As a Life Member I'd like to agree, but I can't.
Here in Virginia (the NRA's home BTW), they have not helped advance pro-gun legislation, in fact they have stood in the way of legislation that would lessen restrictions on concealed carry, and actually supported legislation that increased restrictions. We used to be able to carry in the non-sterile areas of airports until they put their two cents worth in. They have also supported anti-gun RINO candidates over solid pro-gun candidates in primaries (there reason: He had an "R" after his name and he was an incumbent). On national issues they are a little better, but what they are best at is fundraising. I can't count the number of times they ask me for money every year.
No, the best pro-gun organization out there is the Virginia Citizen's Defense League (VCDL). They have done more for gun rights in VA than the NRA, and are advancing gun rights on a national level, by trying to make it legal to carry in National Parks (something the NRA hasn't even signed onto yet).
What's the latest on this? Last time I checked the National Parks related web site it said that the material is being updated.
Never heard of them. Please let me know when they get something passed without the NRA's help.