As a shooter with Ruger, I’ve attended countless firearms events, but the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, was one for the books. Held April 24-27 at the Georgia World Congress Center, the 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits brought together thousands of Second Amendment supporters, industry leaders, and shooters like me. From reconnecting with old friends to meeting new allies, the weekend was a whirlwind of inspiration—and a reminder of why our community is so strong.
Catching Up with Ruger’s Finest
Kicking things off, I spent some quality time with Paul from Ruger, my recent sponsor and a titan in the firearms world. Sturm, Ruger & Co. was a contributing sponsor for the Freedom Experience concert featuring Big & Rich on April 26, and their booth was packed with folks checking out the Ruger RXM and other cutting-edge gear. Paul and I swapped range stories and geeked out over Ruger’s latest innovations including their recent collaboration with Dead Air Suppressors. Representing a company so dedicated to quality and the Second Amendment is something I never take for granted.
Hanging with Ed White of Metal Madness
One of the weekend’s highlights was connecting with my longtime friend Ed White, founder of the Metal Madness Sport Shooting Association. Ed’s passion for shooting sports is contagious, and Metal Madness is shaking up the first time gun owner scene with its fast-paced, steel-target events. We reminisced about his journey about growing the sport, and shared more than a few laughs. Ed’s work with Metal Madness is bringing new shooters into the fold, and it was awesome to see his energy light up the event. If you haven’t checked out a Metal Madness match, you’re missing out!
Meeting John from MidwayUSA Foundation
Another great moment was meeting John from the MidwayUSA Foundation, the official sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting. John and I hit it off, discussing how the foundation’s support for youth shooting programs is building the future of our sport. Their commitment to firearms education and Second Amendment advocacy is inspiring, and it’s clear they’re making a huge impact. If you’re not familiar with MidwayUSA Foundation, take a look—they’re doing incredible work. My wife and I will be supporting them in the future through our Creekside Custom business.
Stopping by the ELEY Booth
No NRA meeting is complete without a visit to the ELEY booth, another of my valued sponsors. ELEY’s ammunition is my go-to for competition, and their team was showcasing some top-tier products. We talked ammo performance and how ELEY keeps me dialed in on the range. The booth was a hub for what is on the market and which line of ammunition is right for each discipline, and I walked away with some sweet swag. For match-grade ammo, ELEY is unmatched.
Connecting with NRA’s New Leadership
Spending time with some of the NRA’s new leadership, including folks under CEO Doug Hamlin, was a game-changer. The NRA is charting a fresh course with a focus on transparency and member engagement, and their vision for defending the Second Amendment is exciting. These conversations left me optimistic about the NRA’s future and our collective fight for freedom.
A Family Milestone: NRA Memberships
This year’s meeting was personal, too. My wife became an NRA member for the first time, diving into the event with me and loving every minute. The NRA’s free three-day entry for members and families let us explore the 14-acre exhibit hall and attend seminars together. I even upgraded to Life Membership this year —a big step to show my commitment to the cause. If you’re thinking about joining or upgrading, now’s the perfect time!
Why I’m Bullish on the Second Amendment
The 2025 NRA Annual Meeting was a testament to our community’s strength. From the packed exhibit hall to the Freedom Experience concert, the unity was palpable. With new NRA leadership, support from companies like Ruger, ELEY, and MidwayUSA, and folks like Ed White growing the sport, I’m more optimistic than ever about the Second Amendment’s future.
Join the Fight
If you were at the NRA Annual Meeting, drop a comment with your favorite moment! If you missed it, plan for next year—it’s a must for every gun owner. Not an NRA member? Follow my wife’s lead and sign up at nra.org. Let’s keep the Second Amendment strong!
Stay safe, keep shooting, and let’s defend the 2nd!
See you out on the range soon!
Steve
NRA Life Member
USPSA Life Member
Steve Foster - Competitive Shooter 