Advocacy organizations

Focus: Legal advocacy and litigation for Second Amendment rights
What they offer:

• Legal challenges to restrictive gun laws
   
• Educational resources and conferences
   
• Publications and policy research
   

Why they matter:
Unlike the NRA’s sometimes scattershot political efforts, SAF focuses on courtroom victories. They've been central in key lawsuits defending the right to carry and own firearms, especially in states with aggressive restrictions.

Focus: Legal and grassroots advocacy with a strong digital presence
What they offer:

• Aggressive legal challenges to gun control laws
   
• Fast-breaking updates via social media and email
   
• Public education on constitutional rights
   

Why they matter:
FPC has embraced a younger, more internet-savvy audience. They're known for fast responses to legislative threats, a strong libertarian streak, and unapologetic pro-rights messaging.

Focus: “No-compromise” Second Amendment advocacy
What they offer:

• Legislative lobbying
   
• Alerts and activism tools
   
• Ratings for politicians
   

Why they matter:
GOA brands itself as more principled than the NRA, often taking harder-line stances against even minor regulations. They’ve gained credibility among gun owners who feel the NRA became too political or too willing to negotiate.

 The Liberal Gun Club

Focus: Gun education and rights from a left-leaning perspective
What they offer:

• Firearms training
   
• Community-building for politically progressive gun owners
   
• Advocacy focused on root causes of violence, not just gun policy
   

Why they matter:
They disrupt the narrative that all gun owners are conservative, providing a welcoming space for left-leaning or moderate gun enthusiasts who still value the Second Amendment.

 A Girl & A Gun

Focus: Inclusivity and training for underrepresented groups
What they offer:

• Women- and minority-led gun safety and shooting classes
   
• Support networks and community events
   
• Education tailored to self-defense and empowerment
   

Why they matter:
These groups are expanding the face of gun ownership, offering safe, supportive environments for people historically marginalized or intimidated by the traditional gun world.

Focus: Firearm education, self-defense, and advocacy within the African American community
What they offer:

• Firearms training and concealed carry certification
   
• Community chapters and networking events
   
• Educational resources on gun laws and safety
   

Why they matter:
NAAGA provides a vital space for African Americans to learn about and exercise their Second Amendment rights in a supportive, culturally aware environment. In a community historically underrepresented in gun rights conversations, NAAGA stands out by combining education, empowerment, and advocacy tailored to real-world concerns about safety, self-defense, and civil liberties.

 Project Appleseed

Focus: Rifle marksmanship and historical education
What they offer:

• Clinics that teach traditional rifle skills
   
• Education on the American Revolution and the Second Amendment
   

Why they matter:
They combine history and marksmanship in a non-political way, appealing to families and new shooters interested in heritage and skill-building without the baggage of national politics or intimidated by the traditional gun world.

 National Rifle Association (NRA)

Founded: 1871
Focus: Firearms education, marksmanship training, political advocacy for Second Amendment rights.

The NRA began as a marksmanship organization but evolved into the most well-known and influential gun rights advocacy group in the U.S. It offers safety and training courses, supports shooting sports, and lobbies at the federal and state level to protect gun ownership rights.

However, in recent years, the NRA has faced internal controversies, declining membership, and legal challenges, leading to a reduced role in some areas of training and advocacy. Despite this, it still holds significant sway in the gun rights community.

Focus: Concealed carry training, legal protection, and self-defense education
What they offer:

• Nationwide CCW and defensive shooting training curriculum
   
• Legal defense insurance for members involved in self-defense incidents
   
• Online training library and in-person instructor network
   

Why they matter:
USCCA has positioned itself as a practical, professional resource for responsibly armed Americans. Their modern branding, clear legal focus, and online resources have made them especially appealing to new gun owners.

• To conduct and support scientific and technical studies in the field of wildlife conservation, to assist in the design and development of scientifically sound wildlife programs for the management of wildlife and sustainable use hunting, and to demonstrate the constructive role that hunting and hunters play in the conservation of wildlife and in preserving biodiversity worldwide.
• To carry out and to support education programs on wildlife conservation, ecology and natural resource management that include a demonstration of the constructive role that hunting and hunters play in natural resource conservation and land management.
• To design, carry out and support programs to assist the disabled in enjoying sustainable hunting and to utilize the resources of the hunting community and the various aspects of hunting to aid those less fortunate by providing humanitarian services.
• To provide charitable donations to other organizations or to individuals pursuing the same or similar goals as those of the SCI Foundation; and
• To undertake activities permitted by law to publicly-supported organizations exempt from taxation under Section (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America, and to receive or make contributions which are deductible for federal income, estate and gift tax purposes.