.
Unions, Inc. (IACUI), University of Iowa Chapter,
to organize the first inter-collegiate skeet and trap
Postal Matches
championships. Over 100 students, young men and
Exhibit E on page 46 lists the numerous postal
women, took part in each event. The same event is
matches conducted by NRA or co-sponsored with
planned for 1970 with anticipation of greater par-
other organizations. These popular competitive
ticipation. NRA will again sponsor an international
programs encourage shooting within the various
skeet and NRA clay pigeon tournament at Camp
organizations and promote the NRA image when
Perry. The number of tournaments for the first part
they are publicized in the various "house publica-
of 1970 has shown an increase and far greater par-
tions." The programs and result bulletins are re-
ticipation is anticipated in connection with the
vised and updated annually in order to keep this
forthcoming 40th World Shooting Championships.
26
popular plan of competitive shooting interesting
and appealing to the casual marksman.
NRA International Shooting
In its role as the national representative to the
NRA Shotgun Activities
International Shooting Union for all U.S. partici-
During 1969 NRA shotgun activities continued
pation in the international program, the NRA com-
to show growth in classifications, however, the
pleted a very successful year in 1969.
number of tournaments took a slight downward
For the first time in many years the NRA was re-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
quired to hold separate tryouts for the Skeet, Clay
Canyon facilities and the International Skeet and
Pigeon and Running Boar Teams to the 1969 Mov-
Clay Pigeon championships will be at the Phoenix
ing Target Championships. Problems arose in the
Trap and Skeet Club.
host nations and required shifting the Running
The 40th World Shooting Championships will be
Boar event from Vercelli, Italy to Sandviken,
held at the same locations, October 17-26, 1970.
Sweden while the clay target events were moved
NRA Classification
from Madrid to San Sabastian, Spain.
The classification system is maintained in order
The tryouts were organized at the USAF Marks-
to make award distribution equitable in sanctioned
manship Training Unit, Lackland AFB (Running
tournaments. Classified shooters compete with
Boar) and the excellent facilities at Texas Interna-
others of comparable skill. This service for our
tional Gun Club (also at San Antonio) were used
members includes maintaining a control card for
for the shotgun events.
each shooter, policing the system, issuing cards to
According to regulations of the International
Shooting Union the country hosting a world cham-
new competitors who fire in sanctioned tourna-
ments and to those who earn reclassification. The
pionship is required to conduct an invitational
four classes (Master, Expert, Sharpshooter and
tournament one year prior to the big event during
the same month and as near the actual match con-
Marksman) are maintained for all competitors in
sanctioned rifle, pistol, air gun and shotgun tourna-
ditions as possible. Our 9th U. S. International
Matches met this requirement and were held at
ments. These four general types of competitive
shooting are broken down into the thirteen differ-
Phoenix, Arizona, October 5-13, 1969. Two hun-
ent control cards shown in the analysis.
dred and twenty American shooters fired in these
events.
The NRA issued invitations to 109 ISU member
CLASSIFICATION ON RECORD
federations. Over 70 federations responded and 14
1969
1968
1967
foreign nations sent teams, with more than 100
Active Masters
12,901
13,723
14,425
Lifetime Masters
shooters.
5,286
5,548
5,807
Inactive Masters
11,923
9,886
7,868
There were some problems with organization
Inactive Lifetime
and equipment. This was anticipated because ISU
Masters
4,637
3,934
3,271
Experts
24,356
25,490
25,761
competitions are conducted under considerably dif-
Sharpshooters
24,297
24,128
24,483
ferent conditions than the standard American events
Marksmen
43,811
44,060
41,654
Total Issued
127,211
126,769
123,269
in which the United States is much more experi-
Temporary
34,396
37,065
38,125
enced. In addition, unlike previous hosts who have
Grand Total
161,607
163,834
161,394
had full financial and personnel support from the
government, the NRA conducted this pre-world
CLASSIFICATION BY TYPE
championships entirely with volunteer help, as will
1969
1968
1967
be the case with the 40th World Championship.
High Power Rifle
23,014
24,650
23,152
Smallbore Rifle:
Recommendations for improvements and
Outdoor Prone
11,691
12,156
12,768
changes were made by officials of the International
Outdooor Position
8,439
8,972
8,743
Indoor
40,720
41,566
43,718
Shooting Union who were invited and hosted by the
Total
60,850
62,694
65,229
NRA for that purpose. They were the President,
International Rifle
11,938
11,605
9,677
Dr. Kurt Hasler, Switzerland; the Secretary Gen-
Pistol:
Outdoor
28,394
29,204
29,366
eral, Mr. Ernest Zimmermann, Germany; Mr. A. J.
Indoor
29,018
28,998
27,977
Palmer, Great Britain; Mr. Otto Horber, Switzer-
International
2,925
2,486
2,166
Police Combat
land; Mr. Petre Cismigiu, Romania; and, Chair-
3,650
2,728
2,753
Total
63,987
63,416
62,262
man of the Technical Committee, Michael Tipa,
Moving Target:
27
USA. Additional constructive criticism was re-
Int'l Skeet
635
594
435
ceived from a number of the competitors and
Int'l Clay Pigeon
970
875
639
Total
1,605
1,469
1,074
visitors.
Precision Air Rifle
185
0
0
The Tenth U. S. International Championships
Precision Air Pistol
28
o
0
and Final Team selections will be held July 13-26,
Grand Total
161,607
163,834
161,394
1970. Rifle and pistol events will be at the Black
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NRA's devotion to the interest of its member-
ship is most evident in the mounting emphasis
placed on Hunting and Conservation matters. Since
the last annual report two important pieces dealing
Hunting and
with the subject and produced in the house have
joined the NRA Conservation Action Handbook on
NRA's Book List.
Conservation
The first is the Junior Club Hunting and Con-
servation Project Manual series which provides
junior clubs with timely advice and guidance on
how to organize their membership and carry out
interesting and constructive projects involving
hunting and conservation activities. The second is
a register of NRA members who are North Ameri-
can guides, outfitters and hunting camp operators
published under the title DENALI 1970. This
register establishes a code of ethics for guides and
provides common definitions for both guides and
clients undertaking a guided hunt.
28
NRA continued to present views safeguarding
the sportsmen's interest in conservation and en-
vironmental issues before Congress and other gov-
ernmental agencies. Especially noteworthy is the
close working relationship enjoyed by NRA's staff
with state game and conservation agencies.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Hunter Recognition
1969 marked only the second year in which a
The Silver Bullet Award for the NRA member
Canadian Province was recognized for the excel-
taking the outstanding whitetail deer, mule deer or
lence of its Hunter Safety Program. The Province
antelope has been increased in stature by close co-
of Manitoba, judged by the International Associa-
operation with the Boone and Crockett Club, keep-
tion of Game, Fish and Conservation Commission-
ers of the Records of North American Big Game,
ers to have the year's outstanding program, was
who are now providing the services of their offi-
the recipient of the NRA award. Honorable men-
cial measurers for the program.
tion certificates were presented to game depart-
Members were awarded 1,431 lapel buttons in
ments of California, Maryland, Minnesota, Mon-
recognition of taking exceptional big game trophies
tana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and
during the past hunting season. Again deer hunters
Washington.
produced the most trophies. Buttons were awarded
The Uniform Hunter Casualty Report compiled
for 484 whitetail deer, 305 mule and blacktail deer,
by NRA from studies of hunting accidents, made
187 wild turkey, 133 bear, 121 antelope, 75 moose,
by cooperating states and Canadian provinces uti-
48 elk, 45 bighorn sheep and 33 mountain goat.
lizing a standard format, continues as a most use-
ful tool for Hunter Safety Instructors to increase
Information Service
the effectiveness of their programs.
Well over 20,000 written requests and numer-
ous personal inquiries for information on hunting
Hunting Ethics
seasons, laws, techniques, regulations and hunting
The widespread acceptance of NRA Hunter's
29
areas in the United States and Canada were an-
Code of Ethics by landowners as a means to iden-
swered. Hunting clubs were provided as a matter
tify good sportsmen who are dedicated to the prin-
of routine with conservation information packets
ciples of safe hunting and sound game management
and quarterly copies of their own newsletter "The
is further evidence of the prestige achieved by NRA
Game Bag."
in the field of hunting and conservation.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Federal
On the national level, the most significant gun-
control event in 1969 was the enactment into law
Legislative
on November 26 of a measure to remove rifle and
shotgun ammunition (except .22 rimfire) and com-
Information
ponents thereof from the record keeping require-
ments of the Gun Control Act of 1968. This change
Service
in the application of the record keeping require-
ments represents an important advance in the
NRA's efforts to remove or modify the more oner-
ous features of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and
the regulations thereunder.
The prime mover of the ammunition exemption
legislation was Senator Wallace Bennett of Utah.
Initially, his efforts were directed to the elimina-
tion of all rifle and shotgun ammunition, and am-
munition components, from the Gun Control Act.
However, various parliamentary and other con-
siderations led to the Senator's proposal and pro-
motion of a compromise measure on record
keeping.
Another important development in the Congress
last year was Senate passage on November 19 of
S. 849, by Senator Mike Mansfield of Montana, to
strengthen the Gun Control Act by providing for a
mandatory additional penalty for the use or carry-
ing of a firearm in the commission of a Federal fel-
ony. Conviction for a first offense would carry a
The primary function of the NRA's Legislative
penalty of one to ten years; a second conviction
Information Service is the collection, evaluation
would mean an automatic penalty of at least ten
and dissemination of information on proposed and
years. The Mansfield Bill is, at the time of writing,
existing firearms controls. The principal means of
in the House Judiciary Committee.
transmitting this information are (1) the monthly
The following bills were introduced in the first
report, "What the Lawmakers are Doing," in THE
session of the 91st Congress (January 3 to Decem-
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN; (2) publications treating
ber 23, 1969) : ammunition exemption, 71; am-
various aspects of firearms regulation; and (3)
munition record keeping, 7; special penalty, 53;
replies to inquiries from NRA members, other per-
federal assistance for state hunter safety and range
sons, organizations, public officials and lawmakers.
construction programs, 4; repeal of the Gun Control
In addition, special bulletins, memoranda, reports
Act, 13; registration and/or licensing, 11; ID card
and direct contact by mail, telephone, telegram
and registration, 1; prohibition of handgun sales,
or personal conversation are used to accomplish
1; miscellaneous, 8. None of these bills, except the
the information-gathering and reporting function
Bennett and Mansfield measures, moved beyond
of the Legislative Information Service.
committee.
30
Legislative developments on the federal, state
The NRA testified in July before the Juvenile
and local levels were reported in 153 columns of
Delinquency Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary
THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN. Fourteen legislative
Committee against proposed registration and/or
bulletins were mailed to NRA members and clubs
licensing bills. In September NRA testimony be-
in eleven states and two local jurisdictions in
fore the Fisheries and Wildlife Subcommittee of
which important firearms proposals were under
the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Com-
consideration.
mittee supported bills to provide Federal assistance
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
for state hunting safety and range construction pro-
and South Dakota enacted legislation to provide for
grams. In public hearings on the Defense budget
a special penalty for the possession or use of a
before the Defense Subcommittees of the House-
firearm in the commission of a crime. Michigan
Senate Appropriations Committees, the NRA testi-
adopted a compulsory hunter training program;
fied in June and September in support of an ade-
and Massachusetts, NewJersey and New York en-
quate appropriation for the National Board for the
acted legislation to prohibit the possession or
Promotion of Rifle Practice.
carrying of any firearm on the premises of an edu-
cational institution without written authorization of
State
such institution.
All state legislatures, except Kentucky, Missis-
New Mexico sportsmen (including the New
sippi and Virginia, met in regular session in 1969.
Mexico Rifle and Pistol Association) were instru-
Well over 700 firearms and related bills were in-
mental in successfully promoting the inclusion of a
troduced in the state legislatures. These proposals
section guaranteeing that "no law shall be made
reflected virtually the whole range of regulation.
abridging the right of the citizen to keep and bear
Noteworthy in 1969 was the enactment by 28
arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting
states of legislation to permit their residents to
and recreational use, and for other lawful pur-
purchase rifles and shotguns in contiguous states in
poses" in the revised State constitution which was
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Gun
submitted to and rejected by the State's voters in
Control Act of 1968. Massachusetts already had a
December.
statute at the time of effective date of the Gun Con-
Local
trol Act to fulfill the requirements for contiguous-
state purchase.
There were numerous proposals in various
Governor Ronald Reagan of California signed a
stages of consideration (draft, preliminary study,
preemption bill which apparently solves the prob-
formal introduction, etc.) on the county and mu-
lem in that state of local governments passing di-
nicipal level. By and large, no significant addi-
verse ordinances requiring registration and/or li-
tions or changes were made in existing local laws.
censing. By declaring its intent to preempt the field
Of special interest was the action of Montgom-
of firearms regulation with respect to licensing or
ery County, Maryland, adjacent to the Nation's
registration, the California Legislature thereby
Capital, in formally rejecting the ID-card approach
barred counties and municipalities from acting in
and a competency test for firearms owners. Also,
that regulatory area.
Los Angeles and Cleveland, among other local
The governors of five states vetoed firearms or
jurisdictions, rejected firearms registration.
firearms-related legislation. Illinois' Governor
Washington, D. C.'s registration-licensing regu-
Ogilvie disapproved a bill to limit the ID-card re-
lations, adopted in 1968, finally went into effect on
quirement to Cook County. Governor Rockefeller
February 15, 1969. Experience under these regula-
of New York did not approve (1) a proposal to
tions, from the response and control point of view,
require that applicants for a handgun license sub-
has been disappointing to D. C. officials.
mit a certificate of qualification to handle a hand-
Courts
gun safely; and (2) a bill to impose a mandatory
additional penalty for the use of a firearm in the
The United States Supreme Court rejected the
commission of a felony. Nebraska's Governor Tie-
appeal of New Jersey sportsmen from a State
mann vetoed a bill to provide that no person shall
Court decision upholding the validity of New Jer-
be placed in legal jeopardy for acts of self-defense
sey's 1966 gun control law. Basis of the high
(veto overridden). Governor Milliken of Michigan
court's dismissal was "want of a substantial Fed-
did not sign a measure to require a permit for the
eral question."
purchase of ammunition components by hand-
The California Supreme Court upheld San
31
loaders. Wisconsin's Governor Knowles disap-
Francisco's registration ordinance as a "valid exer-
proved a bill to provide an additional mandatory
cise of local police power," and the Illinois Su-
penalty for possession of a firearm in the commis-
preme Court declared arguments against the
sion of a felony.
