The NRA Annual Meeting is one of the largest firearm events in the world. Each year, it plays host to members and non-members looking to see the latest guns and gear, as well as decide the leadership of the largest gun rights organization on the planet.
This year, they're in my neck of the woods, Atlanta, Georgia.
The National Rifle Association has set up shop downtown for its annual meeting. It last met in Atlanta during the first year of President Trump's presidency, eight years ago.
Trump’s resurgence mirrors the ascent of more gun rights in Georgia.
On the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center, one can see 14 acres of guns and firearm accessories. On the periphery, gun rights are also abundant in Georgia despite the best efforts of Democrats and some others who want to curb them.
The NRA estimates that one in three Americans owns a firearm – a number rooted in the political strength of gun rights, despite years of polling that simultaneously shows support for laws curbing them.
Patrick McMahon is attending the NRA convention to sell electronics that enhance firearm safety. "Our company is basically there to help people use them and to train in a safe manner," said McMahon alongside a video gun range simulator.
There are tons of companies that will be present, many of which might not be what you think of when you think "gun rights organization." For example, the tractor company Kubota has a large booth at the event.
And in 14 acres, you can fit a lot of guns, accessories, and whatever else floats your boat.
And I'm not entirely sure there won't be boats.
Then you have media row, where you can see some of your favorite Second Amendment radio shows and podcasts live and in person. Among those in attendance are Charlie Cook of Riding Shotgun with Charlie, Amanda Suffecool of Eye on the Target Radio, Mike Piwowarski and Craig DeLuz of Arms Room Radio, Stephen Gutowski of The Reload, and some guys named Cam Edwards and Tom Knighton.
I don't know those last two, but I hear that Knighton guy is kind of sketchy.
In all seriousness, if you're in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by. We'll be doing interviews off and on throughout the weekend, but if we're not, say hi. We'd love to hear from you if you're there.
If not, well, you're missing out.
That said, this year has lost a lot of its luster with President Donald Trump not coming, but it will be interesting to see if reform candidates continue to move forward within the organization that has been embattled in recent years, and not without some cause.
Whether you like them or not, the NRA is still the 800-pound gorilla in the gun rights world, and guiding them toward being more of what we'd like to see with regard to how they approach gun rights is probably a good thing, no matter how you cut it.
I, for one, am eager to see what happens.
More than that, though, I'm eager to see 14 acres of guns and gear. The fact that I'm taking an oversized suitcase and extra bags has nothing to do with that eagerness, either.
Editor's Note:
President Donald Trump isn't speaking at the Annual Meeting live this year, but he did deliver pre-recorded remarks to the NRA's Ring of Freedom members on Thursday night, which also featured a surprise appearance by former NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox, who was on hand to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Institute for Legislative Action.
We'll be on the ground at the Annual Meetings throughout the weekend, and depending on how strong our internet is, will be uploading several interviews to Bearing Arms throughout the day on Friday. - Cam
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