St. Louis ? The National Rifle Association, citing shifting political winds in Congress after the 2006 elections, urged its members Saturday to unite against “the storm that lies ahead” for gun owners.

“Today there is not one firearm owner whose freedom is secure,” the group’s executive vice president, Wayne R. LaPierre, told thousands gathered for the annual national convention.

The NRA’s meetings and exhibits are expected to draw about 50,000 people to America’s Center convention hall.

St. Louis reeled in the event after the group dropped its original host – Columbus, Ohio – because that city in recent years pursued stricter firearms ordinances.