Chicago registration ordinance to be "without suffi-
Arkansas, California, Nebraska, New Mexico
cient merit."
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
International
As a public service organization, the entire NRA
Headquarters operation contributes to the Associa-
tion's total public relations effort. However, the
Office of Public Relations carries out a basic pub-
lic relations program designed (1) to inform the
Public Relations
general public on the various aspects of Federal,
state and local firearms legislation; (2) to increase
the prestige and public acceptance of the NRA in
its various programs; (3) to establish and pro-
mote civilian marksmanship training as essential
to the national defense; (4) to emphasize that
shooting is safe; (5) to promote recreational
shooting in its various forms; (6) to identify shoot-
ing as an essential international sport; and (7) to
identify the NRA as the authority on guns and the
shooting sports.
In order to accomplish this mission, the NRA
Office of Public Relations operates in several broad
general categories: (1) general publicity, which
includes almost daily use of the printed media,
radio and television; (2) shows and exhibits; (3)
32
personal appearances and interviews; and (4) per-
sonal assistance to media representatives.
Publicity
The Office of Public Relations had a particularly
active year in 1969. During this time 30 special
stories were written with a total of 468,000 re-
Repr oduced at
Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
ton, the Office of Public Relations prepared ad-
vance stories and daily coverage of the meeting
events. Clippings indicate good "pick-up" by the
media.
In order to adequately promote acceptance of
wire stories and achieve coverage of matches by
the press, the OPR Director assigned one staff man
to call on all facets of the media in nine States in
advance of the National Championships, the Inter-
national Tryouts, the Police Championships and
the Phoenix matches. It is through these personal
contacts with the editors of newspapers, magazines
and in the broadcast media that the OPR has been
able to obtain more space and airtime for the shoot-
ing sports than has been possible in past years.
These press tours are extensive, and in the long
run the shooting sports will benefit because of our
personal contact which puts the media in the posi-
tion of knowing who is supplying the coverage and
assured of receiving news daily, ready for im-
mediate printing or broadcasting. These personal
contacts have already proven extremely useful in
obtaining "live" coverage by television and news
leases distributed. These stories related to major
writers at Camp Perry, Phoenix and other major
activities or statements concerning the Association's
matches. Through these and future contacts the
programs and policies on various issues. In addi-
OPR hopes to be able to generate major coverage
tion, 19,188 "hometown" releases were prepared
by the networks in Phoenix during the World
and distributed to local newspapers and broad-
Championships.
casters. These releases on individual NRA mem-
The OPR achieved a major savings in the budget
bers concerned personal accomplishments, awards,
by combining two television projects which made
instructor certification, club organization and other
funds available for the production of a major mo-
pertinent accomplishments.
tion picture in cooperation with the Chrysler Cor-
In the area of match coverage, OPR was able to
poration, American Express, Browning Arms, and
provide more assistance this year because its staff
several other sponsors. We were able to complete
was not restricted by the problems which the office
14 color television spots, using such personalities
faced last year when two assassinations occurred
as Fess Parker, Lief Erickson, and others, and
and the legislative fight was at its peak. Since Jan-
combine the "Keeneye" station break slides into a
uary, OPR personnel have provided daily cover-
total package. The funds previously budgeted for
age of ten major matches. At Camp Perry this year,
the station break slides will be used for a new co-
two members of the OPR staff were assigned to
operative motion picture. This picture was filmed in
the press office. However, this limited staff was able
Mexico and will be distributed by Chrysler to mo-
to produce 52 daily wire stories, 124 releases on
tion picture theaters, clubs, etc., and will also ap-
individuals, 12 different weekly wrap-up stories,
pear on 150 television stations on the "Quest For
52 filmed television interviews, and prepare 65
Adventure" series. It will also be available for our
special and 52 daily photo releases. In addition,
internal use.
1,821 hometown releases were sent to the media
33
In the area of radio materials, the second series
before the National Championships began. Similar
of conservation spots has been completed and is
production was achieved for the Police Champion-
being distributed to more than 5,000 radio stations.
ships and the 9th U.S. International Championships
This record, the second in the "Legacy" series,
at Phoenix.
contains 20 separate spots using the voices of noted
During the 1969 Annual Meetings in Washing-
Hollywood and television personalities.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
The NRA Office of Public Relations was able to
and others. In addition, the OPR exhibited at the
achieve a major coup in obtaining the services of
Fraternal Order of Police Convention in Louisville,
Fess Parker, TV's "Daniel Boone" to participate
Kentucky, in August at which President Scott was
in the production of 13 five-minute radio shows on
the honored guest. The OPR had arranged appear-
conservation, hunting and shooting safety. He has
ances for Mr. Scott in Louisville and Cincinnati in
also offered to act as an NRA spokesman in these
connection with his visit. In addition, OPR ar-
areas. The OPR is planning an appropriate award
ranged a series of appearances for Mr. Scott in
for Mr. Parker and will promote his activities in
Ohio during the National Championships.
connection with the NRA. The recorded programs
will be distributed to a selected list of 1,000 radio
NRA Field Representatives
stations known to be sympathetic to the NRA pro-
To promote the interests of NRA, seven NRA
grams and policies.
Field Representatives were active in 1969. These
Production of the second series of "Keeneye"
men direct their efforts to promoting individual
newspaper mats has been completed and distribu-
memberships and organizing new clubs. Special
tion to more than 5,000 newspapers will be con-
consideration is given to appearances before sports-
tinued on a two-a-month basis throughout the bal-
men's clubs, civic groups and other organizations
ance of this year. This gives the cooperating papers
for the purpose of creating a better understanding
a full series of 26 mats for use at the discretion of
of the objects and purposes of NRA and to encour-
the editors. Clippings received in the OPR indicate
age support of its programs.
that the first series was well received and is being
Their activities by days break down as follows
widely used.
for the entire year:
In July 1968, the OPR contracted with a syndi-
cated editorial service which supplies newspaper
Competitions
312
Training
62
editorials to more than 11,000 newspapers. The
Administration
439
wide acceptance of this service and the use of our
Travel (contacts)
1,170
Meetings
288
editorials have been extremely gratifying with a
Other
284
total circulation of 3,633,234 to date, and the OPR
Total days
2,555
is continuing the service under the present budget.
They attended and participated in 817 meet-
Several of the NRA stock films have been again
ings during the year, with a total attendance of
placed in TV and theater distribution through a
commercial film distributor. These films were taken
53,213 people. They traveled 373,359 miles on
1,852 days while in travel status. All 50 of the
out of distribution when INFOPLAN was under
states were visited, and 1,494 visits were made to
NRA contract and were distributed through its field
cities and towns. The types of contacts made break
network. The new film, "The Story of the NRA"
down as follows:
has been completed and is going into TV syndica-
tion immediately. This film is also being distrib-
NRA Clubs
875
uted through our contractor.
Law Enforcement Agencies
882
Sporting Goods Dealers
594
At the Annual Meetings in April, the NRA
State Officials
288
Board of Directors recommended that, if funds
Ranges
327
Press, Radio and TV
242
could be made available, a film be made of Police-
Directors, Council Members
642
woman Jeanne Bray's program of self-defense for
Instructors
542
Sportsmen's Organizations
426
women. The OPR has been able to make budget
Referees
215
adjustments so this film can be produced. Filming
State Associations
201
Competitors
1,956
34
was done in Florida in July with final production
Fish and Game Departments
129
now completed.
Non-NRA Clubs
382
The OPR annually participates in 14 major ex-
Military Establishments
113
Parks and Recreation Departments
86
hibitions such as the Outdoor Writers Association
Gun Collector Associations
119
of America, National Sporting Goods Dealers As-
Civic Clubs
118
Colleges and Universities
67
sociation, National Recreation and Park Associa-
All Other Contacts
207
tion, National Industrial Recreation Association
Total
8,411
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Organization Relationships
National Safety Council
For years, the National Safety Council has con-
Our relationships with established organizations
cerned itself with work safety, motor vehicle safety,
having a mutual interest in firearms and shooting
and home safety. It now has directed its efforts to
activities continues.
accidents in public places, other than traffic, and
has established a Public Safety Conference to ex-
Boy Scouts of America
plore such activities as swimming, boating, shoot-
Our long-time association with the BSA has been
ing, skiing, etc.
most productive. We cooperate on the merit badge
During 1969, the Executive Director of NRA
requirements for shooting and the riflery program
served as Chairman of the Public Safety Confer-
requirements for shooting, and the riflery program
ence and as member of the Board of Directors. An
in BSA camps is more important today than ever.
NRA staff member is Chairman of the Shooting
The Executive Vice President of NRA served as
Safety Committee and a member of the Board of
a member of the National Council and the Health
Directors.
and Safety Committee of BSA.
Blinded Veterans Association
National Education Association
Since 1966, as a public service, NRA has made
There is an increasing participation in shooting
a special promotional effort to raise funds for the
activities by students in schools and colleges. Units
Blinded Veterans Association. This effort has been
of the National Education Association of the United
made through NRA affiliated clubs. The amount
States cooperated in the preparation of our highly
raised through December 31, 1969 was $3,015.50.
successful Hunter Safety Course.
The total for 4 years is $41,549.60.
The American Association of Health, Physical
We are continuing to receive funds from the
Education and Recreation is supporting with en-
clubs for this program.
thusiasm the Outdoor Education Project which pro-
In addition to the club participation, a special
motes the learning of recreational skills, including
fund raising promotion was prepared in 1969, and
shooting, which can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
is distributed with NRA credential mailings. Lit-
The Executive Vice President and Executive
erature consisting of a folder explaining the work
Director of NRA served on the Advisory Commit-
of BVA, combined with an easy order blank, in-
tee of the Outdoor Education Project.
vites the recipient to contribute $5 or more to the
BVA, and receive in return a gift of appreciation-
U.S. Olympic Committee and
a pair of Davis hunting or shooting glasses. This
International Shooting Union
monthly program is proving most successful in the
The governing body for worldwide shooting
joint BVA/NRA fund-raising effort.
competitions and the only organization recognized
by the International Olympic Committee is the In-
Other Organizations
ternational Shooting Union, with headquarters in
Close liaison is maintained with many other
Wiesbaden, West Germany. The Union establishes
governmental agencies and private organizations,
international rules and recognizes records for
in connection with related activities, for the benefit
World Championships, the shooting events at the
of our membership and the shooting game; for
Olympic Games, and regional games such as the
example: American Legion; Bureau of Outdoor
Pan-American.
Recreation; Forest Service; Izaak Walton League;
Having held the office of First Vice President of
National Industrial Recreation Association; Inter-
the U.S. Olympic Committee for four years, the
national Association of Game, Fish and Conserva-
Executive Vice President of NRA was elected
tion Commissioners; National Guard Association;
USOC President in April 1969. He also served as
National Park Service; National Recreation and
35
a member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-
Park Association; National Wildlife Federation;
national Shooting Union and was selected as the
Public Health Service; Reserve Officers Associa-
President designate of the ISU North American
tion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Wildlife Manage-
Region. An NRA staff member was elected Chair-
ment Institute; National Resources Council; and
man of the ISU Technical Committee.
others.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NRA Annual Meetings
One of the major events of our Association's year
feature of the Meetings. In 1969, 95 commercial
is the NRA Annual Meetings and Firearms Exhibit.
manufacturers and dealers, 18 collector organiza-
Once each year, in the spring, the members and
tions, 5 state associations, and 5 military services
their elected representatives on the Board of Di-
had displays using a total of 165 booths-an all-
rectors meet to evaluate accomplishments, to plan
time high. Manufacturers and dealers showed the
future activities, and to handle official matters of
latest in foreign and domestic guns, loading tools,
our organziation. The sessions are arranged to pro-
gunsmithing supplies, leather goods, stocks and
vide complete information on operations and ac-
grips, sighting equipment, and other accessories.
tivities, liberal opportunity to participate in dis-
Gun collector organizations and dealers exhibited
cussions, a chance to visit the greatest firearms
the finest in historical firearms and related equip-
exhibit in America, and a number of other enter-
ment as an educational feature.
taining special events.
Special Events
Sessions
The 1969 Meetings were held in Washington,
In addition to the business and open meetings
D.C. at the Sheraton Park Hotel from March 29 to
dealing with the affairs of NRA, a number of spe-
April 3. Registration of members totaled 8,000,
cial events for the entertainment of members were
and an estimated 12,000 persons visited the exhibit
part of the program. These included movies on
hall. The first open session was a welcoming ses-
shooting and big game hunting, ladies tours and
sion with reports from the Officers of the Associa-
luncheons, the annual Get Acquainted Luncheon,
tion to the membership on NRA activities for the
and many other activities. The 98th Annual Ban-
previous year. The last session was the annual
quet was cancelled at the last moment in deference
meeting of the Board of Directors. General sessions
to the death of former President Dwight D.
held were: Firearms Education, Competitive Shoot-
Eisenhower.
