2020 Friends of NRA Standard Merchandise Package Highlights

Each year, Friends of NRA assembles a new and unique Standard Merchandise Package designed to support and inspire the blockbuster program’s fundraising efforts. The recent Vendor Preview Meeting—an annual end-of-year event held to give Field Staff a look at the new year's offerings—was sponsored by longtime supporter Blue Ridge Knives, and it did not disappoint. The meeting provided a first look at the collection of over 30 items that will be available at each Friends event in 2020. The firearms and merchandise encompass a variety of exclusive and custom patriotic pieces representing special moments and traditions in American and shooting sports history.

Hand selected by our six-member selection team, these unique items are chosen based on quality, craftsmanship, functionality, fundraising potential, and compatibility with the ideals of the Friends of NRA program. The 2020 Standard Merchandise Package is sure to have something of interest for everyone who attends a Friends of NRA banquet.

Most all of the 2020 firearms and merchandise items are made in the USA. Procured over many months—and sometimes years—by our experienced selection team, this collection is assembled to bring you the very best of the best. Many of the items represent a combined effort of numerous contributors that have been brought together by the Friends of NRA team: metal workers, woodworkers, manufacturers, artists, gunsmiths, and veterans have all played a unique part in the 2020 lineup. Take a look at just a few of these exciting offerings below, and attend a Friends of NRA event near you in 2020 for the opportunity to own a piece of this year's Standard Merchandise Package!

Gun of the Year
This collaborative method truly shines in the 2020 Gun of the Year. We are very excited to have the Henry Side Gate Lever Action .45-70 as our Gun of the Year for 2020. This is Henry’s introduction for the first Side Gate Lever-Action Rifle, making it an easy choice for the selection team to pick for the 2020 Gun of the Year.  Henry’s walnut stock is beautifully laser engraved with extensive checkering and scrollwork.  Even the forearm is engraved with scroll-work and checkering around the Henry name. Adding Baron Engraving to this project makes this gun exquisite in appearance, but the rifle is also very accurate when it comes to the new “standard” for a lever-action rifle. Also, with Henry Repeating Arms being made in the USA and Anthony Imperato being a huge supporter of The NRA Foundation, it makes it a perfect pick for our 2020 Gun of the Year.  

“We the People” Guitar Signed by Ted Nugent
Freedom-loving enthusiasts will covet this one-of-a-kind collector’s guitar covered in the words of Independence, “We the People,” and signed by hard rocker Ted Nugent. Nugent has served on the NRA Board of Directors since 1995 and is well known for his avid support of gun rights in the United States. This full-size Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides and is finished off with nickel silver frets and die-cast turners.

Central Regional Director, Don Higgs was present for the signing. “When Ted Nugent arrived, he jumped out of the car with energy, drive, and passion that carried throughout the day. Motivating all around him on the importance of our Second Amendment rights for our future generations,” stated Higgs.

Attleboro Commemorative Knife
This collectible knife brings a piece of history with it. The Attleboro knife is a combat utility knife designed by retired U.S. Special Forces operators to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by Army Special Forces MSG William B. Hunt and to honor all the military members involved in Operation Attleboro during the Vietnam War. The Attleboro knife has an American- made stainless S-35VN blade in a spear point design with an aggressive top swedge, black graphite cerakote coating on the blade, and Friends of NRA logo on the tactical grip.

“If you could only have one knife for the rest of your life to accomplish all your missions, ‘The Attleboro’ knife is the one you want. This knife is equally at home skinning an elk as well as serving as your tactical knife.  The Blade is RAZOR SHARP stainless steel, the Micarta handles make it feel like the knife is gripping you back when you hold it in your hand and the sheath is almost indestructible,” noted Brad Kruger, Western Regional Director.  

“On top of it all, that is the story of ‘The Attleboro.’  Every time you use this knife, you will be commemorating Green Beret MSG William B. Hunt, who went missing in action in Vietnam fighting for freedom.  Many will want to put this knife on their mantle, but its true home is in the field,” added Kruger.



Hometown Heroes and Blue Lives Matter Prints
A striking visual display by beloved and highly acclaimed artist David Graham. Bright colors set off the collage of images depicting the sacrifice our first responders make. These two prints are double matted and framed in 13.5” H x 18.5” W rich espresso walnut.  Add one or both pieces of art to make a beautiful addition to your décor.

“It has been a tradition to recognize and honor our military veterans at Friends of NRA events.  We knew we needed to do the same for the First Responders in our communities,” stated Tom Ulik, South Central Regional Director. “The dedication of Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement personnel make our communities great places to live. Their commitment to service and our safety are worthy of our gratitude and appreciation.  We are excited to have this original First Responder Tribute artwork at our 2020 Friends of NRA events.”  

     

Weatherby Vanguard Wilderness 6.5-300 WBY with NRA Seal
When you’re covering distances deep in the heart of big game country, the last thing you need is heavy gear bogging you down. It’s during those hunts that you’ll be glad you’re carrying the Weatherby Vanguard Wilderness, weighing just 6.75 lbs. “Our friends at Weatherby have produced this lightweight rifle for the hunter that wants to go further into the hills and shoot longer to bring back that trophy of a lifetime. The Weatherby Vanguard, chambered in the new 6.5x300 WBY Magnum, is the fastest 6.5 on the market. This rifle has a little bit of added style with the NRA Logo on the floor plate.  Every hunter needs a new Weatherby Rifle!  So, come to your Friends of NRA event and have a chance at this new exciting rifle,” shared Jason Quick, Southwest Regional Director.

Crossfire® Scope and Binoculars with NRA Logo
Pick up one or both of these custom Vortex® Crossfire® items at any 2020 Friends of NRA banquet. The Vortex® Crossfire® II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope bearing the NRA logo is a highly precise rifle scope for hunters and tactical operators. This powerful Vortex® rifle scope gives you the versatility of variable zoom magnification from 4x to 12x, giving you dynamic flexibility when it comes to choosing your shooting location.

The Crossfire® Binoculars with NRA logo have a high-performing optical system and are designed to be ergonomic, durable, and affordable. Fully multi-coated lenses promote impressive optical quality, while a wide field of view and enhanced depth of field ensure optimal subject acquisition. Rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip, and durable external protection.

“We are excited to have the Vortex® Crossfire® Scope and Binoculars in this year’s package. Their reputation for quality and dependability make this a fantastic offering for our attendees,” said Eastern Regional Director, Bryan Hoover.

The 2020 Standard Merchandise Package is a display of patriotism and what Friends of NRA fights for. Preserving the future of freedom is our number one goal, and we need your help to do it. Attend your next local Friends of NRA event and be part of supporting the next generation of shooting sports enthusiasts.

Click here to view the full 2020 Standard Merchandise Package.