NRA Jobs Today, the National Rifle Association is the largest association protecting your Second Amendment rights. The NRA was formed in 1871 for one main reason. However, what most people don't know is that its intention has changed a lot over time. There have been many different NRA presidents and spokespersons over time, who have always been willing to defend your gun rights at all costs. Additionally, the base of the NRA has changed with a growing and ever-changing government. The main location of the NRA has also changed greatly over time. Going into detail, the NRA will be explained in detail, giving knowledge of the history as well as its purpose throughout the years to come. Two Union veterans, Colonel William C. Church and General George Wingate, established the National Rifle Association in 1871 (1). . The main reason they created it was to help soldiers with their marksmanship, as Colonel Church and General Wingate noticed that their troops were severely lacking in accuracy. Beginning in 1873, the NRA began holding annual competitions at its Creedmoor grounds. Their focus again began to grow rapidly with the promotion of shooting to American youth. The NRA pushed colleges and universities to create gun clubs. Even today, more than a million young people participate in shooting competitions. In 1934, the NRA established the Division of Legislative Affairs to inform citizens of legislative facts regarding their Second Amendment rights. This only informed members of the problems, but if they wanted to do something to solve the government's problems, they would have to act on their own. Over time, the NRA realized it would have to step up its game and...... middle of paper......revised. The NRA funds gun safety classes and holds simulations across the United States and Canada to keep women safe. The NRA is the oldest civil rights organization in the Americas. In the book Gun Crusaders by Scott Melzer he says, “They're afraid of losing their guns and they're afraid of losing their freedoms. » (p. 1) This is what the NRA fights for, to keep your rights and freedoms from the government. “A Brief History of the NRA.” A Brief History of the NRA. Np, and Web. April 16, 2014.Melzer, Scott. Gun Crusaders: The NRA's Culture War. New York: New York UP, 2009. Print. “NRA | History ". RNA | History. Np, and Web. April 16, 2014. “The NRA Speaks: 14 Quotes from Wayne LaPierre One Week After the Sandy Hook Tragedy.” » Gun control now in the United States. Np, and Web. April 16, 2014. "NRA | Contact Us." NRA|Contact us. Np, and Web. April 16 2014.