On Target: Gun Culture Storytelling, and the NRA The National Rifle Association (NRA) has been an essential player in the American gun debate for decades. While many explanations focus on the organization's lobbying efforts and campaign donations, Noah S. Schwartz's "On Target" delves into the group's influence and explores how it shapes historical narratives about the role of firearms in America's national identity. The book examines how the NRA's storytelling and community-building efforts have contributed to its significant impact on firearms policy in the United States. Historical Metanarratives and the Expansion of Gun Ownership Schwartz argues that the NRA's success is rooted in its ability to draw upon and shape historical metanarratives, or overarching stories that provide a framework for understanding the world. The NRA portrays a vision of the past that emphasizes the importance of firearms in American history and culture. This includes events like the annual meeting, communications such as American Rifleman magazine, and points of contact like the National Firearms Museum. Through these efforts, the NRA constructs a narrative that reinforces the idea that gun ownership is a fundamental aspect of American identity and values.

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