The NRA is considered "the world's oldest gun control organization" for good reason as they have approved of most every major infringement of the 2A. Some of the apologists for them have good points, examples being that their membership base is largely Fudds, they are supported by the firearms companies (who, ironically, have been bigly anti-2A) and that the NRA did not become a 2A advocacy group until after LBJ passed the GCA. Sadly, those good points can only excuse the NRA's ineffectiveness and, particularly prior to the 1970s, counter-effectiveness at preserving the 2A. Though no apologist has, to my knowledge, been able to come up with a defense for Wayne LaPierre. Frankly I believe we'd see more progress if The Nuge were appointed bossman of the outfit, though if nothing else The Nuge would not need to use NRA money to fund a lavish lifestyle.