According to the author, the NRA uses fear, intimidation (including death threats), and money to promote firearms sales and derail efforts to pass gun control legislation. The book explores internal power struggles within the NRA leadership, relationships with competing pro-gun organizations, the links between the NRA and the firearms industry, and the power and influence of these champions of the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The author also contends that, to boost firearms sales and to increase its membership and influence, the NRA has targeted women, children, and Black Americans for its appeals to safeguard constitutional liberties. As this crossroads the NRA must decide whether to defend unpopular issues, i.e., the right to own assault weapons and the so-called cop killer bullets, or to retreat to its original goals of maintaining target shooting, hunting, and safety training. 2 appendixes