NRA Commemorative Firearms

Founded in 1871 by two Union veterans of the American Civil War to teach marksmanship, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was for nearly a century a nonpolitical fraternity of sportsmen. That changed in the socially seismic '60s when the 1968 Gun Control Act imposed a licensing system for firearms purchases, mandated the inclusion of serial numbers on all weapons, banned the importation of certain firearms, and prohibited convicted felons and illegal drug users from owning guns.

Since then, the NRA and its political lobbying arm have been actively committed to protecting the right to bear arms. In the interest of defending Second Amendment principles and promoting shooting sports, the nonprofit group licenses the production of handguns and other firearms in its name as fundraising and public awareness tools.

Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Sig Sauer, and a host of other makers have produced handguns and pieces specially made for the NRA and its foundation, Friends of the NRA. Supporters of the organization will find a broad range of NRA-edition handguns on the market created as tributes to special occasions, notable people, and significant historical events in the annals of weaponry.

Quick Facts

• In 2011, American Legacy Firearms created on an Auto-Ordnance 1911A1 .45ACP NRA pistol with engraved maps depicting every conflict the 1911 has been used in over 100 years
• A Colt 1911 Black Army custom-engraved pistol with authentic African elephant ivory grips by Baron Technology sold at a 2012 Friends of NRA auction for $6,750
• A cased Kimber NRA Commemorative Ultra Carry semi-automatic pistol with checkered exotic hardwood grips and relief-carved NRA patriotic motifs sold at Heritage Auctions in 2011 for $805