Behind NRA’s fall, the high cost of betrayal

The NRA thought it was a political kingmaker, but its power always came from the passion of its members. When it forfeited their trust, the mighty organization collapsed.

Mike Chapdelain watched from home as National Rifle Association President Oliver North abruptly resigned at the 2019 convention in Indianapolis.

Usually a display of unity, the weekend-long event had become ground zero for an internal power struggle between Mr. North and longtime NRA leader Wayne LaPierre. Mr. North had lost, but, to Mr. Chapdelain, the NRA had as well.

A 40-year...