Hello the camp! What a wake-up call! I saw the post title, then went to NRA site, since my response was to be, "Depends on how old you are." Can you say, "sticker shock"? It figures that andrew had already done the math.
I became a life member before the price increase in early '80s.
It was almost by accident; when I sent in my 5-yr form, I was sent, with my member stuff, a notice that, should I elect to go for life, what I'd already paid, $50, would apply to the $200, decreasing with time. I could also pay at $25/qtr or some such. As it turned out, my wife of a week-and-a-half [exageration, but just barely; wed in Mar '82] got the first payment notice and paid it off. To my everlasting gratitude and pride, my life cert is dated on my bday in Nov '82!
This is the long way to say that I have received, to me, full benefit from my membership. It's your call whether current cost--they still have the 425/qtr--is worth it to you. While I have recd the discount rate notices, I have not acted on them. Rest assured, if I am able, I will extend such offer to this forum.
I fully agree with stickhauler re value of membership and with toforo re degree of representation nationally. NRA, thorns and all, is our best present hope. See ya round the campfire. mm