36
ing, Gun Collecting, Firearms Legislation, Hunting
and Conservation, NRA State Associations and
Future Meetings
Club Delegates. Closed meetings of standing and
Future meetings of the Association have been
special committees were also scheduled.
scheduled for New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1970;
Firearms Exhibit
for Washington, D.C., in 1971; and for Portland,
The exhibit hall, as usual, was the most popular
Oregon, in 1972.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NRA Headquarters Operation
Headquarters Staff
Each regular full-time employee of the Associa-
tion is assigned a classification. The breakdown as
In order to foster efficiency of staff operation,
of the end of 1969 is shown in the Classifications
the activities of the Association are divided into
table.
major groupings with specific responsibilities for
each. The Directors of the six groups have been del-
Incoming Mail
egated authority to operate under established policy
With over 1,000,000 members in the United
guidance, assuming responsibility for immediate
States and various parts of the world, there is con-
action in order to conserve time and to insure that
siderable correspondence. Upon receipt, mail is
the maximum amount of work be performed simul-
opened and sorted into "money mail" which is de-
taneously. Exhibit G on page 45 presents the cur-
livered to the Accounting Office, and "non-money
rent Headquarters Staff Organization Chart.
mail" which is sorted by activities and delivered
Personnel
directly to the office concerned. During 1969
1,764,285 pieces of mail were received at NRA
The number of paid employees of the Associa-
Headquarters as compared to 1,977,700 pieces in
tion has increased with its growth from 46 in 1941
1968 and 1,815,800 in 1967.
to 284 in 1969. Although there is considerable
Materials Distributed
turnover in clerical personnel, a number of key
people have been with the NRA for a number of
Much of the incoming mail relates to requests
years: 10 for over 25 years, 14 for over 15 years,
for information and materials pertaining to NRA
23 for 10 years, and 25 for over 5 years. The table
and its activities. As an indication of the volume of
shows a comparison of employees for the past 3
items distributed each year, some comparative
years:
totals are shown in the accompanying table:
EMPLOYEES
MATERIALS DISTRIBUTED
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
Executive
17
16
15
Statistical Cards
763,862
883,841
849,741
Membership
111
105
82
Instruction Manuals
767,133
842,511
482,431
Competitions, Training,
Facilities
46
43
47
Training Materials
431,704
570,152
600,206
Office of Publications
22
22
22
Membership Decals
650,200
988,300
581,200
Administrative Services
70
71
63
Office of the Secretary
8
8
6
Club Material
225,631
255,258
177,624
Office of Public Relations
10
10
9
Legislative Folders
111,690
651,272
297,877
Total
284
275
244
Qualification Folders
171,207
242,675
306,500
Folder, If
You
CLASSIFICATIONS
Belong
138,550
293,350
216,500
NRA Handbooks and
Executive
3
Reprints
54,449
68,962
87,457
I Administrative Staff
6
= Managing Staff
6
Membership Bras-
III Operating Staff
50
sards, etc.
205,742
171,096
162,533
IV Staff Assistant and Secretary to Executive Staff
16
Essentials of Safe
V Supervisory and Secretary to Administrative Staff
20
Hunting
111,700
141,300
196,000
37
VI Senior Clerk and Secretary to Managing Staff
52
VII Typist Specialist and Clerk Specialist
58
Competition Rule
VIII Clerk Typist and Clerk General
56
Books
54,666
70,940
60,171
IX Building Maintenance
17
Is Your Pet Gun
Total
284
Housebroke
118,250
203,500
134,250
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NRA Headquarters Building
At a special meeting at Camp Perry on August
the desired construction, the Board of Zoning Ad-
27, 1955, the NRA Board of Directors authorized
justment of the District of Columbia on May 21,
the erection of a building at 1230 Sixteenth Street,
1963, granted permission to complete the building
as part of a new NRA Headquarters, at an expendi-
as originally planned. The remaining portion now
ture not to exceed $1,500,000. The building was
has been completed at a cost of approximately
completed and occupied in April of 1957.
$1,200,000.
At a regular meeting on April 12, 1961, the
This beautiful, modern office building of glass
NRA Board of Directors authorized construction,
and marble on a steel frame has two floors below
as soon as possible, of the remaining portion of the
ground and eight above and a penthouse contain-
NRA Headquarters on the corner of Sixteenth
ing heating and cooling equipment. Some 6,500
Street and Rhode Island Avenue as originally plan-
square feet of space has been allotted to the NRA
ned, provided favorable zoning could be obtained.
Firearms Museum on the first and second floors of
After more than two years of wrangling over
the new addition, and an equal amount of space has
exceptions to a new zoning code adopted for the
been used for ranges in the subbasement. A portion
District of Columbia in 1958, and after introduc-
of one floor, which has been earmarked for future
tion of a bill in Congress (H.R. 6185) to authorize
expansion, is authorized to be leased until needed.
The Headquarters of the National Rifle Association
of America in Washington, D. C., is a handsome
modernistic structure built with funds raised and
contributed by members and affiliated clubs. Built
in two sections, the first opening in 1957 and the
second in 1966, the completed Headquarters
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
houses all of the Headquarters Staff and opera-
tions. For NRA members visiting Washington, the
NRA Headquarters Museum should be high on the
list of places to see. Display cases show milestones
in the development of rifles, handguns, and shot-
guns.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presider
ary and Museum
WILLIAM B. BINSWANGER
CHARLES E. GIESEY
JOHN R. HESS
Administrative Services
Membership
Public Relations
STANLEY A. MATE
Division Directors
Competitions, Training and Facilities
39
ASHLEY HALSEY, JR.
Office of Publications
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Pres ntial Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE
SSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Exhibits
A Comparative Schedule of
Individual and Organization
Members
41
B Comparative Statement of
Financial Condition
42
C Comparative Statement of
Income and Expenses
43
D Comparative Statement of
NRA Sanctioned
Competitive Events
44
E Comparative Statement of
Leagues and Postal
Matches
46
F Hunter Safety Information
by States
47
G Headquarters Staff
Organization Chart
48
H Officers, Board of
Directors, Executive
Committee and Council
49
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Exhibit A
COMPARATIVE SCHEDULE OF INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
Total Individual Members
Lifetime Members
Affiliated Organizations
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
NORTHEASTERN AREA
Maine
4,797
4,724
4,353
539
457
407
92
133
168
New Hampshire
4,828
4,636
3,697
529
462
390
85
124
157
Vermont
2,943
2,961
2,520
371
319
289
55
63
75
Massachusetts
20,087
20,161
16,827
2,176
1,858
1,616
389
401
409
Rhode Island
3,065
3,186
2,741
323
283
256
61
68
71
Connecticut
14,944
15,194
12,479
1,648
1,436
1,258
213
235
223
Total
50,664
50,862
42,617
5,586
4,815
4,216
895
1,024
1,103
NORTH CENTRAL ATLANTIC AREA
New York
87,660
90,235
81,129
9,155
7,999
6,988
1,793
1,818
1,819
New Jersey
35,653
36,310
30,538
3,915
3,357
2,943
536
544
545
Pennsylvania
60,955
58,530
48,203
6,696
5,827
5,095
780
826
847
Delaware
2,611
2,633
2,146
281
244
210
30
27
32
District of Columbia
3,158
3,630
3,622
521
505
504
26
27
28
Maryland
22,950
22,985
18,109
2,505
2,132
1,806
251
263
281
Total
212,987
214,323
183,747
23,073
20,064
17,546
3,416
3,505
3,552
SOUTH CENTRAL ATLANTIC AREA
Virginia
22,678
23,032
19,350
2,656
2,229
1,915
179
171
192
West Virginia
7,875
8,066
6,696
656
570
501
68
84
103
North Carolina
14,470
15,409
13,093
1,181
981
813
116
150
157
South Carolina
6,224
6,758
5,770
540
454
374
46
48
41
Kentucky
10,138
10,471
8,255
734
580
487
73
76
84
Tennessee
14,777
15,970
14,082
1,072
872
727
103
104
107
Total
76,162
79,706
67,246
6,839
5,686
4,817
585
633
684
SOUTHEASTERN AREA
Georgia
14,294
15,167
13,308
1,227
1,001
829
102
125
113
Alabama
14,849
17,068
16,003
974
825
670
73
79
95
Mississippi
5,885
6,639
6,100
379
343
282
25
35
41
Florida
25,562
26,272
22,019
2,921
2,465
2,079
213
227
238
Total
60,590
65,146
57,430
5,501
4,634
3,860
413
466
487
EAST NORTH CENTRAL AREA
Wisconsin
21,313
22,530
18,907
2,030
1,749
1,486
316
359
387
Michigan
52,380
57,670
47,527
4,950
4,196
3,590
459
498
532
Illinois
47,123
51,234
45,788
4,980
4,333
3,758
447
494
519
Indiana
22,363
23,093
18,725
2,132
1,848
1,603
203
217
229
Ohio
50,036
50,072
41,749
4,891
4,216
3,621
476
505
512
Total
193,215
204,599
172,696
18,983
16,342
14,058
1,901
2,073
2,179
WEST NORTH CENTRAL AREA
Minnesota
17,522
17,818
15,014
1,744
1,494
1,277
194
224
226
Iowa
10,580
11,225
9,866
1,040
899
792
130
143
155
Missouri
23,912
25,362
20,908
1,923
1,629
1,394
182
197
219
North Dakota
2,989
3,316
3,126
312
277
251
65
63
65
South Dakota
3,081
3,306
2,930
353
320
291
55
59
63
Nebraska
6,056
6,271
5,926
656
573
515
87
101
114
Kansas
10,326
10,892
9,451
1,104
964
852
107
115
130
Total
74,466
78,190
67,221
7,132
6,156
5,372
820
902
972
SOUTH CENTRAL AREA
Arkansas
6,667
7,179
6,278
521
435
369
41
49
53
Louisiana
12,483
13,715
12,429
942
782
659
88
86
98
Oklahoma
9,808
10,331
8,649
871
765
665
90
94
103
Texas
61,174
64,411
55,276
5,746
4,934
4,236
417
441
446
Total
90,132
95,636
82,632
8,080
6,916
5,929
636
670
700
NORTH MOUNTAIN AREA
Montana
5,994
6,203
5,673
932
842
768
97
126
119
Wyoming
3,535
3,622
3,243
504
454
412
56
59
60
Idaho
5,806
6,029
4,992
766
676
594
62
73
68
Total
15,335
15,854
13,908
2,202
1,972
1,774
215
258
247
SOUTH MOUNTAIN AREA
Utah
4,845
5,427
5,104
581
533
477
60
69
76
Colorado
14,473
14,567
12,176
1,989
1,756
1,560
195
213
221
Arizona
12,457
12,285
10,622
1,759
1,505
1,316
118
118
112
New Mexico
6,541
6,687
5,917
918
821
742
53
67
68
Total
38,316
38,966
33,819
5,247
4,615
4,095
426
467
477
NORTH PACIFIC AREA
Alaska
4,282
4,275
3,506
865
752
666
38
41
36
Washington
23,010
22,586
19,404
3,480
3,095
2,774
204
223
221
Oregon
16,466
16,883
14,335
2,320
2,060
1,818
123
147
158
Total
43,758
43,744
37,245
6,665
5,907
5,258
365
411
415
41
SOUTH PACIFIC AREA
California
126,617
136,168
119,027
17,741
15,881
14,182
828
900
959
Nevada
4,308
4,332
3,812
685
601
514
29
29
36
Hawaii
1,500
1,589
1,569
329
278
260
25
25
33
Total
132,425
142,089
124,408
18,755
16,760
14,956
882
954
1,028
Total In United States
988,050
1,029,115
882,969
108,063
93,867
81,881
10,554
11,363
11,844
Other
19,030
20,842
19,449
2,279
2,138
1,960
105
114
109
GRAND TOTAL
1,007,080
1,049,957
902,418
110,342
96,005
83,841
10,659
11,477
11,953
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibit B
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
1969
1968
1967
ASSETS
Cash on Deposit and on Hand
$
227,018.23
$
101,868.75
$
214,030.30
Accounts Receivable, Net
281,939.04
245,517.14
220,576.30
Inventories
293,476.87
237,471.41
225,651.41
Prepaid Expenses
473,778.77
440,274.56
384,744.25
Total Current Assets
$ 1,276,212.91
$ 1,025,131.86
$ 1,045,002.26
Investments
11,388,591.68
9,768,725.90
7,227,404.15
Land
348,774.47
348,774.47
348,774.47
Buildings, Net
2,257,963.41
2,341,760.78
2,423,714.10
Furniture and Equipment, Net
657,781.11
645,268.21
704,203.36
Other
149,435.59
149,860.59
151,338.00
TOTAL ASSETS
$16,078,759.17
$14,279,521.81
$11,900,436.34
LIABILITIES AND NET WORTH
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
$
511,777.78
$
341,451.08
$
309,516.30
Accrued Taxes
93,763.98
46,749.27
34,706.14
Bond Discounts and Premiums
73,626.04
53,681.47
52,951.50
Other
2,551.73
7,284.81
1,510.90
Total Current Liabilities
$
681,719.53
$
449,166.63
$
398,684.84
Deferred Income:
Member Dues
$ 5,086,638.00
$ 4,963,598.15
$ 3,807,987.26
Life Memberships
8,821,430.00
7,631,101.54
6,393,101.45
Other
161,812.74
158,223.94
179,754.18
Total Deferred Credits
$14,069,880.74
$12,752,923.63
$10,380,842.89
Appropriated Reserves:
Endowment Fund
$
251,928.79
$
223,317.27
$
206,454.89
Building Fund
134,348.84
131,138.84
International Shooting Fund
30,611.75
27,855.68
35,429.02
Retirement Fund
97,816.69
88,884.82
76,481.98
Smallbore Prone Team
4,810.95
8,116.25
7,885.05
NRA History
3,432.94
3,432.94
Safety Range Project
10,000.00
19,596.39
Gifts and Bequests
1,291.18
1,291.18
1,291.18
Public Relations Campaign
23,238.62
90,578.32
Contingencies
100,000.00
100,000.00
107,351.66
NRA National Match Fund
30,451.84
54,029.31
56,066.00
Palma Trophy Team
24,785.07
12,000.00
World Shooting Championships 1970
378,785.88
NRA Centennial
10,000.00
Total Appropriated Reserves
930,482.15
$
686,514.91
$
735,706.27
Retained Earnings
396,676.75
390,916.64
$ 385,202.34
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET WORTH
$16,078,759.17
$14,279,521.81
$11,900,436.34
42
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Exhibit C
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES
1969
1968
1967
INCOME
Member Dues
$ 5,121,725.79
$ 4,297,239.43
$ 3,755,242.08
Advertising
1,563,462.33
1,585,798.40
1,459,350.27
Competitions
97,294.25
99,912.93
107,972.25
Membership Services, Net
82,116.99
121,129.81
133,165.55
Other
545,789.74
471,908.80
341,711.62
TOTAL INCOME
$ 7,410,389.10
$ 6,575,989.37
$ 5,797,441.77
EXPENSES
Office of Publications:
The American Rifleman
$ 2,052,417.82
$ 1,958,527.22
$ 1,659,311.55
Advertising Costs
156,230.65
152,657.41
140,637.14
Salaries
230,815.51
215,436.51
200,709.28
Firearms Information
26,805.72
30,281.52
26,561.22
Tournament News, Net
17,610.48
16,202.44
16,717.76
All Other
63,133.52
49,517.02
55,550.59
Total
$ 2,547,013.70
$ 2,422,622.12
$ 2,099,487.54
Membership Division:
Salaries
$
634,385.32
$
565,624.54
$
472,371.76
Promotion
936,295.67
782,945.07
651,794.88
Fulfillment Materials
220,097.70
242,455.27
183,539.60
Government Equipment Orders
7,111.46
19,974.20
Office Supplies and Postage
28,548.02
21,044.94
14,953.90
All Other
90,606.09
78,937.16
116,919.64
Total
$ 1,909,932.80
$ 1,698,118.44
$ 1,459,553.98
Competitions, Training and Facilities Division:
Salaries
$
314,469.03
$
290,007.92
$
276,827.53
Regional and Sectional Tournaments
79,843.52
70,579.51
70,765.36
Other Competitions
88,205.08
84,753.22
94,524.48
Training Courses
24,427.10
11,829.77
16,829.77
All Other
147,406.08
146,940.77
148,459.62
Total
$
654,350.81
$
604,111.19
$
607,406.76
Administrative Services Division:
Salaries
$
231,217.64
$
202,053.44
$
201,493.13
Building Operations, Net
278,733.87
227,840.18
198,344.66
Insurance and Hospitalization
106,456.98
129,231.03
93,650.74
Taxes
121,350.69
103,618.96
86,563.63
Depreciation on Equipment
49,705.79
48,380.53
49,153.71
All Other
60,864.19
41,188.67
79,931.52
Total
$
848,329.16
$
752,312.81
$
709,137.39
Office of Public Relations:
Salaries
$
90,660.69
$
82,025.00
$
51,504.40
Promotion
84,487.17
52,875.85
13,988.17
Fulfillment Materials
50,245.43
68,511.54
37,123.64
All Other
102,628.36
89,600.57
43,936.46
Total
$
328,021.65
$
293,012.96
$
146,552.67
Office of the Secretary:
Legislative Information Service:
Bulletins
$
25,771.87
$
64,418.88
$
94,510.61
Salaries
39,019.49
36,168.00
30,856.00
All Other
7,347.45
21,777.45
7,286.26
Hunting and Conservation:
Salaries
33,147.50
27,053.14
15,908.58
Fulfillment Materials
12,242.71
6,642.46
5,320.64
All Other
21,157.75
14,501.12
8,361.76
Committees:
Meeting Expense
65,539.81
77,207.98
70,247.11
Members' Expense
76,795.54
78,366.55
78,999.72
Total
$ 281,022.12
$
326,135.58
$
311,490.68
Executive:
Salaries
$
154,102.31
$
131,301.56
$
135,258.87
Representatives
182,462.00
167,525.22
144,354.05
All Other
92,469.56
77,988.42
57,776.82
Total
$
429,033.87
$
376,815.20
$
337,389.74
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 6,997,704.11
$ 6,473,128.30
$ 5,671,018.76
NET INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
$
412,684.99
$
102,861.07
$
126,423.01
OTHER CHARGES
Transfer to Reserves:
Safety Range Project
$
10,924.88
$
7,311.64
$
10,000.00
43
Public Relations Campaign
55,000.00
NRA National Match Fund
13,000.00
56,000.00
World Shooting Championships-1970
356,000.00
NRA Centennial
10,000.00
Palma Trophy Team
22,000.00
12,000.00
Smallbore Prone Team
8,000.00
Contingencies
64,835.13
Total
$
406,924.88
$
97,146.77
$
121,000.00
NET INCOME
$
5,760.11
$
5,714.30
$
5,423.01
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibit
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NRA SANCTIONED COMPETITIVE EVENTS
Number Conducted
Total Entries
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
HIGH POWER RIFLE
CONVENTIONAL:
1
1
1
National
677
440
2,167
19
21
19
Regional Tournaments
2,334
2,481
3,032
41
41
41
State Championships
2,863
2,676
3,703
2
0
o
Junior State Championships
29
o
o
138
158
130
Registered Tournaments
7,327
8,045
8,566
263
264
296
Approved Tournaments
6,783
7,247
9,950
2
o
o
Special Approved Tournaments
17
0
o
466
485
487
Total
20,030
20,889
27,418
INTERNATIONAL:
2
1
1
National (300 M & Army)
52
39
29
5
5
4
State Championships
197
210
89
2
5
2
Registered Tournaments
26
119
120
11
13
12
Approved Tournaments
196
250
215
20
24
19
Total
471
618
453
486
509
506
Total High Power Rifle
20,501
21,507
27,871
SMALLBORE RIFLE
INDOOR CONVENTIONAL:
42
41
41
Sectional Tournaments
1,866
2,044
2,112
19
22
19
Intercollegiate Sectionals
694
984
853
64
67
63
Junior Sectionals
4,025
4,162
4,082
32
31
32
State Championships
2,099
2,168
2,412
16
18
12
Junior State Championships
1,272
1,524
934
57
56
55
Registered Tournaments
2,285
3,489
2,271
83
97
84
Approved Tournaments
2,901
3,265
2,988
15
0
o
Special Approved Tournaments
266
o
o
328
332
306
Total
15,408
17,636
15,652
INDOOR INTERNATIONAL:
24
26
22
Intercollegiate Sectionals
1,065
1,055
904
12
9
11
State Championships
553
348
432
1
1
1
Junior State Championships
57
97
85
24
25
22
Registered Tournaments
1,600
1,652
1,444
25
32
22
Approved Tournaments
988
1,245
1,120
86
93
78
Total
4,263
4,397
3,985
414
425
384
Total Indoor
19,671
22,033
19,637
OUTDOOR PRONE CONVENTIONAL:
1
1
1
National
429
444
654
18
19
17
Regional Tournaments
1,018
1,088
953
38
40
41
State Championships
1,525
1,528
1,764
10
9
8
Junior State Championships
567
595
503
55
58
66
Registered Tournaments
2,557
2,972
3,085
112
105
92
Approved Tournaments
1,974
1,667
1,668
3
0
0
Special Approved Tournaments
36
0
o
237
232
225
Total
8,106
8,294
8,627
OUTDOOR PRONE INTERNATIONAL:
1
1
1
National
61
73
47
2
3
2
State Championships
59
68
65
0
1
0
Junior State Championships
0
97
o
12
12
20
Registered Tournaments
358
365
615
7
12
9
Approved Tournaments
101
248
194
22
29
32
Total
579
851
921
259
261
257
Total Outdoor Prone
8,685
9,145
9,548
OUTDOOR POSITION CONVENTIONAL:
1
1
1
National
271
278
436
16
16
16
Regional Tournaments
579
586
567
19
19
21
Junior Regionals
778
848
1,008
17
17
20
State Championships
425
590
624
9
11
10
Junior State Championships
420
593
528
14
22
29
Registered Tournaments
558
644
731
63
79
66
Approved Tournaments
1,065
1,069
996
8
o
o
Special Approved Tournaments
65
o
o
147
165
163
Total
4,161
4,608
4,890
OUTDOOR POSITION INTERNATIONAL:
1
1
1
National
62
87
51
7
8
5
State Championships
160
291
112
1
1
1
Junior State Championships
101
12
20
22
30
24
Registered Tournaments
798
1,050
847
44
27
27
19
Approved Tournaments
320
441
569
58
67
50
Total
1,441
1,881
1,599
205
232
213
Total Outdoor Position
5,602
6,489
6,489
PRECISION AIR RIFLE:
1
1
o
National
15
56
o
2
1
1
State Championships
23
15
20
1
1
o
Registered Tournaments
39
34
o
1
0
1
Approved Tournaments
24
o
27
5
3
2
Total
101
105
47
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
EXHIBIT D-Continued
Number Conducted
Total Entries
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
SMALLBORE RIFLE-Continued
15 FOOT AIR GUN:
0
1
1
State Championships
0
12
22
0
0
1
Approved Tournaments
0
0
11
0
1
2
Total
0
12
33
883
922
858
Total Smallbore Rifle
34,059
37,784
35,754
PISTOL AND REVOLVER
INDOOR CONVENTIONAL:
31
34
36
Sectional Tournaments
2,104
2,407
2,492
5
8
7
Intercollegiate Sectionals
197
224
210
30
30
29
State Championships
2,025
2,064
2,318
54
63
60
Registered Tournaments
2,035
2,836
2,769
195
187
192
Approved Tournaments
4,743
4,981
5,192
8
0
0
Special Approved Tournaments
81
o
0
323
322
324
Total
11,185
12,512
12,981
INDOOR INTERNATIONAL:
5
5
5
Intercollegiate Sectionals
176
123
138
1
0
0
State Championships
15
o
0
8
5
2
Registered Tournaments
235
87
150
10
7
3
Approved Tournaments
103
83
64
24
17
10
Total
529
293
352
347
339
334
Total Indoor
11,714
12,805
13,333
OUTDOOR CONVENTIONAL:
1
1
1
National
653
540
1,537
20
21
19
Regional Tournaments
2,388
2,481
2,515
44
42
43
State Championships
2,738
2,447
3,239
231
254
248
Registered Tournaments
12,755
12,422
15,080
632
685
672
Approved Tournaments
11,640
12,768
14,104
4
0
0
Special Approved Tournaments
42
0
0
932
1,003
983
Total
30,216
30,658
36,475
OUTDOOR INTERNATIONAL:
1
1
3
National
165
152
118
11
8
4
State Championships
252
263
102
29
39
29
Registered Tournaments
1,407
1,256
1,386
35
13
5
Approved Tournaments
517
111
66
76
61
41
Total
2,341
1,782
1,672
1,008
1,064
1,024
Total Outdoor
32,557
32,440
38,147
POLICE COMBAT:
1
1
1
National
281
287
286
8
7
8
Regional Tournaments
615
461
466
3
3
1
State Championships
252
192
61
3
2
1
Registered Tournaments
87
97
76
24
24
10
Approved Tournaments
1,479
470
524
5
o
o
Special Approved Tournaments
83
o
0
44
37
21
Total
2,797
1,507
1,413
PRECISION AIR PISTOL:
1
o
0
National
38
o
0
1
o
0
Total
38
o
0
1,400
1,440
1,379
Total Pistol and Revolver
47,106
46,752
52,893
MOVING TARGET
INTERNATIONAL SKEET:
1
1
1
National
36
60
39
2
1
o
State Championships
38
12
o
10
4
2
Registered Tournaments
138
72
12
11
25
11
Approved Tournaments
193
522
271
24
31
14
Total
405
666
322
INTERNATIONAL CLAY PIGEON:
1
1
1
National
52
75
55
5
2
2
Registered Tournaments
161
79
8
23
20
11
Approved Tournaments
491
584
291
1
0
o
Special Approved Tournaments
10
o
0
30
23
14
Total
714
738
354
INTERNATIONAL RUNNING BOAR:
1
1
1
National
9
12
15
1
1
o
State Championships
57
9
0
45
4
3
3
Registered Tournaments
109
34
38
0
o
1
Approved Tournaments
o
0
14
6
5
5
Total
175
55
67
INTERNATIONAL RUNNING DEER:
1
0
0
National
9
0
0
1
0
0
Total
9
0
0
61
59
33
Total Moving Target
1,303
1,459
743
2,830
2,930
2,776
GRAND TOTAL
102,969
107,502
117,261
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibit E
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF LEAGUES AND POSTAL MATCHES
LEAGUES
Number of Leagues-Teams
Total Participants
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
Winter Leagues:
High Power Rifle
9
26
8
41
5
28
293
184
97
Smallbore Rifle
221
1,173
234
1,248
232
1,241
8,449
9,865
10,561
Pistol
170
864
179
878
167
853
8,811
9,168
9,139
Total
400
2,063
421
2,167
404
2,122
17,553
19,217
19,797
Summer Leagues:
High Power Rifle
25
97
25
86
29
98
840
1,104
1,668
Smallbore Rifle
31
106
40
112
37
142
1,077
1,006
989
Pistol
56
150
73
174
65
140
1,545
1,665
1,201
Clay Pigeon
6
16
3
16
1
6
54
14
Total
118
369
141
388
132
386
3,516
3,775
3,872
Accredited Leagues
12
31
14
43
17
52
Grand Total
530
2,463
576
2,598
553
2,560
21,069
22,992
23,669
POSTAL MATCHES
No. of Teams
No. of Entries
1969
1968
1967
1969
1968
1967
Junior Monthly Series
690
733
748
American Legion
36
31
26
157
113
90
Summer Camp
227
271
300
610
781
613
National Guard
341
253
402
537
480
597
DeMolay
98
106
108
417
476
407
Veterans of Foreign Wars
26
27
10
213
251
178
YMCA
45
58
60
197
323
275
National Industrial Recreation Association
166
157
159
858
806
853
Intercollegiate Series:
Conventional
33
54
58
136
208
242
International
28
40
37
122
154
190
Women:
Rifle
32
65
48
157
176
198
Pistol
36
19
42
136
98
137
International Indoor:
Rifle
442
716
840
Pistol
712
733
768
International Outdoor:
Rifle
135
134
180
Pistol
114
113
35
National Armored Car Association
50
60
45
210
177
146
USAR:
