North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Assn.
Our mission is to protect and preserve our Second Amendment right to bear arms and to promote and preserve the shooting sports, the safe use and storage of firearms, and the principles of marksmanship and self-defense.
Help us Defend YOUR Rights
Memberships are the lifeblood of our Association. By joining the NCRPA you help us fulfill our mission both financially and by sheer numbers when we talk to legislators in Raleigh. It does make a difference. Any amount you can donate will also help us fight for your rights. We retain a major lobbying firm in Raleigh to help our work there, but everything is expensive. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. We accept credit cards for memberships and donations and you can update your contact information on this website or with an email to membership@ncrpa.org .
In Memoriam: Howard J. "Walt" Walter
Retired Lieutenant Commander Howard John "Walt" Walter, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, at the age of 93. He was born on October 28, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Raymond G. Walter and Bertha Pasch Walter. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Dolores Bald Walter, who cherished every moment they shared
Walt devoted his life to service and education, establishing a legacy characterized by dedication and unwavering patriotism. A distinguished veteran, he served as a Career US Naval Aviator and Officer until his retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1975. His combat deployments included tours in Vietnam and Korea. As a highly proficient Naval Aviator (Pilot), Walt was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. He was also a member of the Naval Hurricane Hunters. He was also stationed in Antarctica during “Operation Deep Freeze”. Walt has a Glacier in Antarctica name after him, “Walter Glacier”.
A man of intellect and dedication, Walt pursued higher education with vigor. He earned a Master's degree from the State University College at Buffalo after completing his undergraduate studies at Purdue University. known to say, “Keep priorities in your life- your faith first, family second, academics and career third.”
His passion for precision and discipline extended beyond his professional endeavors. This is evidenced by his active role as a National Board Member for the National Rifle Association (NRA) and as the Committee Chair for Competition Shooting, longtime Chair of the High-Power Rifle Committee and served on many other committees. Walt was a past President of the North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association and remained on the board until his passing. In the early 1990s Walt singlehandedly resurrected the NCRPA from dormancy.
Walt was an accomplished shooter, both as a member of the US Navy Shooting Team for which he was Officer-in-Charge, and as a civilian. Walt competed in Smallbore, Smallbore F-Class, High Power Rifle (all disciplines), F-Class High Power Rifle both Mid-Range and Long Range, and Conventional/Precision “Bullseye” Pistol. He was both distinguished and a member of the President's Hundred.
He later embarked on a distinguished career that included positions as a professor at Canisius College and in aerospace technology with ARO Corporation in Buffalo, NY. In addition, he was a published author of 7 books and did the editing for the NRA’s Rule Book.
Walt and his wife, Dolores, made Flat Rock, NC their home in 1989. He was a lifelong champion of The 2nd Amendment. He was a proud and active member and executive officer of the Blackhawks Rifle Club. His indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his family and country will be dearly missed.
Walt's life will be celebrated with a visitation and reception on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Church Street Funeral & Cremation in Hendersonville, NC.
A graveside service, with full military honors, will be conducted at Acacia Park Cemetery, Buffalo, NY, on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
Alamance County Proposed Gun Range Ordinance Tabled.
The Alamance County commissioners have decided to table the proposed range ordinance and open talks with other ranges in the county to try and work out a solution. This is not over by any means but it is at least a good start that they are willing to talk with us and try and work toward a solution acceptable to everyone. We will continue watching to see how this develops and let you know if more action is needed.
Raffle to support the North Carolina Junior Rifle Team
The 2025 Junior Rifle Team Raffle is now open!
Please help us support the North Carolina Junior High Power Rifle Team by buying tickets to the raffle. All proceeds go to support the team for buying needed supplies and covering transportation and entry fees to matches. The team even competes at Camp Perry, OH in the National Rifle Matches each summer. Everything is getting much more expensive so our juniors need all the help we can give them to make sure we can field a well equipped team. The button will take you to the junior raffle page, or click on the menu choice at top.
Summary of North Carolina Firearms Laws
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association has published a reference guide for current firearms laws in North Carolina. It will be used by Sheriffs around the state to train their Officers, and likely used by other law enforcement agencies as well. It is highly recommended everyone read this to gain a better understanding of our laws as well as how law enforcement personnel are trained. It and other related documents can be accessed at the button below.
NC Shooting Sports Games
Click below for information on the North Carolina Shooting Sports Games. Please let us know if there are any other sports that might want to join us.
NRA Youth Education Summit
For two decades, NRA’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) has brought of some of America’s most bright, ambitious, and patriotic youth to our nation's capital each summer for a week of fun they'll never forget. Students engage with political leaders, visit historical monuments, and apply their skills in competitive debates, all to enrich and inspire the future of our nation. The mission of the Y.E.S. program is to help students explore our American government, Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution, while encouraging them to become responsible citizens who participate in the democratic process and return to their community with a proactive voice for the Second Amendment.
But Y.E.S. isn't just about taking tours around Washington, D.C. The summit is an educational experience that offers $40,000 in college scholarships for students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and knowledgeable participation during the week's activities - which include debates and seminars on current events.
Click here for more information on the Y.E.S. Program.
NRA School Shield Program
School security is a complex issue with no simple, single solution. The NRA School Shield program is committed to addressing the many facets of school security, including best practices in security infrastructure, technology, personnel, training, and policy. Through this multidimensional effort, NRA School Shield seeks to engage communities and empower leaders to help make our schools more secure.
