Looking for ethical gun makers for home security?

I’ve been thinking about getting a gun for home defense, but I don’t want to support companies that donate to the NRA or similar organizations. Are there any reputable gun makers out there who avoid these connections but still make reliable home defense guns?

The NRA itself doesn’t make guns. A quick search will show which gun companies donate to them. Honestly, you probably own things from companies that have donated to other causes you might not support.

Can you say what you think makes a gun company ethical? Also, what exactly bothers you about the NRA?

Nico said:
Can you say what you think makes a gun company ethical? Also, what exactly bothers you about the NRA?

For one, I think the NRA pushes ‘thoughts and prayers’ over real solutions after school shootings, which frustrates me.

@Palmer
The NRA is more of a political group; they don’t actually make guns.

What connection do school shootings have with home defense and what you’re looking for in a gun maker?

Nico said:
@Palmer
The NRA is more of a political group; they don’t actually make guns.

What connection do school shootings have with home defense and what you’re looking for in a gun maker?

Because gun companies donate to the NRA, which affects policy and public safety.

@Palmer
Actually, a lot of the NRA’s funds come from individual gun owners more than the manufacturers.

What criteria would you use to say a gun maker is ethical or not?

Nico said:
@Palmer
Actually, a lot of the NRA’s funds come from individual gun owners more than the manufacturers.

What criteria would you use to say a gun maker is ethical or not?

The NRA’s finances are public and pretty transparent. They have large endowment funds, using investment returns much like a trust fund. This is how they stay afloat and influence things.

Policies about guns change all the time across different administrations:

  • Clinton enacted the Assault Weapons Ban in 1994, which expired in 2004 under Bush.
  • Obama allowed more carry rights on trains.
  • Trump banned bump stocks, but the Supreme Court overturned it during Biden’s administration.

The laws vary a lot by state, with some people crossing state lines to buy guns more easily. If anything, a federal background check might be more effective than focusing on the NRA or banning guns entirely.

Here’s an interesting recent case: they just arrested a guy in North Carolina for modifying guns to full-auto: Earl Carter Hamlet NC | FBI arrests NC man known as 'AK Guru' who is accused of selling hundreds of machine guns - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

People cross state lines for things like fireworks or cigarettes from reservations too. It’s not just a gun issue.

Check out this link for a breakdown of gun manufacturers and their donations to the NRA: Who Funds the NRA? - A-Mark Foundation

“At least 22 manufacturers of arms, ammunition, and accessories donate to the NRA, and some of the largest contributors are from outside the U.S.”

@Hayes
Thanks for the link!

Honestly, the NRA has nothing to do with responsible gun ownership. It’s kind of a fading, corrupt group that most younger folks aren’t interested in. I’d suggest you skip the politics and just focus on educating yourself, getting proper training, and learning to protect yourself.

@Finnley
I’m not following any particular forum, and I don’t equate the NRA with responsible gun ownership.

Palmer said:
@Finnley
I’m not following any particular forum, and I don’t equate the NRA with responsible gun ownership.

From the way you’re responding to people, I’m not sure this question was really in good faith. Seems like you’re here to find reasons to criticize gun owners instead of actually learning. Either way, good luck finding the information you’re looking for.

Ruger is a solid choice. Good quality without political baggage, and prices aren’t over the top. Great for first-time gun owners.

Darwin said:
Ruger is a solid choice. Good quality without political baggage, and prices aren’t over the top. Great for first-time gun owners.

Any models you’d recommend?

Palmer said:

Darwin said:
Ruger is a solid choice. Good quality without political baggage, and prices aren’t over the top. Great for first-time gun owners.

Any models you’d recommend?

The Ruger Security 380 is a nice semi-auto option: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/ruger-security-380-semi-auto-pistol

Palmer said:

Darwin said:
Ruger is a solid choice. Good quality without political baggage, and prices aren’t over the top. Great for first-time gun owners.

Any models you’d recommend?

Their 9mm and .380 models are good starting points. Go to a shop, try them out, and see what fits your hand. The Security 380 is priced reasonably for a quality starter gun. More info here: Ruger® Security-380® Centerfire Pistol Models Hope that helps!

Are you talking about the NRA specifically or gun rights organizations in general? I think most of the manufacturers still donate to the NRA, even if people have mixed feelings about it.

Honestly, all of them have military contracts and make guns to shoot bullets; that’s the business. Sounds like an unusual way to pick a firearm for home defense. :man_shrugging:

You’d be surprised, but there are quite a few private gun makers in Utah, mostly Mormons.