Rifle
96
117
94
277
399
278
Pistol
94
106
51
344
433
229
BSA Summer Camp
1,201
6,005
46
Precision Air Rifle
72
74
Precision Air Pistol
18
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibit F
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
HUNTER SAFETY INFORMATION BY STATES
Instructors
Students
State
12/31/69
to Date
Alabama
95
1,259
*Alaska
130
2,886
*Arizona
996
37,831
Arkansas
68
399
*California
3,554
470,405
*Colorado
1,188
84,308
*Connecticut
629
31,028
*Delaware
110
1,605
D. C.
67
1,465
*Florida
545
5,759
*Georgia
30
8,681
Hawaii
8
118
*Idaho
318
18,838
*Illinois
1,209
39,052
Indiana
334
10,386
*lowa
2,923
55,723
Kansas
183
7,140
*Kentucky
1,099
532,408
*Louisiana
296
4,108
*Maine
628
21,281
*Maryland
962
16,470
*Massachusetts
153
42,023
*Michigan
1,420
146,640
*Minnesota
3,881
270,858
Mississippi
43
557
*Missouri
778
108,503
*Montana
920
88,298
Nebraska
200
4,551
Nevada
95
2,436
*New Hampshire
664
19,251
*New Jersey
696
150,421
*New Mexico
915
10,577
*New York
5,538
998,210
*North Carolina
241
7,580
*North Dakota
84
5,115
*Ohio
1,940
111,346
*Oklahoma
495
20,295
*Oregon
4,002
151,696
*Pennsylvania
8,962
247,675
*Rhode Island
77
7,565
*South Carolina
58
356
*South Dakota
404
80,385
*Tennessee
148
1,955
Texas
658
14,025
*Utah
499
170,131
*Vermont
242
8,569
*Virginia
1,002
63,303
*Washington
2,237
199,970
*West Virginia
345
7,505
*Wisconsin
2,098
36,593
*Wyoming
213
8,494
APO & FPO
118
1,530
*Alberta
1,113
8,478
*British Columbia
13
282
*Manitoba
1,862
24,077
New Brunswick
38
843
Newfoundland
3
o
*Nova Scotia
170
2,240
*Ontario
1,134
161,246
Prince Edward Island
1
o
Quebec
379
17
*Saskatchewan
3,910
22,151
Foreign Countries
21
109
TOTALS
63,142
4,557,006
*State-wide program
47
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibit G
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
HEADQUARTERS STAFF ORGANIZATION CHART
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
As of January 1, 1970
President
Woodson D. Scott
Vice President Maxwell E. Rich
Executive Vice President
Franklin L. Orth
Treasurer
Executive Director
Secretary
Louis F. Lucas
Louis F. Lucas
Frank C. Daniel
Office of Publications
Office of Public Relations
Assistants
Office of the Secretary
Ashley Halsey, Jr., Director and Editor
J. R. Hess, Director
Frank C. Daniel, Director
Administrative Assistant
Activities
Activities
Activities
C. R. Rogers
The American Rifleman
Public Relations
Firearms Legislative
Firearms Information
Motion Picture Production
Information Service
Publicity-Photography
Special Projects
Gun Collecting
Hunting and Conservation
Tournament News
Match Coverage
Robert Joerg, III
Annual Meetings
Technical Publications
Organization
Staff
NRA Museum
Relationships
J.J. Basil, Jr.
Staff
Staff
C. W. Morrow
J. A. Harper
William Gilmour
C. R. Titus
Stephen Hines
W. L. Hobart
Magazines and Periodicals
John Hightower
M. D. Waite
Lee LaCombe
Technical Affairs
E. H. Harrison
H. C. Stith
A. F. Ruffin
L. E. Olson
J. R. Shrader
Competitions, Training and
Membership Division
Administrative Services Division
A. C. Webber
Facilities Division
Field Representatives
J. M. Snyder
C. E. Giesey, Acting Director
W. B. Binswanger, Director
G. H. Mangan
S. A. Mate, Director
Northeast
J. Cadwalader, Jr.
Activities
Activities
J. K. Lee, Jr.
R. H. Bohan
Activities
Membership Promotion
Accounting
Southeast
R. M. Baggett
Competition Promotion
Membership Records
Personnel
M. R. Preble
E. W. Burwell
Rifle-Pistol-Shotgun
State Associations
Purchasing
R.W. Lowe
Tournaments
Club Administration
Printing Services
Southwest
E.L. Minor
Postal Matches
Government DCM
Shipping
J. P. Peot
Leagues
Computer Services
Staff Assistants
Building Maintenance
Shooter Classification
Midwest
General Files
Cafeteria
R. W. Musselwhite
National Matches
W. H. Jordan
M. E. Bussard
International Matches
Staff
Membership Services
V.T. Packenham
Incoming Mail
Northwest
Training Promotion
H. G. Sanborn
Civilian
W. J. Christner
Staff
Armed Services
B. M. Louloudis
G. B. Soto, Jr.
West
Police
D. L. Kirby
S. B. Fosburg
E. F. Sloan
Safety Education
W.L. Kennedy
C. M. Gluszek
C. C. Chadwick
Marksmanship Training
D. Gwyer
W. B. Sanders
Qualification Courses
Assistant Staff
Staff Assistant
Range Promotion
K. Sullivan
E. R. Reid
Range Planning
A. Skoland
Outdoor Recreation
C. E. Smith
Club Newsletter
M. F. Talbert
Staff
E. Lerette
E. D. Andrus
R. Brooks
W. L. Cheek
R. M. Conger
J. W. Davis
D. T. Gaskill
J. F. Gregory
J. J. Grubar
D. L. Harding
J. P. Kerry, Jr.
N. F. Price, Jr.
C. J. Shaffer
M. Tipa
R. B. Warye
48
Staff Assistants
D. H. Ide
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Exhibit H
OFFICERS
President
Woodson D. Scott
Vice President
Maxwell E. Rich
Executive Vice President
Franklin L. Orth
Executive Director
Louis F. Lucas
Secretary
Frank C. Daniel
Treasurer
Louis F. Lucas
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Powers: The Board of Directors has general charge of the affairs and property of the Association. It elects the Officers
of the Association, the members of the Executive Committee and members to the Executive Council.
TERMS EXPIRE IN 1970
*Chester R. Allen
Harold W. Glassen
*Robert J. Kukla
Stuart H. Russell
Nathan R. Arenson
C.R. Gutermuth
Robert L. Lindahl
Michael C. Santanello
*Alice H. Bull
*John Harness
N. Riley Plunkett
William J. Sutton
F. Bob Chow
Raymond Hoem
Robert C. Reeve
Franklin H. Wells
Alan B. Davis
*Carl E. Kastner
Edwin I. Reiten
*Charles F. Wolff
Byron Engle
Edgar M. Ketchie, Sr.
Clark L. Ruffner
*Merrill W. Wright
TERMS EXPIRE IN 1971
Gary L. Anderson
*Fred M. Hakenjos
Paull L. Shumaker
*James C. Whitney
*Ben Avery
Donald M. Higgins
*Julian W. Smith
*Wilbur L. Withrow
*Louis A. Benton
James R. Holden
*Henry A. Spalding
William C. Wolf
James T. Brady
*Harry C. Hoy
*Garth F. Steltenpohl
Henry L. Woltman
John D. Dingell
Leslie E. Lahr
LeRoy Strong
*Alonzo H. Garcelon
Robert S. Lichtenberger
AI G. Tate
Gerald W. Griffin, Sr.
Robert M. Modisette, Jr.
Gene E. Taylor
TERMS EXPIRE IN 1972
Herbert M. Aitken
*Richard S. Cross
Donald E. Miller
James C. Schooler
Eugene D. Anderson
Edward B. Crossman
Richard H. Nelson
*Woodson D. Scott
Charles E. Boomhower
Edward H. Crowthers
James E. Reinke
James F. Stone
Ray Burden
W. True Davis
Irvine W. Reynolds
Louis W. Truman
Claud R. Caldwell
*Dewey Godfrey
*Maxwell E. Rich
William F. Camp
William Loeb
Robert J. Robel
George N. Craig
*Charles E. Lyman, 3rd
Charles A. Sanders
*Members of the Executive Committee.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Members of the Executive Council are elected for life. They are listed below in order of their election.
49
Nathaniel C. Nash
Milton A. Reckord
George R. Whittington
Bartlett Rummel
Francis W. Parker, Jr.
Harry D. Linn
Irvine C. Porter
Harlon B. Carter
Julian C. Smith
J. Alvin Badeaux
John M. Schooley
Harold W. Glassen
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
RIFLE
<<<<<<<<
UNITED
<<<<<<<<
16.
"
NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
I
ORGANIZED
STATE
"
1871
OF
AMERICA
RIFLE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
ORGANIZED
OF OF AMERICA 1871
1600 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
immmm 'mm mmm
Mm M
Washington, D. C. 20036
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Association
by Jonathan Cottin
NRA
5/2/70 of the funds is in the hands of the
When it comes to lobbying, the one
has been located in its own building
CPR
Republican National Finance Com-
million members of the National
at 1600 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., an
NATIONAL
mittee, a semi-autonomous group of
Rifle Association can "turn on the
JOURNAL
impressive nine-story structure with
about 250 wealthy party members
heat like no other private organiza-
a marble first-floor facade. At the en-
from every state.
tion in the nation."
trance is inscribed the section from
With an organization reaching
The tribute is from an arch-foe of
the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing
down to state finance committees,
the NRA: Sen. Joseph D. Tydings,
that "the right of the people to keep
day-to-day operation of the Finance
D-Md., who has waged a largely un-
and bear arms shall not be abridged."
Committee is in the hands of an 18-
successful war with its membership
The District of Columbia Depart-
member executive committee headed
over federal gun-control legislation.
ment of Assessments places the value
by New York investment banker
NRA leaders are more modest
of the land and building for tax pur-
Jeremiah Milbank Jr.
about their accomplishments.
poses-somewhere between 55 and
Milbank, 50, is board chairman of
"We're an educational organization
65 per cent of "fair market value"-
Commercial Solvents Inc., a major
so far as our members are concerned,"
at $1.8 million. NRA paid $59,151.42
producer of chemicals which last year
says Woodson C. Scott, NRA presi-
in property taxes last year.
had sales of $109 million. Members
dent.
Built with funds raised and contrib-
of his executive committee have a
The NRA in the past decade has
uted by members, the modern struc-
wide range of financial interests. (For
taken on a major role in the national
ture features a weapons museum em-
membership of Finance Committee,
debate over gun controls, crime and
phasizing the development of hand-
see box).
the individual's right to bear arms.
guns, rifles and shotguns.
Lee R. Nunn, veteran fund-raiser
During that time, its membership
The building is large enough to
and brother of Kentucky Gov. Louie
has more than doubled, and the orga-
permit the NRA to rent out half of
B. Nunn, recently resigned as execu-
nization has become more influential
one floor to the National Mediation
tive director of the Finance Commit-
at the local, state and federal levels.
Board at $3,500 a month.
tee to devote full time to his role as
And, NRA officials feel they have a
Staff: A force of 260 professional and
staff director of the Republican Sena-
warmer relationship with the Nixon
clerical personnel works full-time in
torial Campaign Committee. Acting
Administration than they had with
the headquarters. Most of the employ-
executive director of the Finance
ees hold clerical positions, filing
Committee is Robert Odell.
In addition to direct donations from
DATIONAL the Johnson Administration.
marksmanship contest data, answer-
ing members' queries and processing
sustaining members and wealthier
member and gun club applications
contributors, the RNC also is funded
and renewals.
through various special events around
For 10 years, the staff was di-
the country. The RNC gets 10 per
RIFLE
rected by Franklin L. Orth, executive
cent "off the top" from appearances
vice president, who died Jan. 4 at the
by Vice President Agnew-the party's
age of 62. Orth also was the NRA's
biggest drawing card. (For further in-
Capitol Hill spokesman and registered
formation on Agnew's role as fund-
lobbyist and made frequent appear-
raiser, see p. 634.)
The only major national fund-rais-
ASSOCIATION
ances before committees on gun-con-
trol legislation. His position has not
ing event of the year, a $1,000-a-plate
been filled.
dinner on March 11 in Washington,
After Orth's death, Louis F. Lucas,
netted more than $2 million.
59, executive director and treasurer
Operation
Outlook
who started with NRA as an accoun-
Washington has always been home
tant 22 years ago, was placed tempo-
Sometime in July, the National
for the organization, largely because
rarily in charge of the headquarters
Committee will move from its current
most of its business has been with the
and its seven divisions.
location near the White House to a
United States Army.
No one has taken over Orth's lob-
site two blocks south of the Capitol.
NRA policy is initiated and guided
bying duties either. D. Richard
While denying that the move
by its 75-member board of directors,
Rogers, 55, administrative assistant
to Capitol Hill is part of the party's
working through a 22-member execu-
at NRA headquarters and formerly
strategy for taking control of Con-
tive committee drawn from among
Orth's executive assistant, has reg-
gress, Morton thinks the party's
the directors and headed by an elected
istered as the organization's lobbyist
chances are good for picking up the
president and vice president. (See
but has made no appearances on
seven seats needed to organize the
executive committee" box.)
Capitol Hill. Scott will represent the
Senate. He is less optimistic about the
Normally, long-range goals and
NRA if any congressional appear-
House, where Republicans need a gain
policies are set at annual conventions
ances are required in the near future.
of 30 seats.
in different regions of the country.
Divisions: The seven divisions at the
"Our aim in this decade is to be the
Scott, a New York attorney, makes
NRA headquarters are the Office of
majority party," says Morton. "Every-
major day-to-day decisions either in
Publications; Office of Public Rela-
body wants to win, but our reasons
telephone conversation with the NRA
tions; Administrative Services Divi-
are more pressing and more important
Washington staff or on visits to head-
sion; Membership Division; Compe-
than ever. We must give the Presi-
quarters. (For background on Scott,
tition, Training and Facilities Di-
dent a Republican Congress which
see box.)
will pass his legislation."
vision; Office of the Secretary, and
Headquarters: Since 1957, the NRA
Field Representatives.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Publications-The Publications
publications, $1.9 million for member- 5/2/70
Office is responsible for the vast array
ship recruitment, and $2.6 million for
CPR
of pamphlets, bulletins, instructional
competitions and training and the ad-
NATION
booklets and periodicals issued by the
JOURNA
ministrative operation in Washing-
NRA. It publishes The National Rifle-
ton. The remaining $400,000 was
man, the monthly magazine distributed
transferred to a reserve fund that now
to every member. Ashley Halsey Jr.,
totals $1.3 million.
