Missouri Rep. John McCaherty (R-90th District), of High Ridge, has been a long supporter of the national Rifle Association (NRA). And the organization has supported him back.

This year, as the Aug. 7 primary election nears, McCaherty, who also is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Murphy, is holding a raffle to award one lucky winner with an AR15 rifle that was given to him by the NRA.

"It was donated by the NRA," said Ray Brockman, who organizes McCaherty's campaign group Citizens for McCaherty. As a raffle item, Brockman said. "I'd call it unusual."

Brockman said McCaherty has been a lifelong supporter of the NRA.

The .223 CMMG AR15 being raffled is a Missouri-made weapon, Brockman said. The weapon is the civilian version of the military's M16, which gained wide usage during the Vietnam War.

The winning raffle ticket for the weapon will be drawn Aug. 27 at a fund-raising dinner and auction at Andre's West Banquet Center, 211 S. Old Hwy 141, Fenton. Brockman said there also will be a variety of items on hand for a silent auction that evening.

There also will be a concert by The Redemptions.

Raffle tickets for the AR15 are $25 each. Brockman said only 200 tickets will be sold. For more information about the raffle or about the McCaherty campaign, contact Brockman at Citizens for McCaherty at 314-537-5341.