Dear New GOA Members (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 8/28/2026 1:22:20 PM EDT
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I've been a life member since the late 2000s. Many of you are expressing confusion in this thread about membership numbers, cards, etc. It took me about 15 years to get my card. My membership number was on the "please donate" mail GOA sent me so I did have that. I called once, got ignored, called again about 18 months later and finally got a card. GOA is a very effective TKBA organization because of it's structure. It is on it's ass when it comes to member services because of it's organization. GOA is a California non-stock 501(c)(4). It's board and executive leadership is selected by the board. The founder, H.L. Richardson, picked the original board members in 1976 and original executive director Larry Pratt. When Richardson retired, the board picked Tom Macy, an original board member (no clue how old he is). When Larry Pratt decided to become "executive director emeritus", his son Erich became the executive director. The board doesn't have to replace members (Sam Paredes, the secretary / treasurer died in 2025 and the board didn't replace him). Because of this very tight, stable board structure, GOA has a single focus. It's totally different than the NRA, which has a large board, elections, member input, etc. GOA is an effective organization, but it's not a member-focused organization. GOA doesn't compromise because the tight, closed board doesn't answer to anyone except themselves. |
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Thanks for clarification, OP. Attached File |
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| I joined (or I think I did, unless they put it in the "donations" category instead) 15 days ago and have yet to receive anything except spam crap emails from them. If they cant get me a membership number in an expedient amount of time they can suck my right nut until they make my left nut jealous before they get another penny from me. |
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Originally Posted By Tn_Huntaholic: I joined (or I think I did, unless they put it in the "donations" category instead) 15 days ago and have yet to receive anything except spam crap emails from them. If they cant get me a membership number in an expedient amount of time they can suck my right nut until they make my left nut jealous before they get another penny from me. Maybe the NRA is a better fit for you. They cater to fudds and will absolutely get you a membership card and other cheap useless Chinese shit mailed to you in an expedient amount of time. |
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Originally Posted By MB_GELANDEWAGEN: Maybe the NRA is a better fit for you. They cater to fudds and will absolutely get you a membership card and other cheap useless Chinese shit mailed to you in an expedient amount of time. Originally Posted By MB_GELANDEWAGEN: Originally Posted By Tn_Huntaholic: I joined (or I think I did, unless they put it in the "donations" category instead) 15 days ago and have yet to receive anything except spam crap emails from them. If they cant get me a membership number in an expedient amount of time they can suck my right nut until they make my left nut jealous before they get another penny from me. Maybe the NRA is a better fit for you. They cater to fudds and will absolutely get you a membership card and other cheap useless Chinese shit mailed to you in an expedient amount of time. Or maybe GOA should get their $hit together, since many need proof of membership to facilitate 4473-ing a can, which possibly is the very reason they joined/donated in the first place. |
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Originally Posted By wherewildthingsare: Or maybe GOA should get their $hit together, since many need proof of membership to facilitate 4473-ing a can, which possibly is the very reason they joined/donated in the first place. The receipt should clearly state membership purchase, which at least one has posted that he used to show proof of membership earlier in the thread..I would also go search your email junk/trash bins just to make sure an email didn't get put there just incase.... |
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If you log into the GOA website, it's under "subscriptions". Attached File |
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Originally Posted By ceetee: If you log into the GOA website, it's under "subscriptions". https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103046/1000019818_jpg-3818541.JPG Where are you seeing a login option? |
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Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By Hack_n_Slack: Not one of the emails sent to me contains a membership number. How is this thread going to make me see something that is not there? The dozens of other people with the same issues must be blind, right? |
Et quant au repos ? Le Caliphate doit être essuyé de la terre.
