I think they might just be another head of the hydra

The difference is that the NRA has a public, consumer oriented face. They are high profile and easy to follow. The NSSF is, while not secret, so studiedly low profile as to avoid public scrutiny. Even if the NRA were to flame out (not likely) the NSSF is there, with a fully operating lobbying machine, ready to step into the breech (as it were).

when DUers talk about they own guns but don't support the NRA. Um, just where do you think the money comes from? When you buy a gun, you are, by default, supporting the NRA.

but I have shot, as the member of a gun club over here. That does not make me pro-gun rights, merely someone who enjoyed shooting and had a small ability to hit targets with good grouping.

Equally purchasing something does not mean you support owners associations or manufacturers, I own an i-Phone but am far from being an Apple fan-boi and have been as shocked as anyone else by the conditions at Foxcon ...