For the past 40 years, Ronnie Barrett and Barrett firearms have been synonymous with the .50 caliber rifle. After all, Ronnie designed and built the Barrett Model 82- the rifle so innovative that the Army sang its praises. What many don’t realize is that Ronnie Barrett designed the Model 82 at his dining room table and worked with a tool and die maker to create parts that didn’t even exist at the time.

Since then, Barrett has become a world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. And throughout that time, Barrett has drawn a significant amount of attention for both his products and his staunch belief that his rifles were as much for individuals as agencies. That position led to his now-famous “firing” of California agencies as customers and cemented his position as a leader in the defense of the Second Amendment.

That’s why news that Barrett’s company had been acquired by Australian Nioa Group roiled the industry when it was announced at SHOT Show in January. For many, the idea that a “true American success story” like Ronnie Barrett would sell to a foreign group came as a shock.

Today’s edition is the first of our new Q&A Outdoor service, and the goal is to talk with business leaders -in and out of the outdoor industry- to gather business insights not otherwise available.

Our inaugural edition brings you the inside story on the Barrett/Nioa transaction from the man who started the whole ball rolling.

Today, Ronnie Barrett’s “Exit Interview.” Next week, we’ll introduce you to Robert Nioa of Nioa Group.

Enjoy