Ricochet: Confessions of a Gun Lobbyist

Every politician and policy advocate should read Richard Feldman's fascinating history of the U.S. gun policy battles and how we got to the polarized positions that currently dominate media coverage of 2nd Amendment rights. A must read for anyone who ever wondered where their NRA donations really go--this book tells you. Feldman was there as a lobbyist for both the NRA and for the firearms manufacturers, the latter more interested in protecting their lawful industry than in "no-compromise" political posturing for the sake of fund-raising (which is Feldman's final assessment of the NRA.) Novices and experts alike will appreciate Feldman's review of major gun legislation since the 1930s, and especially his insightful narrative of how both the Republican and Democratic parties' leadership in the 80s and 90s manipulated their caucus members into the respective corners each is now generally perceived to be painted into. Regardless of your position on gun rights or gun control, this book will leave you with a more informed argument, and probably a more tempered understanding of this hot-button issue.

Title pretty much says it all. It has been clear to me for years as an NRA member that there were many fat cats running a supposedly non-profit organization solely to provide themselves w/ a good living, to the detriment of the rank and file membership and the avowed objective of preserving our constitutional rights [all of them, not just one as the media likes to portray.] This very entertaining read, in the form of the "I was there & this is the real story behind the events" should be required reading by everyone who cares about the future of the shooting sports worldwide. The truth hurts, but it also will set you free.

Sorta like old home week for me... I'd quite agree you can't judge this book by its press or blog reviews. The press naturally picked up on Richard's criticism of NRA fundraising and expenditures, and the bloggers (except me, who refused to blog without reading it) reacted to that. Both made the book seem antigun, when it's very far from that. As I would have guessed, because I last saw the author at the private ceremony to dedicate the bronze of Harlon Carter: Harlon's family would not have singled him out for invitation unless he was respected by them. The book is exceptionally clearly written, and definitely a page turner. I think I took one break from reading its 300+ pages. If anyone wants to see what it's like to be a lobbyist, this is the book for them. Just one episode: at one point NY Gov. Mario Cuomo holds a tense meeting with the author and others, and tries to break the ice by deliberately sitting on a whoopee cushion. It didn't go over very well...

I wasn't sure what I was going to get when I picked up "Ricochet" but it turned out to be a page turner. Richard Feldman is a skillful writer and an engaging story teller. His prose is easily approachable, passionate, and at the same time, avoids emotional extremes and bumper sticker slogans -- it's easy to see how he has been such a successful lobbiest. The "confessions" aren't ideological regrets, but rather the kiss-and-tell story of internecine warfare at one of America's largest and most powerful lobbying groups. Feldman presents the National Rifle Association to be not exactly the 800 lb gorilla many people had always assumed -- but rather a pack of 80 lb chimpanzees that sometimes work together towards a common goal but also spend a lot of time poking one another in the eyes. At the book's core, divergent factions in the NRA (one spearheaded by Feldman) disagree fundamentally on the best way to bring their cause forward -- the reader can decide which (if either) seems more practical. A fascinating read, whatever your position on guns. "Ricochet" seems to tell a universal tale -- one assumes that the very same types of arguments are going on in the back rooms of Greenpeace or any other lobbying group staffed by passionate and dedicated idealists.

As an NRA Life Member and Republican Member of the New York State Assembly (1975-1992), I served in one of the most anti-gun legislative bodies in the country. When Richie Feldman was representing the NRA in NY, I saw first hand how extremely effective and resourceful he is. We did some good work together! I've followed his career and read his book. This is the story of arguably the country's most politically effective lobbying organization losing its way and getting diverted from the primary objective. Whether you love the NRA or you hate it, if you're at all interested in the issue of 'guns' this book is a must read.