I'm not arguing with you, but the NRA historically is devoted to passing on the American tradition of citizen marksmanship. That's really what the whole organization was about. Lobbying is an add-on to the mission. A good add-on, but still an add-on. One might say that the only reason the Army was able to teach you how to shoot is that in the years between the various great wars--Civil, WWI and WWII, great soldiers like Whelen, Hatcher, and others were keeping shooting knowledge alive, and continuing to build it up and spread it to the young men of the nation. And the reason we have such a great history of military marksmanship, such as our heroic Marines at Belleau Wood, is largely attributable to NRA programs.
Lobbying for gun rights is a lot easier when the people have been exposed to guns in real life. I personally think the NRA's education and training wing is by far its most important service to the country.