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History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By Tn_Huntaholic: EXACTLY THIS> Originally Posted By Tn_Huntaholic: Originally Posted By wherewildthingsare: Or maybe GOA should get their $hit together, since many need proof of membership to facilitate 4473-ing a can, which possibly is the very reason they joined/donated in the first place. EXACTLY THIS> Its right there. |
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Originally Posted By SquatchAv8: Calm down and log into your online account. Its right there. Originally Posted By SquatchAv8: Originally Posted By Tn_Huntaholic: Originally Posted By wherewildthingsare: Or maybe GOA should get their $hit together, since many need proof of membership to facilitate 4473-ing a can, which possibly is the very reason they joined/donated in the first place. EXACTLY THIS> Its right there. I asked in that linked thread. I asked here. I'll ask again. How? I see no option for "login" on the website. Only renew and join. Is there a different members site? |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: I asked in that linked thread. I asked here. I'll ask again. How? I see no option for "login" on the website. Only renew and join. Is there a different members site? https://shop.gunowners.org |
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Originally Posted By AKSnowRider: The receipt should clearly state membership purchase, which at least one has posted that he used to show proof of membership earlier in the thread..I would also go search your email junk/trash bins just to make sure an email didn't get put there just incase.... You're correct - the email receipt does say, right at the top: "Thank you, Onewhobunchestheirpanties! This receipt confirms your Annual Membership of $25.00 to Gun Owners of America on August 28, 2026." It also has a blue box below that says "Annual Member" with your name and address. |
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Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: I asked in that linked thread. I asked here. I'll ask again. How? I see no option for "login" on the website. Only renew and join. Is there a different members site? You have to go down the left side of the page to where it says "STORE", click on store and at the top of the page it says log in... Or just click this store link and click log in at the top right corner... https://shop.gunowners.org |
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You must go the GOA store, then on the upper right is a login in option. The dashboard menu is a bit odd to understand, but get to the manage link to see your online member number, this is different than the membership number. If renewing, it goes to your member number from the mailings and paper card. This is what they told me last month. |
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Originally Posted By SquatchAv8: Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: I asked in that linked thread. I asked here. I'll ask again. How? I see no option for "login" on the website. Only renew and join. Is there a different members site? https://shop.gunowners.org Awesome. Thank you! |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By ODA_564: I've been a life member since the late 2000s. Many of you are expressing confusion in this thread about membership numbers, cards, etc. It took me about 15 years to get my card. My membership number was on the "please donate" mail GOA sent me so I did have that. I called once, got ignored, called again about 18 months later and finally got a card. GOA is a very effective TKBA organization because of it's structure. It is on it's ass when it comes to member services because of it's organization. GOA is a California non-stock 501(c)(4). It's board and executive leadership is selected by the board. The founder, H.L. Richardson, picked the original board members in 1976 and original executive director Larry Pratt. When Richardson retired, the board picked Tom Macy, an original board member (no clue how old he is). When Larry Pratt decided to become "executive director emeritus", his son Erich became the executive director. The board doesn't have to replace members (Sam Paredes, the secretary / treasurer died in 2025 and the board didn't replace him). Because of this very tight, stable board structure, GOA has a single focus. It's totally different than the NRA, which has a large board, elections, member input, etc. GOA is an effective organization, but it's not a member-focused organization. GOA doesn't compromise because the tight, closed board doesn't answer to anyone except themselves. I did not know that they were a California corporation. They are headquartered in northern Virginia (Springfield.) |
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They are currently updating the website and stated that some information is not available yet. If you have issues, give them a call. They are a bit busy right now, but are able answer questions about your account. |
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Originally Posted By voodochild: I don't care about a membership card. I am a member and I got my number when I joined. So just use your eyes and look for it. They sent me a card, but there's no number on it. No name either. It's the same card and same year (2024) they show on their site, so I'm wondering if that wasn't a bulk one-time order they did. |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By wherewildthingsare: Or maybe GOA should get their $hit together, since many need proof of membership to facilitate 4473-ing a can, which possibly is the very reason they joined/donated in the first place. Let me see if I have this straight. GOA, Silencer Shop, and a host of others put a great deal of effort into legal action to protect your rights, and won an absolutely unprecedented victory. Due to their many man-years of effort, for the first time in 92 years, you have the opportunity to buy a suppressor on just a 4473. And you are bitching because you cannot expend a couple minutes to find your email receipt? Are you serious? |
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Originally Posted By ParityError: Let me see if I have this straight. GOA, Silencer Shop, and a host of others put a great deal of effort into legal action to protect your rights, and won an absolutely unprecedented victory. Due to their many man-years of effort, for the first time in 92 years, you have the opportunity to buy a suppressor on just a 4473. And you are bitching because you cannot expend a couple minutes to find your email receipt? Are you serious? |
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Originally Posted By Some_Beach: SSsshhhh. You'll interrupt the self centered autistic screeching that AR15 has evolved Originally Posted By Some_Beach: Originally Posted By ParityError: Let me see if I have this straight. GOA, Silencer Shop, and a host of others put a great deal of effort into legal action to protect your rights, and won an absolutely unprecedented victory. Due to their many man-years of effort, for the first time in 92 years, you have the opportunity to buy a suppressor on just a 4473. And you are bitching because you cannot expend a couple minutes to find your email receipt? Are you serious? Is it really people with e-mail receipts that you think are most concerned here? |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By WillieTangoFox: I am out of the loop. Do people think a goa card, is the new nfa, ccw badge? Have been a member for a long time. If they sent me a card, i threw it away |
Et quant au repos ? Le Caliphate doit être essuyé de la terre.
