This is absolutely dead wrong, and I am surprised it originated from N.R.A. Anyone who accepts the transfer (not just purchase) of a firearm from an FFL commits a straw purchase if he does it on behalf of another person. There is no exception for family members, nor does it matter whether the third party is eligible to own the thing or not.
See page 4 of the instructions on form 4473.
"Reporters worthy of the name would have pointed out that buying a gun for a family member or friend as a gift is not a straw purchase. It's a violation of the law only to buy a gun for a prohibited person."
This is absolutely dead wrong, and I am surprised it originated from N.R.A. Anyone who accepts the transfer (not just purchase) of a firearm from an FFL commits a straw purchase if he does it on behalf of another person. There is no exception for family members, nor does it matter whether the third party is eligible to own the thing or not.
What's wrong with a gift to someone who isn't prohibited?
The statement by the NRA is correct. Question 11.a allows that.