The NRA is a classic "conservative" organization.

What do "conservatives" want to "conserve"? Generally, the status quo. Just like you don't see the GOP talking about rolling back social security, medicare, welfare, minimum wage, etc etc, you don't see the NRA talking about rolling back background checks, current silly gun laws, CCW regulations, etc. They want to preserve roughly the amount of gun freedom that existed in what its major members consider the 'good ol' days.'

I'm an NRA member, for insurance purposes. I pay my minimums and then give what money I want to donate to political causes to GOA. The NRA will generally fight to at least water down any new gun legislation, but more serious positive movements are not to be expected from the NRA.

In general, my advice on the whole issue is: don't expect the NRA to be something its not. Its mission is to 'conserve.' GOA and others are radicals for liberty when it comes to a particular issue. Radicals - ideologically consistent, intellectual and polite radicals - get things changed. The NRA buys gun owners time. So I support both, with the lion's share going to GOA.