Abundant Excitement Prevailed at the 2017 NRA Convention

The Georgia World Congress Center was the site of the 2017 NRA National Convention in downtown Atlanta. This annual event kicked off on April 27 and had been touted by many attendees as one of the best in several years. The family-oriented events always draw huge crowds and this year was no exception. Approximately 80,000 NRA members and their guests traveled to Atlanta for this unique gathering of freedom-loving Americans. They came from all over the country to take part in the meetings and to view the exhibits offered by several well-known companies. The excitement could be felt throughout the entire convention floor. This year’s slogan “Freedom’s safest place” seemed to resonate from everywhere in the huge center. The Second Amendment was the focus for the entire weekend.

Profile of a Typical NRA Member in Attendance
NRA members defy the stereotypical profile that some non-members may believe. Some believe they are all white, young males, but this is far from a fact. Most members are typically older and represent all professions and occupations. NRA data reports show that approximately 40 percent of members are minorities. Most defenders of the Second Amendment are avid outdoor people who enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, ranching, and farming. Most NRA members take pride in their families and are free-loving Americans who staunchly support the Second Amendment and all it represents.

2017 Convention Highlights
NRA members at this year’s convention recognized heroes. Henry Repeating Arms honored four distinguished veterans by presenting them with American-made Henry Military Service Tribute Rifles. Former US Army Ranger Kris “Tonto” Paronto signed copies of his book about the 2012 Benghazi attack and greeted fans. President Donald J. Trump, an avid NRA member and supporter of the Second Amendment, spoke to the members and thanked them for their continuing support during the campaign and now. His heartfelt thanks drew applause throughout the convention floor. Hank Williams Jr., a Lifetime NRA member and outdoor enthusiast performed on Saturday, April 29 to a sold-out excited crowd.

15 Acres of Riveting Exhibits
Vendors’ booths completely covered the floor of Building B in the Georgia World Congress Center where over 80,000 attendees viewed the wares offered by over 800 companies. Items ranging from “tried and true” products from manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and Remington were popular with the crowd as were some newer additions such as a new line of riflescopes by Zeiss of Germany. Daniel Defense proudly displayed the latest items in the rapidly growing suppressor market.