Gun advocates might be begrudgingly  registering their soon-to-be illegal assault weapons this week before the state’s new gun laws label them as contraband Jan. 1. But gun advocates’ strength in numbers is growing.
Membership for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, based in Newtown, reached a new milestone this month. The organization now represents 10,000 firearm companies  and allies nationwide, including all major gun manufacturers.
The group played an integral role during the debate over new gun regulations at the capitol following the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting. Several representatives sat in on discussions educating legislators about firearms and gun safety.
Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said the peak in membership was likely due to the national spotlight on gun rights.
“NSSF membership continues to climb because more industry-connected companies, organizations and individuals are aware of the many ways NSSF works to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports,” Dolnack said in a press release. “Such growth empowers NSSF to speak with a single, powerful voice on behalf of industry inside the Beltway and in state houses across the country.”
“The more member support we have, the more we can help support and protect their businesses and their customer base,” Dolnack added.
The NSSF is participating in a lawsuit contesting Connecticut’s new gun laws, alleging the speedy legislative process violated statutory law.
The legislative package included provisions for mandatory universal background checks on all firearm sales, the creation of a dangerous weapon offender registry, and expanded bans on assault weapons and large capacity magazines.
