By Elizabeth Crum, Nevada News Bureau: The National Rifle Association (NRA) this month formally approved the Nevada Firearms Coalition (NFC) as its new, officially sanctioned state association in Nevada.
The group is a registered nonprofit Nevada corporation and according to its website is dedicated “to the ownership and safe use of firearms for self-defense, competition, recreation and hunting.”
The NRA says it is pleased to again have an active membership association in Nevada.
“Under the leadership of former NRA Board member, Don Turner, I believe that the Nevada Firearms Coalition will be the robust, boots-on-the-ground instate association that is needed to ensure that the gun rights of Nevadans are protected,” said Carrie Herbertson, State Liaison for the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.
“Carson City will see their influence in 2013, and I am looking forward to their participation,” she added.
The Coalition says it plans to fill an existing lobbying gap and play a major role in influencing laws and regulations, as well as influence the selection of candidates for public office.
“Unfortunately, the Nevada State Rifle and Pistol Association, affiliated with the National Rifle Association>, has become inactive,” said NFC president Don Turner. “Programs usually attributed to a strong state association such as registered competitions and interactions with policy and law makers at the local and state level have therefore been nonexistent in Nevada.”
For several legislative sessions, the interests of Nevada gun owners have suffered because there has been no organized representation of firearms holders at the Legislature, said Turner.
“For example, this last legislative year, there were 16 firearms-favorable bills introduced in the Nevada legislature. Ten of those died in one committee,” he said.
One of the items the NFC says it plans to tackle first is enacting one statewide firearms law that applies equally to all Nevadans.
“Currently, Clark County, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City have varying regulations that are separate from state law,” said Turner. “Campus carry, the ability of National Guardsman to defend themselves, and inefficiencies in the administration of concealed carry weapons (CCW) programs are examples of legislative measures that need strong grassroots attention.”
The Coalition is in the process of launching a membership drive and organizing its membership into several different committees including those that will oversee competitions, conservation efforts, education and training, and legislative affairs.
In addition to advocating for gun rights, hunting rights, and self-defense, the coalition will host and sponsor competitions, training programs, junior and women’s programs, and will also assist gun ranges and firearms retail services as needed, said Turner.