60, director of publications, is also
The operating budget for this year
editor of The National Rifleman,
is more than $7.4 million, but no
which contains substantial advertising
breakdowns are available.
by weapons and munitions firms. The
Membership: Until 1969, membership
magazine is the official spokesman for
in the NRA had been steadily increas-
the organization, and its editorials
ing and reached a high of 1,049,957
frequently warn against gun controls.
in 1968. Last year, the total fell off
Other regular publications include
by 42,000 and prompted a switch in
NRA Tournament News, a monthly
Washington advertising agencies,
compilation of marksmanship events
coupled with a marked change in ap-
held around the country; The Game
peals for joining the organization. The
Bag, a monthly report on hunting;
NRA picked the Robert M. Gamble
and Weekly Legislative Bulletin, a
Jr. Inc. agency to replace Advertising
summary of legislative activities deal-
Woodson D. Scott, president of the
Services Inc.
ing with gun controls at the local,
National Rifle Association, does
With the new firm, membership
1
state and federal levels.
not fit the image of a "gun extre-
ads, formerly low key, became more
The office also produces safety
mist." Tall and distinguished, he
dramatic.
1
manuals, weapons guides, rifle range
has a soft-spoken manner and is
A full-page promotion purchased
n
plans, instructional booklets and qual-
cautious with his words.
by NRA in the April 1970 Guns and
ification course pamphlets.
An attorney with Lord, Day &
Ammo magazine features a picture
g
Public Relations- Also extremely
Lord, a top New York firm, the
of Chris Hanburger, a linebacker for
active is the Public Relations Division,
70-year-old Scott has represented
the Washington Redskins football
g
which is assigned the task of keeping
some of the world's largest ship-
team, standing near a tree and hold-
IS
membership informed on gun control
ping companies and has served on
ing a revolver, worried that "power-
activities, boosting the prestige of
American Bar Association Com-
i-
ful forces" are trying to "abolish the
the organization, and promoting civil-
mittees on Admiralty Rules and
sports shooting rights, privileges and
ve
ian marksmanship and recreation
Aviation. He is a private pilot and
freedoms that you enjoy today!"
e
shooting. The office, under John R.
is a member of a number of social-
Scott said the new ads and their re-
S
Hess Jr., 43, must also "identify the
ly prominent clubs.
ed
sults are still being evaluated. He said
NRA as the authority on guns and
Scott, an infantry colonel during
they represent "no change of policy"
.Γ-
shooting sports," says the 1969 NRA
World War II, was awarded
on the part of his organization.
n-
annual report.
American, British and Russian
Tax status: The NRA is exempt from
ot
The office, in addition to its promo-
war medals.
paying federal income taxes. Initial-
tional activities, directs NRA's in-
An ardent pistol and rifle marks-
ly chartered as a nonprofit organiza-
as,
volvement in gun shows and exhibits
manship competitor, Scott has
tion, the NRA says its primary objec-
rer
and facilitates interviews between
been a member of NRA since 1929
tive is "to promote social welfare."
in-
media representatives and NRA of-
and was elected early in April to
This designation was sufficient for
o-
ficials.
a second year as president. His
the Internal Revenue Service to grant
ers
Financing: The operations of the
wife and three children are NRA
exempt status under a provision of the
NRA are largely financed through
members.
ob-
Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 501
membership dues. Individual member-
He holds bachelor's and law
ard
(c)(4)). This section exempts organiza-
ships are $6 a year; club member-
degrees from the University of
tions from paying income taxes if they
ant
ships are $5 a year; foreign member-
Kentucky and is a member of Phi
crly
are "exclusively for the promotion
ships are $7 a year; associate member-
Beta Kappa.
of social welfare." It further defines
eg-
ships are $3 a year for members' de-
yist
a tax-exempt group as one whose "net
pendents; junior memberships are $1
assistant public relations director.
earnings are directed exclusively
on
annually but $4 with subscription to
While membership dues accounted
the
to charitable, education or recreation
the monthly magazine; life member-
for $4.9 million in revenue last year,
purposes."
ear-
ships are $125; endowments are
advertising in The National Rifleman
NRA members, however, are not
e.
$250 or more, patrons are those who
yielded another $1.6 million. Other
the
permitted to deduct their dues to the
give $500 or more and benefactors
income-producing activities of the or-
: of
organization from their tax returns.
are those who give $1,000 or more.
ganization generated $900,000 and
At the time of the national con-
ela-
Annual members are not permitted
Divi-
include sale of hunting guides, weap-
troversy over gun-control legislation,
to participate in elections for mem-
ons directories and rifle range equip-
when NRA members inundated Con-
пре-
bership on the board of directors.
ment.
gress with more than one million
Di-
The regulation disallows votes from
Last year, the NRA reported
letters, the exemption was challenged.
and
about 90 per cent of the association's
earned income of $7.4 million, of
In the House on May 15, 1967,
members,
says
William
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
5/2/70 Rep. Richard D. Max McCarthy,
Wildlife Federation and the Wild-
bility of any one human being on the
CPR
D-N.Y., charged that the exemption
life Management Institute.
face of the Free World. In carrying
TIONAL
was "encouraging" the NRA to pro-
A CPR survey shows that seven of
out the duties of office, his fellow
DURNAL
mote "incendiary" proposals. Mc-
the 75 NRA directors are associated
NRA members heartily wish him suc-
Carthy referred to an editorial in the
with conservation-minded organiza-
cess."
May 1967 issue of The National Rifle-
tions or activities and that three muni-
NRA President Scott, during an
man asserting that gun ownership
tions company executives hold posi-
interview in his New York law offices,
could serve as a "potential community
tions in conservation organizations.
underscored the Rifleman's view:
stabilizer" should a riot occur.
(See "conservation" box.) In addi-
"I feel the Nixon Administration
(In 1964, the NRA formally de-
tion, four members of the NRA execu-
is more favorably disposed to our or-
clared its opposition to "armed vig-
tive committee are or have been
ganization than was the Johnson Ad-
ilante groups." After the McCarthy
officers of weapons and ammunition
ministration. I hope so."
challenge, NRA reiterated its stand.)
manufacturing firms.
On June 13, 1968, IRS signalled
Congress: The NRA has a number
Background
its approval of the NRA's continuing
of friends on Capitol Hill. One of its
The NRA was started in 1871 by
tax exemption. It issued a "fact sheet"
directors is Rep. John D. Dingell,
some New York National Guard of-
in reply to the criticism from Mc-
D-Mich. Former Rep. Cecil R. King,
ficers unhappy with the marksman-
Carthy and others, saying there are
D-Calif. (1942-69), was an NRA direc-
ship of Northern soldiers during the
"no specific limitations on lobbying
tor until a year ago.
Civil War.
by tax-exempt organizations" in the
Moreover, NRA records showed on
After the war, the Army had no
NRA tax category.
April 22 that 23 House Members and
marksmanship training program,
three Senators are on the NRA mem-
Alliances
while the NRA was developing one.
bership rolls. (See "Congress" box.)
Recognizing the availability of a
In pressing its legislative goals,
Administration: The NRA thinks it
trained reservoir of marksmen and po-
the NRA has formed alliances with a
has a friend in the White House in the
tential teachers, the Army gave many
number of varied groups and individ-
person of Richard M. Nixon.
NRA members non-commissioned of-
uals. It starts strong: There are 52
His attorney General, John N.
ficer status.
state rifle associations (some states
Mitchell, dispatched two high-ranking
Until 1908, the NRA board was
have more than one) affiliated with
members of the Justice Department
made up of state adjutants general.
it, plus more than 12,000 local gun
April 5 to the NRA annual conven-
In 1894, the NRA was made the for-
clubs claiming membership in the na-
tion in New Orleans, where they ap-
mal governing body for rifle-shoot-
tional organization.
peared on a panel that discussed gun
ing contests, setting the stage for its
In addition, the munitions industry,
legislation.
next elevation to prominence.
fearing a cutback in sales if tight
Donald E. Santarelli, Associate
Federal connection: In 1903, Con-
weapons and ammunition legislation
Deputy Attorney General, and Rich-
gress created the National Board for
is enacted, has joined with the NRA
ard W. Velde, Associate Administra-
the Promotion of Rifle Practice at the
in its fight against gun control. The
tor of the Law Enforcement Assis-
request of the NRA leadership. Its as-
industry is also a major source of ad-
tance Administration, attended the
signment was to encourage practice
vertising revenue for the NRA's na-
session. The NRA said it paid their
in the use of military small arms, de-
tional magazine.
expenses at the convention and the
velop match competition and issue
Conservation groups: Some wildlife
Justice Department picked up the air
the necessary arms, ammunition and
groups find common ground with the
fare.
targets. Its administrative arm was the
NRA, which, in turn, has supported
Including Mr. Nixon, who is a life
Director of Civilian Marksmanship.
goals of such organizations as the
member of the organization, six
In that year, $2,500 was allocated
Sierra Club.
United States Presidents have been in
from the federal treasury to pay for
During House hearings this year,
the NRA. Mr. Nixon is still listed by
medals and trophies.
the NRA joined with wildlife groups
the NRA as a life member, although
By 1967, federal support of the pro-
in fighting a bill (HR 12025) that
he resigned from all organizations
grams which started in 1903 amounted
would have given- home builders ac-
before he began his 1968 campaign.
to $5 million a year, according to a
cess to thousands of acres of timber.
The other Presidents who were mem-
staff report of the National Commis-
Efforts to bring the bill up for de-
bers of NRA at some time were
sion on the Causes and Prevention of
bate failed, 150-229, on Feb. 26. (For
Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roose-
Violence.
details on the timber bill fight, see
velt, William Howard Taft, Dwight
With the exception of World War
p. 344.)
D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
II, the Army has been selling arms
Some conservation-minded orga-
In noting Presidential member-
and ammunition to NRA members at
nizations take a dim view of gun con-
ships, an editorial in the January
cost since 1921. The Army estimates
trols. They wish to continue easy ac-
1969 issue of The National Rifleman
that between 1921 and 1966, exclud-
cess to weapons for hunters, who have
said:
ing a 16-year period (1941-57) when
often done much to keep herds and
"It is against this historic back-
tabulation was not required, NRA
flocks down to manageable propor-
ground of close and cordial relation-
members purchased at cost from the
tions.
ship between U.S. Presidents and the
government 166,930 handguns, 655,-
Groups which have testified against
National Rifle Association that Rich-
413 rifles and 8,686 shotguns.
gun controls include the Izaak Walton
ard M. Nixon takes office. He accepts,
The Commission staff report also
League of America, the National
with his inaugural oath, the vastest
estimated that the value of govern-
authority and most awesome responsi-
ment-owned shooting equipment and
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
ammunition loaned to NRA-affiliated
tance reductions were authorized in
5/2/70
shooting clubs and schools with
other segments of the Army-NRA
Conservation and the NRA
CPR
marksmanship programs rose from
marksmanship program. Weapons
Directors of the National Rifle
NATIO
JOURN
$275,000 in 1929 to $900,000 in 1965.
and ammunition are now no longer
Association hold many common
The 1929 figures include 2,425 rifles
made available to gun clubs except to
objectives with conservation or-
and 10 million rounds of ammunition
junior members of rifle clubs, and
ganizations. Listed below are seven
issued to 1,625 clubs and schools. The
then for only two years per member
NRA directors who are associated
1965 figures covered 5,800 clubs and
under 19.
with conservation-minded organi-
schools to which 2,225 weapons and
Preceding the reduction was the
zations or activities.
millions of rounds of ammunition
issuance of a January 1966 report on
Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Mich.:
were issued.
the marksmanship program prepared
Member, Migratory Bird Conser-
The Army also provided men and
for the Army by Arthur D. Little,
vation Commission.
equipment to assist the NRA in its
Inc., consultants. It recommended
Alonzo H. Garcelon: Member,
annual marksmanship matches at
that "those aspects of the (civilian
Advisory Council, Maine Depart-
Camp Perry, Ohio, through normal
marksmanship) program which relate
ment of Inland Fisheries and
military appropriations. This assis-
to the stimulation of broader interest
Game.
tance began in 1903 and terminated
and participation in rifle shooting
C. R. Gutermuth: Member, Public
in 1967. Ten matches were called off
among the youth of our country
Land Law Review Commission
during wartime emergencies.
should be emphasized and pursued
(non-government member); Secre-
Cutback: On Nov. 1, 1967, Army
even more effectively in order to
tary, North American Wildlife
Secretary Stanley R. Resor announced
reach a greater percentage of those
Foundation; Vice President, Wild-
that the Army would withdraw its
young men likely to enter military
life Management Institute; Trea-
support of the national matches. Resor
service." The youth program was least
surer, World Wildlife Foundation.
said the decision was "part of the
affected by the cutbacks.
Robert S. Lichtenberger: Deputy
Department of Defense effort to re-
The Army estimates its support
Executive Director, Pennsylvania
duce expenditures and limit spending
for this program has dropped from
Game Commission.
to only the most essential programs."
$3.6 million in 1966 to about $136,000
Richard H. Nelson: Member, In-
However, the action had political
last year.
ternational Pacific Salmon Fish-
overtones. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy,
Scott said he hopes the federal gov-
eries Commission.
D-Mass., who had already lost one
ernment will resume the program,
Robert Robel: Vice President and
brother to an assassin's bullet and
but he said the NRA is making no
Secretary, Kansas Academy of
was destined to lose another the same
effort to influence such a decision. He
Science; Associate Professor of
way seven months later, hailed the
said he had no information that the
Wildlife, Kansas State University.
action as "a victory for reason and
cutbacks were politically motivated.
Julian W. Smith: Director, Out-
good government and a vivid demon-
Scott said it was "part of the so-called
door Education Project, American
stration that the interests of all the
austerity program which the govern-
Association for Health, Physical
people can prevail despite the well-
ment thought was necessary in view of
Education and Recreation.
financed shouting of special interest
the large expenditures in the war."
