In 1934 when Dr. M.E. McManes became the first president of the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association (ORPA), there was no loud anti-gun movement. As the presidency changed hands over the next several decades things remained quiet for the shooters. Since the 1960's however, firearm users have been engaged in a fight for the life of their sport. ORPA is at the forefront of that fight in the state of Ohio and across the nation. At the state level ORPA is comparable to the National Rifle Association at the national level. ORPA acts as a watchdog on city, state, and federal legislation.
The Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association has a very active Legislative Committee. They have worked with other individuals and groups to pass pro-gun laws and to help defeat bills and ordinances that would discriminate against lawful gun owners. The fight for just laws is not over or expected to be easier in the near future. Gun enthusiasts statewide must unite in the fight against those who would take away our second amendment rights. Joining ORPA gives you the opportunity to be counted in the fight for legitimate gun ownership.
In addition to
working behind the scenes in the legislative arena, The
ORPA is also committed to working diligently to ensure
the future of our sport. The Ohio Rifle and Pistol
Association is not only the recognized NRA state
association but also is affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program and USA Shooting, the governing
body for Olympic Shooting in the United States. Rifle
shooting is one of the ORIGINAL sports in the Olympics of
the Modern Era established over 100 years ago.
The ORPA annually contributes to the Friends of NRA
program by donating one of the package items to each
dinner. The Orpa also holds an annual CMP Marksmanship
Clinic , usually numbering over 300 entrants- the largest
in the U.S. The ORPA also sponsors Junior Olympic Rifle
and Pistol Championships and helps sponsor the top Junior
Competitors to the National Championships in Colorado
Springs at the Olympic Training Center.
The ORPA, with the assistance of Friends of NRA, annually
supports 2 Junior Highpower Teams and up to 6 Junior
Smallbore Teams at the National Matches. The Friends of
NRA grants allow us to support these juniors with
ammuntion and reimbursements allowing us to support other
junior programs as well. ORPA assists in support for the
Ohio Youth Hunter Education Challange, NRA Youth
Education Summit and has recently created 2 College
Scholarships who juniors choosing to further their
education.
Members often ask, "What do I get for my money?".
While the tangible item may only be our award-winning
newsletter, THE GUNSMOKE, published bimonthly, you may be
assured that your dues and donations help to fund one of
the most complete state programs in the country. Remember-
today's junior shooters are the future of our sport. The
ORPA is doing its best to ensure that the shooting sports
remain a viable recreational activity into the next
century and beyond. As gun owners and shooters, we have a
responsibility for future generations as our fathers had
for ours.
