Then one evening I accompanied a friend to a NRA members council meeting and began to learn that they do a lot behind the scenes lobbying and provide a lot of support at many levels. The plain truth of the matter is that no other organization has the depth of resources to bring to fight. As one of the more influential players in the 2A fight in CA says, "Never choose not be a member of the NRA." So I took out a new membership.
Then my mail box filled up with crap and I became angry with NRA again.
When I whined about it at the members council I was told that all I had to do was email the NRA at membership@nrahq.org or call them at 800-672-3888 and ask them to put me on the "Do Not Promote" list and the tide of crap receded.
So now I am an NRA member in good standing again even though I dare not put the decals on my automobiles in my neighborhood. I am also a member of the state affiliate CA Rifle and Pistol Association which, even if good for nothing else, meets the requirements to make purchases at the CMP. I am also a member of SAF - Second Amendment Foundation since it is these guys, often with financial assistance from the NRA, that brings the hurt to the anti-gunners in court. These are the organizations fighting in the trenches day and night to take back my gun rights from my masters in Sacramento. No other organization can do so effectively and some such a NAGR are pretty much scams that exist solely to separate the clueless for their cash.
I appreciate your experiences. California is a “tough nut to crack” as far as gun rights because it is controlled by liberal Democrats. The important thing is to be in the fight to protect our Second Amendment right as you said. I might also add that here is a Gun Owners of California organization which is associated with GOA, I believe that GOA was started in California.