Firms in the weapons and am-
lobbies." He had previously proposed
Gun Control
munition industry also feel kinship
such a cutback, but the Senate re-
with conservation-minded organi-
jected the idea.
The public outcry for gun legisla-
zations. Munitions executives who
Writing in The New York Times
tion, and the National Rifle Associa-
hold key positions in such groups
Nov. 2, 1967, Neil Sheehan said the
tion's rise to national prominence as
include:
move "appeared to be directed at the
its leading opponent, followed the
John W. Hames Jr.: director, Olin
National Rifle Association of America
assassination of President Kennedy.
Mathieson Chemical Co.; secre-
and other elements of the so-called
Although pressure for such an en-
tary, National Audubon Society;
gun lobby, which has consistently
actment began to build immediately
director, World Wildlife Founda-
prevented the Administration from
after the Nov. 22, 1963, tragedy, it
tion.
achieving Congressional passage of
was not until 1968 that Congress
Augustus P. Loring: director, Em-
gun legislation."
passed a weapons-control statute-
hart Corp.; chairman, Massachu-
The cutback meant a loss to the
after five years of bitter wrangling and
setts Trustees of Reservations.
NRA of an estimated $2.8 million a
the assassinations of a second Ken-
William A. Rockefeller: director,
year in subsidies for ammunition,
nedy brother, Robert, and the Rev.
Remington Arms Co.; vice presi-
material costs and salaries for regular
Martin Luther King.
dent, Association for the Protec-
Army and Reserve troops who served
Legislation: The gun laws that
tion of the Adirondacks.
as cleanup men, scorekeepers and
emerged in 1968-the Gun Control
target pullers. An estimated 3,000
Act (PL 90-618) and a handgun-con-
SOURCE: CPR Research Services
active-duty and reserve soldiers served
trol amendment tied to the 1968
as backup at the annual Camp Perry
Omnibus Safe Streets and Crime
ammunition manufacturers, dealers
matches. The Army still allows the
Control Act (PL 90-351) far
and collectors. Its main thrust was to
NRA to use Camp Perry for the na-
short of the aims of such gun-control
prohibit interstate shipment of weap-
tional matches, but without the addi-
advocates as Tydings and Sen.
ons and ammunition except to other
tional support formerly provided.
Thomas J. Dodd, D-Conn.
licensed dealers or manufacturers.
Shortly after the Defense Depart-
The Gun Control Act provided an
This had the effect of curbing mail-
ment decision on Camp Perry, assis-
increase in licensing fees for gun and
order gun sales. Over-the-counter sales
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
5/2/70
able to squelch controls in Congress.
CPR
NRA Executive Committee
But the deciding factor in the congres-
ATIONAL
OURNAL
sional change of heart was King's
The 22-member executive committee of the National Rifle Associa-
murder in Memphis April 4, 1968.
tion, drawn from the 75-member board of directors, oversees the organi-
The next day, the Senate Judiciary
zation's policy and ensures its implementation. Executive committee
Committee approved a handgun con-
members are:
trol amendment to the omnibus crime
bill.
Woodson D. Scott, president. Attorney, Lord, Day & Lord, New York.
Two months later, after the assas-
Maxwell E. Rich, vice president. Adjutant general, Utah National Guard
sination of Robert Kennedy in Los
(1956-64); executive vice president, Salt Lake Area Chamber of Com-
Angeles, the NRA headquarters was
merce.
picketed and mail poured in favoring
Chester R. Allen. Washington representative, Cast Iron Pipe Research
strict controls over weapons and am-
Association. Fairfax, Va.
munition sales.
Counterattack-However, on June
Ben Avery. Legislative reporter, The Arizona Republic (Phoenix).
15, nine days after Kennedy's death,
Louis A. Benton. Engineer. Middlesex, N.J.
the NRA began a counteroffensive.
Harold Glassen, then president of the
Mrs. Alice H. Bull. Housewife and estate supervisor. Seattle, Wash.
group, wrote members in a special
Richard S. Cross. Retired investment counselor. Lafayette Hill, Pa.
letter that "the right of sportsmen in
Dr. Alonzo H. Garcelon. Dentist. Augusta, Maine.
the United States to obtain, own and
use firearms for proper lawful pur-
Dewey Godfrey. Retired vice president, Remington Arms Co. Bridgeport,
poses is in the greatest jeopardy in
Conn.
the history of our country." Glassen,
Fred M. Hakenjos. Program director, Hercules Powder Co. Wilmington,
now on the board of directors, told the
Del.
members "some proponents of re-
strictive gun legislation" are out for
John Harness. Oil distributor. Selma, Calif.
"complete abolition of civilian owner-
Harry C. Hoy Jr. Thermonuclear engineer, Oak Ridge National Labora-
ship of firearms."
tory. Knoxville, Tenn.
Response - The response was over-
Carl E. Kastner. Engineer. Maplewood, N.J.
whelming, despite protestations by
Tydings and others that the Glassen
Robert J. Kukla. Attorney. Chicago.
charge misstated the position of the
Charles E. Lyman III. Executive, Blue Trail Range Corp.; president,
gun-control supporters. Tydings, a
Lyman Gun Sight Corp. (1957-58). Middlefield, Conn.
hunter and former NRA member,
has sought firearms registration and
Julian W. Smith. Professor, Department of Administration and Higher
licensing of owners since 1964.
Education, Michigan State University. Okemos, Mich.
Neither objective has yet cleared the
Henry A. Spalding. Engineer and architect. Hazard, Ky.
House or Senate.
Garth F. Steltenpohl. Bank officer. Salem, Ore.
From 10-1 support of gun controls
after the second Kennedy brother was
James C. Whitney. Rifle barrel manufacturer (Whitney Sales Inc.). Re-
killed, the mail turned around-
seda, Calif.
going as much as 40-1 against arms
Wilbur L. Withrow. Auto repair firm executive. Springfield, III.
limitations laws. The effect was to
slow action on gun-control legislation.
Charles F. Wolff. Village public works superintendent. Kenmore, N.Y.
The Gun Control Act containing
Merrill W. Wright. Board chairman, G.F. Wright Steel and Wire Co.
limits on rifles and shotguns finally
Auburn, Mass.
won congressional approval Oct. 10
and was signed into law Oct. 22, 1968.
were limited to persons over 18.
Pressures: Debate on Capitol Hill
Tydings regarded the act as much less
Under the law, a person can order
was supplemented by more than a
than he sought and blamed the NRA
a gun by mail from a manufacturer,
million letters and cards to Members
for the mildness of the bill.
but he must pick it up from his desig-
of Congress, mostly generated by the
In an article in the March 1969
nated dealer.
NRA. (At one point in 1967, NRA
issue of Playboy, Tydings blamed
There is no federal requirement that
announced support of a modest gun-
"the extremist bureaucracy of the Na-
gun owners register their weapons or
control statute that would give police
tional Rifle Association." He wrote
obtain a license.
seven days to check the eligibility of
that the group was "able to generate
1969 amendment: As passed in 1968,
a handgun buyer before the weapon
a grass-roots political vendetta that
the gun law required licensees to re-
is issued. By 1969, NRA President
far outlasted the spontaneous expres-
cord sales of weapons and ammuni-
Scott called for repeal of the 1968
sion of public concern."
tion. In 1969, Sen. Wallace F. Ben-
Act, which went far beyond the goals
Debate: The NRA addressed itself
nett, R-Utah, succeeded in getting
espoused by the organization in 1967.)
primarily to the major reason used
Congress to eliminate the requirement
Assassinations For years, the
for seeking weapons controls-the
for recording the names of persons
NRA and the loose affiliation of gun
contention that unrestricted traffic in
who purchase sports ammunition.
clubs and manufacturers had been
firearms is the cause of armed violence.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NRA viewpoint-"Guns don't kill
On CBS-TV's "60 Minutes" on 5/2
people. People kill people," argued
Congress and the NRA
Feb. 17, commentator Mike Wallace,
CPR
the NRA. It coupled this view with
NA
The National Rifle Association
examining the controversy, said the
JOU
repeated references to the Constitu-
has built-in support in the U.S.
film was "no prize winner" but at-
tional guarantee of the right to bear
Senate and House. Twenty-three
tempted to give accurate information
arms, the legend that graces the en-
House Members and three Sena-
on the new law. Wallace concluded:
trance to NRA headquarters.
tors hold membership in NRA.
"The question is: Was the film
Moreover, during House debate on
Some are members of committees
withdrawn, as Congressman Dingell
the registration provision of one pro-
that are vital to NRA's interests.
argues, because it fails to tell the gun-
posal, Dingell, then as now an NRA
NRA members in Congress are:
control story well enough? Or was it
director, asserted that "Robert F.
Senate
withdrawn, as Senator Dodd insists,
Kennedy was shot with a registered
Peter H. Dominick, R-Colo.
because it does the job too well?"
gun. Registration did not stop that
Paul J. Fannin, R-Ariz.
Dodd's juvenile delinquency sub-
then and it will not stop it now."
Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz. 2
committee has begun an investigation
(Kennedy's convicted murderer, Sir-
House
of the incident, but thus far has held
han Bishara Sirhan, used a .22-cali-
John M. Ashbrook, R-Ohio
no hearings.
ber snub-nosed Iver-Johnson revolver
William G. Bray, R-Ind. 2
NRA building: Another House Mem-
that was registered in California.)
James T. Broyhill, R-N.C.
ber who belongs to NRA figured
For gun curbs Ranged against the
Omar Burleson, D-Tex.
prominently in a less-publicized in-
NRA viewpoint are such arguments
Eligio de la Garza, D-Tex.
cident during May 1963, when NRA
as that of former Treasury Under
John D. Dingell, D-Mich.
was having trouble with the Washing-
Secretary Joseph W. Barr, who told
John Dowdy, D-Tex. 1
ton Zoning Board.
the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
John J. Flynt Jr., D-Ga. 3
The organization had been denied
on Juvenile Delinquency on July 10,
Joseph M. Gaydos, D-Pa.
a zoning variance to add an extension
1967, that "the spreading cancer of
G. Elliott Hagan, D-Ga. 3
to its building.
crime and juvenile delinquency is the
James M. Hanley, D-N.Y.
Samuel Scrivener Jr., who has been
indiscriminate acquisition of the
Ken Hechler, D-W.Va.
zoning board chairman since 1958,
weapons most frequently utilized in
John E. Hunt, R-N.J. 2
recalled that the first application was
crimes of violence."
Albert W. Johnson, R-Pa.
rejected because the presentation was
At the same hearing, Sen. Edward
Delbert L. Latta, R-Ohio
not supported by sufficient evidence.
Kennedy cited a national opinion poll
Joseph M. McDade, R-Pa. 3
The second request for a zoning
showing that 73 per cent of all Ameri-
Martin B. McKneally, R-N.Y.
variance was submitted Jan. 9, 1963.
cans questioned favored gun registra-
John R. Rarick, D-La.
There was no action for nearly five
tion.
David E. Satterfield III, D-Va.
months.
Tydings has maintained that gun
John P. Saylor, R-Pa.
On May 8, 1963, Rep. John Dowdy,
curbs would help police control crime.
George E. Shipley, D-III. 3
D-Tex., an NRA member as well as
Assessing the rejection of licensing
Robert L.F. Sikes, R-Fla. 3
a member of the House District of
and registration, Tydings asked in the
Olin E. Teague, D-Tex.
Columbia Committee, introduced a
magazine article: "How many assas-
bill granting NRA permission to
sinations, how many murders will
Imember, Judiciary Committee
finish its building "notwithstanding
we tolerate before the gun extremists
2member, Armed Services Committee
any zoning regulation and rule" (HR
3member, Appropriations Committee
are ignored and the public will
6185). The bill never moved to the
obeyed?"
SOURCE: NRA, Congressional Directory
hearing stage, since the variance was
Other Issues
granted 13 days after introduction of
ing from the Treasury Department,
the Dowdy measure.
While the NRA has had consider-
which obliged him.
Scrivener said he knows "NRA has
able success in keeping licensing and
Dingell said everyone told him,
a lot of political clout." But, he
registration off the books, it has also
"That's a terrible picture." He told
added, the Dowdy bill had "absolute-
achieved smaller but nevertheless
National Journal there were "too
ly no" effect on the zoning board's
significant victories in Washington.
many miniskirts that took up good
decision.
Movie: The most recent example of
time that could be used to be more
Politics: Although the NRA main-
NRA power involved a $30,000 film
explanatory." Dingell said he sug-
tains a nonpolitical stance, at least one
produced by the Alcohol, Tobacco
gested changes in the film; Treasury
Senator up for re-election this year
and Firearms Division of the Treasury
said it would comply, but at a later
regards the organization with a wary
Department explaining the 1968 Gun
showing, he noted "very little
eye.
Control Act.
change." He then asked that the film
Tydings, one of the most consistently
The motion picture, produced in
be withdrawn. It was.
outspoken NRA foes, has seen spring
1969, includes a barroom dance by a
Dingell declined to say if he spoke
up in the last year a group calling
miniskirted blonde and a holdup.
with Treasury Secretary David M.
itself Citizens Against Tydings.
Entitled "That's What It's All
Kennedy, but he said he used "chan-
Gilmour, the assistant public rela-
About," the film was shown on tele-
nels available to me inside the depart-
tions director for NRA, says the anti-
vision stations in 30 cities before the
ment I talked to a lot of people."