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Originally Posted By Some_Beach: I put in my credit card info. I clicked the button. I got email with Membership Number. Seems pretty straightforward to me. Originally Posted By Some_Beach: Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: Is it really people with e-mail receipts that you think are most concerned here? And many have posted that they never got a number. I never got such an e-mail, not that I can find. Just the usual news/fundraising mails going back years. Maybe I packed away some paperwork they'd mailed me with it? It certainly doesn't help the way Microsoft 365 seems to eat older e-mails. |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
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Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: And many have posted that they never got a number. I never got such an e-mail, not that I can find. Just the usual news/fundraising mails going back years. Maybe I packed away some paperwork they'd mailed me with it? It certainly doesn't help the way Microsoft 365 seems to eat older e-mails. Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: Originally Posted By Some_Beach: Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: Is it really people with e-mail receipts that you think are most concerned here? And many have posted that they never got a number. I never got such an e-mail, not that I can find. Just the usual news/fundraising mails going back years. Maybe I packed away some paperwork they'd mailed me with it? It certainly doesn't help the way Microsoft 365 seems to eat older e-mails. to be fair: this is the email i got two weeks ago after renewing: Attached File and this is what i got today after sending another 25$: Attached File so, it's possible they're not sending consistent information with their emailed receipts.....and if i go to my account, it says they're working on getting all the info updated and i can't find my member number. i'm not going to get mad about it, i'm very happy with their work so far. |
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Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer: i joined a couple of weeks ago. i just wanted to help support the fight. i didnt join to buy a can like a lot of guys. id like a number just because but i am more interested in helping fund them Same. Because of GA's somewhat-retarded gun laws, I can't use the GOA membership to buy a can anyway. I joined because they're fighting the good fight and they're worth supporting. |
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Originally Posted By HeavyLeadFoot: to be fair: this is the email i got two weeks ago after renewing: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/304395/Screenshot_2026-08-28_150428_jpg-3818587.JPG and this is what i got today after sending another 25$: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/304395/Screenshot_2026-08-28_150503_jpg-3818588.JPG so, it's possible they're not sending consistent information with their emailed receipts.....and if i go to my account, it says they're working on getting all the info updated and i can't find my member number. i'm not going to get mad about it, i'm very happy with their work so far. Originally Posted By HeavyLeadFoot: Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: Originally Posted By Some_Beach: Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: Is it really people with e-mail receipts that you think are most concerned here? And many have posted that they never got a number. I never got such an e-mail, not that I can find. Just the usual news/fundraising mails going back years. Maybe I packed away some paperwork they'd mailed me with it? It certainly doesn't help the way Microsoft 365 seems to eat older e-mails. to be fair: this is the email i got two weeks ago after renewing: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/304395/Screenshot_2026-08-28_150428_jpg-3818587.JPG and this is what i got today after sending another 25$: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/304395/Screenshot_2026-08-28_150503_jpg-3818588.JPG so, it's possible they're not sending consistent information with their emailed receipts.....and if i go to my account, it says they're working on getting all the info updated and i can't find my member number. i'm not going to get mad about it, i'm very happy with their work so far. I'm not trying to buy anything, and only thought of all this when the threads started. Does anyone here have a lifetime membership card and can you confirm whether it states that on the card? |
History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which Trump is always right.
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
Modern life is one steep, perpetual tax on the mathematically impaired
|
Originally Posted By Bohr_Adam: And many have posted that they never got a number. I never got such an e-mail, not that I can find. Just the usual news/fundraising mails going back years. Maybe I packed away some paperwork they'd mailed me with it? It certainly doesn't help the way Microsoft 365 seems to eat older e-mails. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Some_Beach: I got this email shortly after I joined. Maybe emails are going to spam with MS365. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/188897/Screenshot_png-3818597.JPG exactly what i got. for practical purposes that IS a membership confirmation |
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