Learn About The Gun Lobby – The NSSF

What is the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)?

DraftThe gun industry’s primary trade association that represents manufacturers, ammunition companies, gun retailers and ranges.

Why is the NSSF dangerous?

They actively works to block, weaken, and delay gun violence prevention laws, even as gun violence continues to devastate communities.

GUN INDUSTRY POWER COSTS LIVES.

The NSSF lobbies against lifesaving gun safety policies, and often presents itself as a promoter of “safety” and “sportsmanship,” but its core mission is to protect and expand the gun industry.  Their lobbying efforts  continue to prioritize profit, even as gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children and teens in America.

What is the NSSF?

Understanding the NSSF helps us understand why meaningful gun reform is so hard to pass, and who is standing in the way.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation was founded in 1961and over time the organization has evolved into a powerful political force.  Today, the NSSF is one of the most influential arms of the gun lobby.

The NSSF consistently opposes legislation that would reduce gun violence if it could impact firearm sales, including:

  • Accountability for negligent gun manufacturers and sellers
  • Stronger gun safety laws
  • Limits on high-capacity magazines

What is the ‘SHOT Show’?

The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) is the firearms industry’s largest annual convention, hosted by the NSSF. It brings together gun manufacturers, weapons dealers, influencers, law enforcement representatives, and elected officials to promote and sell firearms and related products.

Although it is marketed as a “trade show,” the SHOT Show functions as a massive insider marketing and lobbying event for the gun industry.

Elected officials and their staff are often invited to attend SHOT Show events, receptions, or private meetings. These exclusive spaces allow the gun industry to:

  • Shape policy conversations without accountability
  • Lobby lawmakers outside of public eye
  • Build relationships tied to donations and favors

Why does this matter?

The NSSF uses political contributions to buy influence.  Through direct donations, affiliated PACs, and industry-backed spending, the NSSF helps funnel money to elected officials who agree to:

  • Block gun safety reforms
  • Repeat gun lobby talking points
  • Put industry interests ahead of their constituents’ safety

When lawmakers take money from the gun lobby, public trust and public safety suffer.

Take action.

Contact your legislators to demand that they refuse money from the gun lobby.  Your elected official is supposed to represent you, not the gun lobby!

You can reach out to:

Sending an email is a quick and easy way to make sure your voice is heard. Find a sample email template below!

Subject: Please Refuse Gun Lobby Money

Dear [Title and Name],

I am a constituent from [Your City/State], and I’m writing to urge you to refuse any campaign contributions or support from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) or other gun industry groups.

The gun industry has spent years blocking lifesaving gun safety laws and avoiding accountability, even as gun violence devastates families and communities. Accepting money from the NSSF undermines public trust.

I am asking you to reject gun lobby money and to support evidence-based gun violence prevention policies that put people over profit.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] [City/State]

Coming Soon…

Sharable video content showing what happens inside the SHOT Show!

What Happens Now?

Congratulations, you learned about the NSSF and took action to stop them, let us know how it went! (we love when you share pics!)

Tell us how it went!