Tydings group would not get NRA's
first rumblings of discontent reached
Dingell said the NRA was not in-
Maryland mailing list to solicit poten-
Dingell. He asked for a special screen-
volved. "I'm the only one that did
tial support.
it," he said.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Lobby Report - 9
the simple five-year extension of the 1965 Voting Rights
NAACP also supported the Yarborough amendment to re-
Act (HR 4249), but hoped that the Senate in 1970 would
move from the tax reform bill (HR 13270-PL 91-172)
approve the extension. The conference also favored bills
provisions forbidding foundations to finance nonpartisan
(S 2806, HR 6228) to authorize the Equal Employment
voter registration drives. (1969 Weekly Report p. 2682,
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to issue cease-and-de-
2613, 2604, 2535, 2528, 2497, 2310)
sist orders against discriminatory employers. (1969 Weekly
National Council of Senior Citizens. (Consists
Report p. 2682, 2613, 2608, 2604, 2497, 2310)
of 2,700 senior citizens' club, plus affiliates, with more
Liberty Lobby. (Represents about 240,000 mem-
than 2.5 million members.) The council supported a 15-
bers.) Jack McGann, legislative aide, said the Liberty
percent increase in Social Security benefits (HR 13270-
Lobby viewed the 1969 record of the 91st Congress
PL 91-172) as a "down payment" on higher increases it
with "guarded enthusiasm." Measures supported by Li-
hoped to see enacted in 1970.
berty Lobby included authorization and appropriations for
The council also supported extension of the Older
the antiballistic missile system (ABM); the Whitten
Americans Act of 1965 (HR 11235-PL 91-69) but
amendment to the fiscal 1970 Labor-HEW appropria-
considered the authorizations provided in the extension
tions bill (HR 13111) to allow freedom-of-choice school
much too low. The bill authorized $252 million over three
desegregation plans; the Murphy amendment (rejected
years for grants under the Act.
in conference) to a bill (S 3016) extending the Office of
The council strongly supported extension of programs
Economic Opportunity two years that would have given
authorized under the Economic Opportunity Act (S 3016-
Governors the power to veto legal services projects within
PL 91-177). The two-year extension was approved by Con-
their states; and the Fannin amendment (rejected) to
gress. (1969 Weekly Report p. 2713, 2682, 1653)
the tax reform bill (HR 13270-PL 91-172) to deny tax de-
National Housing Conference. (Represents 3,000
ductions to organizations that make contributions to candi-
builders, architects and other professionals.) The con-
dates, political parties or voter registration activities.
ference was concerned with housing legislation included
The Liberty Lobby supported a proposed amendment
in the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1969 (S
(not enacted) to the foreign aid authorization bill (HR
2864-PL 91-152), housing appropriations legislation, and
14580-PL 91-175) repealing economic sanctions against
the 1969 Tax Reform Act (HR 13270-PL 91-172). The
Rhodesia. It opposed measures raising the federal debt
tax reform bill contained a provision concerned with de-
ceiling to $365 billion (HR 8508-PL 91-8); changing the
preciation of rental housing. Conference attempts to pre-
name of the House Committee on Un-American Activi-
serve a tax advantage for moderate- and low-income
ties to House Internal Security Committee (H Res 89-
housing were termed successful by an organization rep-
approved); extending provisions of the National Labor
resentive, though the group sought a longer extension of
Relations Act to farm workers (S 8); extending the income
the legislation than that granted by Congress in the mort-
tax surcharge six months (HR 13270-PL 91-172); and
gage bill (S 2577-PL 91-151). (1969 Weekly Report p.
extending the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for five years
1777, 1379, 1136, 1130)
(HR 4249). McGann said the Liberty Lobby favored
National Rifle Association (NRA). (Represents
legislation to allow literacy tests throughout the nation
1,052,000 members.) The NRA supported an amendment
but accepted the Nixon Administration's proposal (HR
repealing the provision of the 1968 Gun Control Act re-
12695) to ban them nationwide as a compromise.
quiring sellers of shotgun and rifle ammunition to register
The Liberty Lobby supported the nominations of
purchasers. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Wallace
Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. as Associate Justice of the
F. Bennett (R Utah), was added to the interest equaliza-
Supreme Court (rejected) and Otto F. Otepka to the Sub-
tion tax bill (HR 12829-PL 91-128), a balance of pay-
versive Activities Control Board (confirmed) and opposed
ments measure cleared by the Congress Nov. 20. The
the nomination of James E. Allen Jr. as Commissioner of
Bennett proposal, aimed at exempting hunting ammuni-
Education and Assistant Secretary of Health, Education
tion from the registration requirement, left in force the
and Welfare (confirmed). The Liberty Lobby opposed a
registration requirement for handgun cartridges and for
House resolution (H Res 2-approved) seating Rep. Adam
ammunition that can be used for both rifles and handguns.
Clayton Powell (D N.Y.). (1969 Weekly Report p. 2713,
The NRA would have preferred .22-calibre ammunition
2683, 1432, 1158, 58)
to be exempted also. (1969 Weekly Report p. 2322)
National Association for the Advancement of
The NRA opposed several proposals to control fire
Colored People (NAACP). (Represents 500,000 mem-
arms including: S 100, introduced by Sen. Edward W
bers.) The NAACP supported a simple extension (HR
Brooke (R Mass.), to provide for the establishment of a
4249) of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (PL 89-110) but felt
National Firearms Information Center; S 977, introduced
that the Senate in 1970 might reverse House action on
by Sen. Joseph D. Tydings (D Md.), to require registration
the Administration's voting rights proposal by substituting
of firearms and a license to purchase firearms; and S 2433
an extension measure for the Administration bill. The
introduced by Sen. Thomas J. Dodd (D Conn.), to require
NAACP supported the two-year authorization for the Of-
a certificate of ownership of firearms. At hearings on thes
fice of Economic Opportunity (S 3106-PL 91-177)-with-
measures by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee to Inves
out the Murphy amendment, which the conference com-
tigate Juvenile Delinquency, the NRA president said th
mittee removed; increased appropriations for the Equal
proposals would impose unnecessary restrictions on law
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (HR
abiding citizens. In addition, the NRA head said com
12964-PL 91-153); and a bill (S 2806, HR 6228) au-
parable registration and licensing laws (the Sullivan Law
thorizing the EEOC to issue cease-and-dešist orders. The
currently in operation in New York City had had littl
NAACP opposed the Whitten amendment to the Labor-
effect on the crime rate. (1969 Weekly Report p. 1386)
HEW appropriations bill (HR 13111) and the nomination
The NRA supported a bill (S 849) introduced by Sen
of Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. to the Supreme Court. The
Mike Mansfield (D Mont.) to strengthen the penalty pro
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
PAGE76-Jan. 9. 1970
prohibited by
Lobby Report - 10
visions of the Gun Control Act of 1968. The NRA said that
treatment. The AFL-CIO said the House version of HR
the measure, which would impose a minimum mandatory
13270 was not strong enough. It supported a Senate
sentence on those who committed certain crimes while
amendment proposed by Albert Gore (D Tenn.) to raise
armed, correctly penalized those who misused firearms
the standard personal exemption to $800.
rather than the ordinary gun-user.
On labor legislation, the AFL-CIO supported bills
The NRA also supported several conservation mea-
(S 2193, HR 3809) to set national labor health and
sures in its capacity as representative of hunters. The most
safety standards; to set rigorous mine safety standards
significant of the proposals which the NRA backed was
S 2917-PL 91-173) to set a $2 minimum wage (HR 10948,
the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1969 (HR 4148) to
S 2070); to bring farm workers under the National Labor
provide more funds for water pollution control. The bill was
Relations Act (S 8); and to allow common site picketing
in conference at the end of 1969. (1969 Weekly Report
on construction projects (HR 100).
p. 2696)
The AFL-CIO supported an unsuccessful rider to the
Sierra Club. (Represents 85,000 members.) The
supplemental appropriations bill (HR 15209) to permit
club supported the endangered species legislation (HR
the Comptroller General to withhold funds from construc-
11363-PL 91-135) and the Environmental Quality Coun-
tion projects that hire workers under a quota system set
cil (S 1075-PL 91-190). It was in favor of the full $1-bil-
up by the Labor Department's "Philadelphia Plan." The
lion appropriation for clean water in the Public Works
AFL-CIO opposed the plan as discriminatory against the
Appropriations bill for fiscal 1970 (HR 14159-PL 91-144)
construction industry. (1969 Weekly Report p. 2676).
and supported the Water Quality Act (HR 4148). The group
Other bills supported by the AFL-CIO were a five-
opposed the Timber Supply Act (HR 12025). It favored a
year extension of the Elementary and Secondary Educa-
bill to stop all oil drilling in the Santa Barbara (Calif.)
tion Act of 1965 (HR 514), direct election of the President
channel and supported the Youth Conservation Corps (S
(H J Res 681), a five-year extension of the Voting Rights
1076). It opposed the Tocks Island Dam and Reservoir pro-
Act of 1965 (HR 4249, S 2507), increased Social Security
ject in the Delaware River Basin and the Dickey-Lincoln
benefits (HR 13270-PL 91-172) and extension of con-
School power project in northern Maine, which was
sumer protection laws. (1969 Weekly Report p. 2713,
dropped from the Public Works bill for 1970. (For fact
2496)
sheet on Tocks Island, see 1969 Weekly Report p. 2223.)
Urban Coalition Action Council. (The Urban
AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades
Coalition Action Council is the lobbying arm of the Ur-
Department (Consists of 84,000 local AFL-CIO unions
ban Coalition, which represents business, labor, local
organizing some 3.5 million workers.) The organization
government, citizen and civil rights groups and religious
was successful in obtaining construction safety legisla-
organizations concerned with urban problems.) The coun-
tion (HR 10946-PL 91-54) as well as legislation (S 2068-
cil worked for the two-year authorization of the Office
PL 91-86) establishing joint labor-management trust
of Economic Opportunity (OEO) programs (S 3016-PL
funds for scholarships and child-care centers. The or-
91-177) and for the five-year extension of the Voting
ganization supported Social Security rises contained in
Rights Act of 1965 (HR 4249).
the tax reform bill (HR 13270-PL 91-172), cleared by
The council was moderately pleased with fund in-
Congress Dec. 22. It supported a House bill (HR 860),
creases for Model Cities, urban renewal and housing pro-
providing employer contributions for joint industry pro-
grams, including the new low-income home ownership
motion of products, as well as bills (S 1832, HR 12025)
and rental assistance programs (HR 12307-PL 91-126).
providing for more efficient development and manage-
The council had worked for passage of the bill (S 2864-
ment of commercial timberlands in national forests. The
PL 91-152) extending housing-program authorization and
organization opposed the "Philadelphia Plan" of hiring
increasing authorized funds.
quotas for federal construction projects, which was re-
The council had also supported an increase in Title
tained by Congress in action on supplemental appropria-
I funds (HR 13111) and the Yarborough amendment to the
tions legislation (HR 15209). (Weekly Report p. 2019, 17;
tax reform bill removing the prohibition on foundation
1969 Weekly Report p. 2676)
aid to nonpartisan voter-registration drives (HR 13270-
Alliance for Labor Action (ALA). (Represents three
PL 91-172). (1969 Weekly Report p. 2688, 2682, 2621,
unions-the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
2613, 2608, 2604, 2528, 2255)
Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America; the
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Imple-
ment Workers of America; and the International Chem-
Employee and Labor
ical Workers Union-with a combined membership of
about 3,910,000.) Wiley Branton, director of social action,
AFL-CIO. (Represents 13.5 million workers.)
said the ALA, founded in May 1969, devoted its only
The AFL-CIO, among the most active lobbyists on
major 1969 lobbying to the Tax Reform Act of 1969 (HR
general liberal bills as well as labor legislation, devoted
13270-PL91-172).
its most significant efforts in 1969 to opposing the
The ALA held a November meeting in Washington
nomination of Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. as Associate
to urge the Senate to strengthen the tax reform bill re-
Justice of the Supreme Court and to the Tax Reform Act
ported by the Senate Finance Committee. Branton said
of 1969 (HR 13270-PL 91-172).
the ALA made few specific suggestions but "urged the
AFL-CIO lobbyists joined civil rights groups to
Senate to take a strong stand on tax justice." (1969
help defeat Haynsworth's confirmation in the Senate.
Weekly Report p. 2331)
(1969 Weekly Report p. 2310)
Among proposals supported by the ALA, Branton
On tax reform, the AFL-CIO sought the elimination
said, were elimination of preferential treatment of
of loopholes giving certain kinds of income preferential
capital gains, reduction of oil and mineral depletion
COPYRIGHT 1970 CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY INC
Reproduction prohibited in whole or in part except by editorial clients
Jan. 9, 1970-PAGE 77
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
April 4, 1970
Dear Mr. Daniel:
Thank you for your good letter of March 31 with suggestions for
the Ash Council. I will see that these are forwarded for consid-
eration.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
/jh
Charles W. Colson
Special Counsel to the President
Mr. Frank C. Daniel
Secretary
National Rifle Association of America
1600 Rhode Island Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20036
bcc: Amory Bradford
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
INCORPORATED 1871
1600 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
OFFICE OF THE
SECRETARY
March 31, 1970
Mr. Charles W. Colson
Special Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20006
Dear Mr. Colson:
We have every confidence in the sincere efforts now
being made by this administration to encourage and empha-
size environmental activities and believe these efforts
will enjoy considerable success. In general, we agree
that greater emphasis and coordination of efforts on en-
vironmental issues may be gained by assigning agencies
whose major responsibility lies in the natural resources
field to a single department whose sole concern is in this
area.
However, we would caution that in so doing, sight is
not lost of the fact that the actions of every governmental
department has an impact on the environment. Shifting of
agencies will not change or alter this situation.
We feel that one of the more important steps which must
be considered is to provide adequate administrative machinery
under the supervision of the newly formed President's En-
vironmental Council which will give adequate overview of
those programs which may not have as a primary objective
environmental issues but never-the-less may have considerable
impact on the quality of environment. A classic example
are proposals to route major highways and power lines through
areas of irreplaceable natural beauty. Too frequently we
observe important critical efforts of our federal depart-
ments to enhance our environment negated by perhaps well
intended but misguided efforts of a different agency to
achieve goals in an entirely different field. The mis-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-2-
management of our water resources has become a national
scandal from the unique ability of some governmental
agencies to keep their right hand from knowing what their
left is doing.
We believe the establishment of a system wherein each
federal department and agency has assigned a staff section
whose responsibility is to weigh the environmental impact
of all agency programs and advise the agency head thereof
is of prime importance. This section would also provide
for interdepartmental exchange of information and coor-
dination of efforts.
We wish to thank you for the opportunity to add these
brief comments to the important proceedings of the Ash
Council.
Best regards.
Sincerely
FrankDamil
Frank C. Daniel
Secretary
FCD/dg
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum