For more information on breaking developments in the NRA Office of Advancement, please contact Meg Guegan, Director of Advancement Communications, at 703-267-1133 or mguegan@nrahq.org.

Press Release - January 20, 2010
Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems Pledges One Million Dollars to Benefit the National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems has pledged one million dollars to benefit the National Rifle Association (NRA).

The announcement was made by Dennis Pierce, President of Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems on January 20, 2010 in during the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems is a long-time supporter and sponsor of the NRA’s Competitive Shooting programs and is now expanding it’s involvement by securing the future of the Association.

“I have been very blessed with a prosperous business and now the time has come to redouble our efforts to strengthen the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. There has never been a more important time to support the work of the NRA and I hope others will come forward and join us in investing in the future of Freedom,” said Pierce.

Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems manufactures, sells, and installs state-of-the-art shooting targets, target backers (frames), uprights, number boards, repair kits, and ammunition/utility boxes. Pierce target systems are all-weather proof, withstanding temperatures over 150 degrees and below zero. The frames can be shot on in the rain and heat, and responds very well to high winds.

The company’s reach is worldwide with a diverse client-base that includes militaries, private shooting ranges, and law enforcement agencies.

“We are grateful for Pierce Bullet Seal Target System’s distinguished philanthropic leadership,” commented Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President. “Dennis Pierce’s innovative vision for his company and his generous spirit will benefit all Americans now and for years to come.”

To learn more about making a gift to benefit NRA programs, contact Nicole Capossela, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1122 or visit www.nragive.com.

Press Release - July 28, 2009
Universal Coin & Bullion Offers Matching Gift to Benefit NRA's Voice of Freedom Programs

FAIRFAX, VA – Official rare coin and bullion dealer for the National Rifle Association (NRA), Universal Coin & Bullion, has created a matching gift to benefit NRA Voice of Freedom programs.

To expand the NRA Voice of Freedom programs, Universal Coin & Bullion President, Michael Fuljenz, has offered to help the NRA raise $150,000 by donating fifty cents for every dollar donated or pledged by October 10, 2009. Qualifying gifts can benefit any of the 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) entities within the NRA Voice of Freedom which includes the NRA (Institute for Legislative Action and Media Outreach efforts), the NRA Freedom Action Foundation, and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund. Additionally, gifts may be from individuals or companies and can be pledged over a period of five years or less.

“This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in maximizing their investment in the future of Freedom,” commented Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President. “We are grateful for Universal Coin & Bullion’s distinguished philanthropic leadership and their offer to help others make a difference in the fight for our Second Amendment rights.”

The results of the matching gift opportunity will be announced during the NRA Heritage Society’s Fall in Williamsburg 2009 event. This event is held annually at different locations throughout the country to honor donors who make a gift commitment through their estate. To complement the event, everyone who takes advantage of this matching gift opportunity will receive recognition as sponsors of the Fall in Williamsburg 2009 event.

Fuljenz stated, “Universal Coin & Bullion is dedicated to preserving freedom so our first thought was a partnership with the NRA. Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” I believe that. Through this matching gift, we hope NRA members will seize the opportunity to experience the joy of working together toward our fight for freedom. This matching gift presents the chance to exercise those values and make a lasting impact on the future.”

For additional details about the Voice of Freedom, please visit the NRA Office of Advancement’s website at http://nragive.com/voice_of_freedom.html. For more information about the NRA Heritage Society or Fall in Williamsburg 2009, please visit the NRA Heritage Society’s website at http://www.nraheritagesociety.org/.

Press Release - March 19, 2009
Eldon J. and Edith W. Owens Gallery Dedicated in National Firearms Museum

Friends and family gathered for dedication ceremony and luncheon

FAIRFAX, VA – The National Rifle Association (NRA) hosted a dedication ceremony in honor of lifetime NRA member Eldon J. Owens and wife Edith W. Owens on March 19, 2009.

A collector of some renown, E.J. Owens served as the president of the prestigious American Society of Arms Collectors. Both E.J. and Edith were avid collectors, which lead to many gifts of rare and historically significant firearms and accoutrements to the National Firearms Museum. The extremely rare multi-chambered Bennet-Haviland rifle on display in the Museum was a gift from E.J. and Edith and is representative of the quality of the Owens collection.

E.J. and Edith also permanently endowed the Gallery, to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy and benefit from the historical value of the Gallery and the National Firearms Museum.

The dedication began with an orientation of the National Firearms Museum by Museum Director Jim Supica, followed by a private tour of the Museum. The dedication of the Eldon J. and Edith W. Owens Gallery was conducted by NRA Executive Director of General Operations, Kayne Robinson where a plaque commemorating the event was unveiled.

A luncheon followed the ceremony, where family members and friends of the Owens’ were able to share their fondest memories and anecdotes of E.J. and Edith. Nephew Larry White commented “Uncle E.J. and Aunt Edith would have been thrilled about this dedication ceremony and I like to think that he and Edith have been watching from above.”

The Eldon J. and Edith W. Owens Gallery can be visited in the National Firearms Museum, open seven days a week. For more information visit www.nationalfirearmsmuseum.org.

Press Release - November 4, 2008
NRA Foundation to Benefit from Impressive Firearms Auction

FAIRFAX, VA – The National Rifle Association (NRA) and Rock Island Auction Company announced today the firearms and estate of Wilbur Henry Hoffeld will be auctioned on December 6, 7, and 8, 2008. The auction will be held by the Rock Island Auction Company in Moline, Illinois. Proceeds from a portion of this auction will benefit the NRA Foundation.

The Hoffeld collection is a study in the manufacturing of firearms, and more specifically - Colts. The auction will include over 1,000 Colts, 8 Patersons, 2 Walkers, over 350 Colt Percussions, over 80 Colt Brevetes, over 100 Colt First Generation Single Actions, dozens of 1877's and 78's, more than 300 Winchesters, 5 Henry Rifles, Civil War Items, and more. For a complete listing and more details visit www.rockislandauction.com.

“This is a tremendous sale headlined by the Will Hoffeld Estate. We are very proud to be chosen to present this fantastic grouping of firearms," commented Pat Hogan, owner of Rock Island Auction Company. “The old time collections are drying up and it was a fantastic experience seeing how Will surrounded himself with his collecting passion. His collection speaks volumes about who he was. Each and every firearm has a card detailing who he purchased from, where he purchased it, the date and usually how much he paid. The cards themselves are a journey back in time with names such as Red Jackson, Herb Glass, Norm Flayderman, Al Kelly, Bill Locke and others."

Wilbur (Will) Henry Hoffeld was born in July 1920. After his father died in 1930, Will and his brother and sister were raised by his mother during the Great Depression. From 1942 to 1946, he served in the Army Air Corp, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. A few years later, he began his extensive collection of historical Civil War firearms and swords, along with colorful Old West firearms. His passion for Colts fueled his extensive collection which includes a complete collection of Brevetes.

Will was known for his tireless research and quest for information about every piece in his collection. He won numerous gun show awards and at any given time you could find 4-5 collector enthusiasts seeking Will’s expertise at his shop “The Eagle’s Nest,” a military antique store in Los Angeles, California.

His niece Charlene Hoffeld commented, “Will’s firearms collection is a testament to his passion for history and Freedom. By donating a portion of the proceeds of this auction to the NRA Foundation, he will play an important role in ensuring that our great American traditions are secure for future generations to enjoy.”

The NRA Foundation is the country's leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports, awarding more than $120 million since its inception in 1990. The NRA Foundation supports those organizations and programs that ensure the continuation of our proud shooting and hunting heritage.

“The NRA Foundation is at the forefront of keeping our shooting and hunting heritage alive and thriving. Gifts like Mr. Hoffeld’s to advance our programs say so much about what’s important to our lives. We are grateful for his generosity,” said Allan Cors, Chairman of the NRA Foundation.

Gifts of firearms to benefit NRA programs are an increasingly popular option for those who no longer need some or all of their collection, or who wish to make a gift to advance Freedom. In many cases, gifts may be tax-deductible if the beneficiary is the NRA Foundation, the Civil Rights Defense Fund, the NRA Whittington Center, or the NRA Freedom Action Foundation.

To learn more about opportunities to make a gift of firearms to benefit NRA programs, contact Frank Cerutti, Director of Corporate Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1571 or visit www.nragive.com. To learn more about Rock Island Auction Company, visit www.rockislandauction.com.

Press Release - September 3, 2008

Beretta Group Pledges $1 million to Benefit the NRA Institute for Legislative Action and Civil Rights Defense Fund

(Fairfax, VA) – The National Rifle Association (NRA) announced today that the Beretta Group of companies, led by Beretta U.S.A., Benelli U.S.A., and Burris in the United States have pledged to give the NRA $1 million over the next five years. This gift will benefit the NRA Institute for Legislative Action and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund’s litigation activities to further expand the scope of Second Amendment protections in the wake of the recent United States Supreme Court ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller.  

The announcement was made by Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta at an event at his home in Clinton, Maryland, on August 20.   At this event, Cav. Beretta was inducted into the NRA’s Golden Ring of Freedom, the highest level of the Association’s comprehensive donor recognition society.  This new pledge brings the Beretta Group’s gift commitments to the NRA to over $2 million.  Previous gifts have benefited the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, NRA Youth Programs, Hunting and Wildlife Conservation, and the National Firearms Museum.

Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President remarked, “The Beretta Group is legendary in the industry and an important member of the NRA family.  We are truly grateful for Cav. Beretta’s vision and leadership.  The Beretta Group and the NRA are natural partners when it comes to protecting our Second Amendment freedoms and this gift will have great impact in the months and years ahead.”

The NRA Institute for Legislative Action mobilizes millions of volunteers nationwide on behalf of candidates who support our Second Amendment freedom, and has the most effective “ground game” in the country during an election year.   The Civil Rights Defense Fund, the NRA’s sister 501(c)3 organization, supports litigation involving significant legal issues relating to the right to keep and bear arms.

“The Beretta Group’s support could not come at a more critical time,” said Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.  “Cav. Beretta understands the immediate challenges to our shared values and has literally reached around the globe to strengthen our position in this fight.”

Beretta U.S.A. is part of the Beretta Holding Group. Controlled by the Beretta family, the group encompasses key manufacturers of field and competition firearms and optics, as well as trading and distribution companies in Italy and abroad including Benelli, Franchi and Uberti in Italy, and Sako and Tikka in Finland. The oldest among them, Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. (Pietro Beretta arms manufacturing company), which has been handed down over fifteen generations, was active in the village of Gardone Val Trompia in the fifteenth century.  Documentary evidence for the family business dates back to 1526.  Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta and his sons, Pietro and Franco, run the company today.

To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to the NRA, contact Nicole Capossela, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1122 or visit www.nragive.com.  To learn more about the Beretta Group, visit www.beretta.com.

Press Release - July 17, 2008

NRA Foundation Earns Highest Charity Rating for Sixth Consecutive Year

(Fairfax, VA) - For the sixth consecutive year, The NRA Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Rated for efficiency and effectiveness, four stars is Charity Navigator's highest rating. In the past 16 years, the foundation has funded more than 15,000 grants totaling more than $100 million dollars, becoming America’s leading charitable organization in support of competitive shooting, range development, education and training, and the second amendment.

Charity Navigator's Vince Bogucki said in a letter to the foundation, "Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing your finances in an efficient and effective manner." He added, "This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year."

The NRA Foundation raises money in a variety of ways, ranging from philanthropic individuals, businesses and foundations to its volunteer-driven Friends of NRA program. Organized by volunteers throughout the country, this grassroots program has raised more than $100 million since its inception in 1992.

"The Charity Navigator's rating is reaffirming what our donors and members know. We are effective at funding shooting, training, educational and community programs because we are passionate about the second amendment," Executive Director of General Operations Kayne Robinson said. "The second amendment is our right but it needs to be exercised. The NRA Foundation provides that exercise in its daily preservation of our right to keep and bear arms."

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org. To view the 4-Star rating report by Charity Navigator please Click Here . To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to the NRA, call 1-877 NRA GIVE or visit www.nragive.com

Press Release - July 7, 2008

August A. Busch III Offers Matching Gift to Benefit NRA's Youth Hunter Education Challenge

(Fairfax, VA) - Lifelong hunter and conservationist August A. Busch III has created a matching gift to support NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC).

To help expand the YHEC program, Mr. Busch has offered to help NRA raise $750,000 by giving $1 for every $2 others donate or pledge toward YHEC in 2008.  Mr. Busch will give the NRA $250,000 if the NRA can raise $500,000 in gifts toward the expansion of the YHEC program by December 31, 2008. 

Noting that “every gift counts,” Mr. Busch said he encourages everyone who cares deeply about the hunting traditions to support NRA youth hunting programs through this matching gift opportunity, with the overriding goal of raising $750,000 for YHEC.

Since its inception in 1985, YHEC has reached more than 1.2 million young hunters. Conducted at local, state, and provincial levels, YHEC inspires young people up to age 18 to participate in eight events including four shooting and four non-firing exams: Orienteering, Wildlife Identification, Hunter Safety Trail, and Hunter Responsibility.

“NRA’s YHEC program is important because it generates interest in hunting and shooting sports among youth,” said Busch, who started target shooting as a young boy and often went bird hunting with his father. “I have shared the joy of hunting with my father, my children, and most recently, my grandchildren. On top of being fun and challenging, hunting teaches kids to be respectful of firearms and the environment.”

YHEC is a perfect match for young people interested in improving their shooting skills. The program is conducted by some of the world’s best hunting educators and offers opportunities to fire at a variety of lifelike game targets using rifles, archery bows, muzzle-loaders, and shotguns.

Mr. Busch was drawn to NRA’s YHEC because it brings young people together with common interests; it teams them with adult role models dedicated to firearms skills and safety education. “In this age of electronic entertainment, younger people are less prone to outdoor activities and are less familiar with the outdoors and conservation of natural resources.”

YHEC balances the fun of shooting among newfound friends with the competitive nature that resides in most kids. Although NRA YHEC organizers emphasize that the real challenge is personal improvement, the program is geared toward competitive shooting and simulated-hunting events, culminating in an annual week-long international competition each summer.

Mr. Busch said YHEC is the perfect opportunity for like-minded NRA supporters to enrich the lives of today’s young leaders interested in hunting and the shooting sports.

“Philanthropy is important in any aspect of life because it helps those who are less fortunate,” he said. “Matching gifts are a great way to raise money because they encourage others to donate. The message I would like others to take away from this challenge is that NRA’s YHEC teaches the next generation to respect firearms and the environment, and will help ensure that the joys of shooting sports continue for many generations.”

For additional details about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), please visit NRA’s website at http://www.nrahq.org/, click “programs,” and link to “Youth Programs,” or go directly to http://www.nrahq.org/hunting/youthed.asp.

For more information on the Busch YHEC Gift Matching opportunity or to contribute to programs that promote youth hunting, contact Heide Kaser, Assistant Director, Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1622.  To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to the NRA, call 1-877 NRA GIVE or visit www.nragive.com.

Press Release - July 7, 2008

Collectible Firearms Auction to Benefit NRA's Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment

(Fairfax, VA) - Firearms collectors have an opportunity to add historic Springfield pieces to their collections while simultaneously helping to secure the future of competitive shooting sports, the National Rifle Association of America announced today.

The NRA and Springfield Armory have partnered to offer the first Springfield Camp Perry Centennial Special Edition M1A rifle and 1911 pistol commemorative collectors’ sets.  A portion of each purchase will go to the NRA Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment to ensure that competitive shooting will thrive for generations to come.

The first 25 and 100th matched sets include a special edition 1911 pistol and M1A rifle, which feature engravings commemorating the NRA, competitive shooting, and Springfield Armory.  Each set comes with a handsome leather case and a certificate signed by NRA President John Sigler and Springfield Armory co-CEO Dennis Reese.

Sets numbered 26 through 99 include a canvas case with the signed certificate.

One exclusive set (number 100) will be sold at auction on August 7, 2008.  Between now and the auction’s close, firearms collectors and competitive shooters are expected to turn out in record numbers to place their bids online.  This set is now available exclusively for bidding at www.auctionarms.com.  Interested bidders should search for auction number 8656923.  The bidding will close at noon (PDT)/3:00 p.m. (EDT) on August 7, 2008, with the winning bid announced during Camp Perry.

Please call Jamie Herman at (703) 267 - 1125 for more information. For more information on Springfield Armory, visit www.springfield-armory.com.  For more information on the NRA’s Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment, contact the NRA Office of Advancement at 1-877-NRA GIVE or visit www.nragive.com.

Press Release - June 20, 2008
Blackhawk Pledges $100,000 to Support NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD)

Gift will help expand NRA law enforcement training programs.

(FAIRFAX, VA) - The National Rifle Association today announced that Blackhawk Products Group has pledged $100,000 to benefit the NRA's Law Enforcement Training Endowment. This endowment provides a perpetual source of funding for the state-of-the-art instructor training and certification programs of the NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD).

The gift will help the NRA sustain its impressive record of training law enforcement officers to become firearms instructors. Since its inception in 1960, LEAD has trained more than 50,000 U.S. law enforcement instructors.

Blackhawk manufactures, distributes, and sells gear for law enforcement, military, and corporate security personnel. Blackhawk President and CEO Mike Noell said the $100,000 pledge reflects the Norfolk, Va.-based company's support of the NRA, and its commitment to law enforcement professionals throughout the United States.

"We have long valued our relationship with the NRA and have a great deal of respect for its initiatives, insight, and traditions," Noell said. "It is a very natural fit for Blackhawk to increase its support through the NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division, and all of us at Blackhawk feel good about being able to make a difference."

LEAD Director Glen Hoyer credited Blackhawk's ongoing support of the law enforcement profession with helping the NRA reach more officers every year and train them to become expert instructors. Hoyer, a 25-year law enforcement veteran and retired sheriff's captain, said Blackhawk's $100,000 endowment to the NRA will enable LEAD to expand its successful training programs.

"It is an honor for us to be associated with a company like Blackhawk," Hoyer said. "Blackhawk is an icon in the industry, not only for their products, but for their support of the military and law enforcement officers-and now the NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division."

In 2007, LEAD trained 2,061 law enforcement instructors in the tactical use of handguns, shotguns, patrol rifles, select-fire, and long-range rifles. Last year marked the sixth consecutive annual increase in the number of participants in LEAD's instructor training and certification programs.

For details about NRA Law Enforcement gift opportunities, contact Heide Kaser, Assistant Director, Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1622. For additional information about the NRA's Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD), please go to http://www.nrahq.org/law/index.asp. To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to the NRA, call 1-877 NRA GIVE or visit www.nragive.com.

Press Release - May 1, 2008
Cabela’s Joins NRA Add-A-Buck Program

(FAIRFAX, VA) – The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to welcome Cabela’s to the NRA Add-A-Buck Program.

Starting May 1, Cabela’s, one of the largest hunting and outdoor outfitters in North America, will begin offering customers the opportunity to add one dollar to their orders to benefit the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC).

“We’re proud to offer our customers an easy way to support the future of hunting through the NRA Add-A-Buck program,” said Dennis Highby, President and CEO of Cabela’s. “It’s the responsibility of today’s hunters, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts to secure the hunting and outdoor tradition for the next generation.”

The Add-A-Buck program enables Cabela’s customers to add one dollar, or multiples of whole dollars, to orders placed on-line at www.cabelas.com (search for Add-A-Buck), through Cabela’s world-famous catalogs, or in one of their many destination retail stores. The funds are then added to the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge Endowment, which enables the country’s premier hunter education training program to thrive and grow.

The NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge trains over 50,000 young people each year, with over one million participants to date. YHEC is widely considered the “graduate studies” program in outdoor skills and safety training for young hunters in North America. The program attracts young people to hunting and shooting, and through one-on-one coaching, participants have an opportunity to further develop their outdoor skills. They practice and compete in an environment that gives them ready access to hunting and shooting opportunities and encourages the lifelong pursuit of hunting.

For more information on Cabela’s visit www.cabelas.com. To learn more about any of the NRA’s programs visit www.nrahq.org.

Press Release - April 5, 2008
The NRA Family Mourns the Passing of Our Past President, Dear Friend, and Fearless Advocate, Charlton Heston 1924 – 2008

Statement of Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association of America

Today, my heart is heavy with the loss of Charlton Heston. America has lost a great patriot. The Second Amendment has lost a faithful friend. So have I, and so have four million NRA members and eighty million gun owners. And so has every American who cares about the Bill of Rights, individual liberty, and Freedom.

My heart is heavy, but not without a sense of pride. Pride in a man who devoted his life to his profession with grace and dignity. Pride in an American who devoted himself to civil rights, to correcting injustices around him, and to standing up for what he knew was right. Pride in a friend who stood with me and stood with fellow NRA members to preserve our freedom for future generations.

Pride in a patriot who believed with every fiber of his being that our Bill of Rights is the foundation of our freedom that makes Americans singular among the masses of nations. And now, Charlton Heston has passed that duty to us – the next generation. I am as proud to continue his cause as I am to have known him as my friend. But today, my thoughts cannot leave the Heston family. They have always had my utmost respect and admiration and, today, they have my deepest sympathy and most earnest prayers. And they will always have my friendship.

Co-CEO of Springfield Armory Dennis Reese (left) and NRA President John Sigler (right) hold up a $1 million check. Springfield Armory announced on July 13 that they will provide $1,000,000 to kick-off the National Rifle Association’s new Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment.

Press Release - August 7, 2007
Springfield Armory to Provide $1,000,000 to Support NRA’s Competitive Shooting & National Championships

Co-CEO of Springfield Armory Dennis Reese announced on July 13 that Springfield Armory will provide $1,000,000 to kick-off the National Rifle Association’s new Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment.

The announcement was made at the 100th anniversary of the National Matches at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. In addition to announcing the gift, Reese issued a challenge to other firearms manufacturers to step forward and secure the future of competitive shooting by giving to the NRA’s competitive shooting endowment.

“Like the NRA, Springfield is committed to ensuring that competitive shooting is alive and thriving for years to come. By supporting this endowment, we are giving back to the sport that is such an important part of our lives, both personally and professionally. We hope that others in the industry will join us in supporting the future of competitive shooting.” Reese commented. NRA President John Sigler was at Camp Perry for the announcement. “Ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to benefit from the numerous competitive shooting programs offered by the NRA is one of my top priorities.

Springfield’s leadership gift to spearhead the new Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment shows an impressive commitment to establishing a legacy for the future of this sport.”

The Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment supports a wide range of programs offered through the NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division. Each year, the NRA sanctions over 10,000 shooting tournaments and sponsors over 50 national championships. Over 125,000 men, women, and juniors compete in NRA Approved and Registered matches annually.

NRA Director of Competitive Shooting, Mike Krei remarked, “Springfield’s support of the NRA’s competitive shooting programs will have a positive impact not just on traditional competitions, but also on entry level youth programs and disabled shooting services. There are literally millions of shooters that will benefit from Springfield’s generosity in perpetuity.”

For more information on Springfield Armory, visit http://www.springfield-armory.com. For more information on the NRA’s Competitive Shooting & National Championships Endowment, contact the NRA Office of Advancement at 1-877-NRA GIVE.

Press Release - June 27, 2007
NRA Foundation Reaches $100 Million Milestone

The National Rifle Association of America’s sister organization, The NRA Foundation recently awarded a grant of $5,460 to the Boy Scouts of America, Chief Seattle Council. The grant will be used to expand the group’s rifle range from 10 to 16 firing points. This grant is of particular significance because it marks a major milestone for The NRA Foundation. Since the first grant was awarded in 1992, The NRA Foundation has touched hundreds of thousands of lives by funding over $100 million in grants, becoming America’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports.

“These grants have provided educational opportunities and public service programs that teach the safe and responsible use of firearms to young people and adults alike,” commented Wayne Sheets, NRA Foundation Executive Director. “To support the organization and these programs is a great public service to America and its firearms owners.”

The NRA Foundation supports a wide range of activities through grants, including youth programs, range development/improvement, training, and education and safety. Each of these areas represents an important facet of firearms education, history, training, skill development and appreciation of our natural resources.

Application guidelines defining grant eligibility, state by state submission deadlines, submission requirements and contact information are all available on-line at www.nrafoundation.org, by calling 1-800-423-6894 (extension 1131), or by e-mail at selkin@nrahq.org.

The NRA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. For more information about The NRA Foundation, please visit www.nrafoundation.org.

Press Release - February 23, 2007
Tom Selleck Donates Seven Guns To NRA National Firearms Museum

Actor, NRA Board member and avid gun collector Tom Selleck has donated seven rifles and revolvers used in his films to the NRA National Firearms Museum.

Several of Mr. Selleck's guns have been displayed in the museum, most notably one of the Shiloh Sharps rifles used in the blockbuster movie Quigley Down Under. The gun was featured in "Real Guns of Reel Heroes," one of the museum's most popular exhibits ever.

Commenting on the most recent donation, Mr. Selleck told NRAnews.com, "It got to the point where I had these guns in storage, and I just wanted people to see them, to share them. And I hope people think of the National Firearms Museum if they have something special they want to share, as well as The NRA Foundation for other kinds of gifts. It's very satisfying."

"We deeply appreciate Tom Selleck's continued support of NRA and the freedoms we defend," said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. "Thousands upon thousands of Americans visit the museum each year, and with the opportunity to display more of Tom's personal firearms, we expect even greater public interest."

Kayne Robinson, Executive Director of NRA General Operations, added, "Tom Selleck is a very astute judge of firearms, and this is an extremely meaningful addition to the museum. The value of a gift like this is priceless."

The donations from Mr. Selleck include the following:

• Henry .44-40 reproduction rifle imported from Italy by Allen Firearms, an early retailer of Western replicas. Mr. Selleck used a Henry from Stembridge Gun Rentals, a Hollywood prophouse for the 1997 film Last Stand at Saber River. Mr. Selleck had this rifle specially engraved to match that prophouse rifle, which was damaged from overuse in other films.
• Winchester M1876 .45-60 rifle modified by Ken Howell of R&D Gunshop for use by Tom Selleck in the 2001 film Crossfire Trail. Based on an original carbine receiver made in 1879, this longarm was rebuilt for movie use.
• .45 Schofield revolver from the 2001 film Crossfire Trail. This hand-built revolver was manufactured by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop for the film.
• Colt Richards Conversion .44 revolver manufactured for the 1997 movie Last Stand at Saber River. Engraved with Cable on the backstrap, this ivory-stocked revolver was the one maintained to match its early presentation condition in the film.
• Colt Open Top .44 revolver manufactured from a Colt blackpowder reproduction for use in Crossfire Trail. The revolver was modified by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop.
• Colt Single Action Army .45 revolver used in the 2003 movie Monte Walsh. This revolver was hand-built by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop for the film.
• Winchester M1886 .50 Express carbine from the 2003 movie Monte Walsh. One of two carbines restored from production receivers by Ken Howell of R&D Gun Shop. Both guns letter as .50 Express carbines.

Nearly all of the guns in the National Firearms Museum came from private donations. For information on how you can give a gift of guns to the museum, call 1-877-NRA-GIVE. For more information on The NRA Foundation, visit www.nrafoundation.org.

The National Firearms Museum proudly illustrates America's priceless heritage of firearms, freedom and the American experience. Nearly 2,000 guns are on display at the museum (www.nationalfirearmsmuseum.org) located at NRA Headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA. Admission is free and the Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for major holidays. For more information, call 703-267-1600 or send email to nfmstaff@nrahq.org.