Barnes Bullets, LLC is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Randy Brooks, the company's longtime former owner and the visionary behind the revolutionary Barnes X Bullet®.
Barnes Bullets was founded in 1932, when Fred Barnes began selling bullets from his basement workshop in Bayfield, Colorado. Randy and his wife, Coni Brooks, purchased the company in 1974 and later moved the business to American Fork, Utah.
Although Randy and Coni were young in their careers, their grit, determination and shared passion for hunting gave them the experience and conviction needed to move Barnes forward. Together, they transformed the company into one of the most trusted and respected names in the hunting and shooting industry.
While hunting brown bears in Alaska in the fall of 1985, Randy conceived the idea for an expanding hunting bullet made entirely of copper. After developing and successfully hunting with early prototypes, Randy and Coni recognized the design's potential to establish a new standard for terminal performance.
That prototype became the world-renowned Barnes X Bullet®. Introduced in 1989, the X Bullet revolutionized bullet construction and changed the way hunters viewed all-copper projectiles, establishing Barnes as an industry leader in bullet innovation.
"Randy was a true rifleman, hunter, innovator, mentor and friend," said Gregg Sloan, Ballistics Lab/R&D Supervisor. "He left an incredible legacy with Barnes, and I will always appreciate and be grateful for his influence. As a Barnes employee, I especially appreciated the way Randy treated us. He cared for the people at Barnes, and you could feel it in the genuine interactions he had as he walked through the plant and talked with everyone. Randy was the real deal. He knew ballistics, bullets and hunting. I loved hearing his stories and experiences from around the world. We will miss you, Randy."
Randy's influence extended far beyond the products he created. His care for people and willingness to invest personally in those around him made a lasting difference in the lives of countless employees, colleagues and friends.
"I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Randy Brooks," said Carl Carter, Manufacturing Engineer. "Twenty-eight years ago, he took a chance on an exhausted, discouraged young man and hired me. I was going through the most difficult time of my life, and he saw in me what I couldn't see in myself. He personally helped me through those dark times. His unmatched drive, determination, creativity, vision and kindness defined his character and will stand as an example to me forever. Thank you, Randy—until we meet again. Your friend, Carl Carter."
Randy remained closely connected to Barnes and the people carrying the brand forward. His belief that the company's strength came from its people continues to guide Barnes today.
"I have known Randy since Remington's acquisition of Barnes in 2009," said Jim Bruno, CEO. "Randy, Coni and their family are all amazing people, and I am honored to call them friends and former co-workers. Randy came to see me when I took over leadership of Barnes in July 2024 to let me know he felt the brand was in good hands. It has always been about the people at Barnes, and Randy started it all. He was a pioneer in our industry and will be deeply missed."
Randy's willingness to challenge convention helped reshape the ammunition industry, while his passion for hunting remained at the heart of everything he created. His legacy lives on through the company he and Coni built, the products he pioneered, the people he influenced and the generations of hunters who continue to trust Barnes when the moment matters most.
Barnes Bullets extends its deepest condolences to Coni, the Brooks family, Randy's friends and everyone fortunate enough to have known him. His impact on Barnes, the hunting community and the broader shooting industry will never be forgotten.
Randy's full obituary can be found here: https://www.goffmortuary.com/obituaries/randy-brooks
About Barnes Bullets: Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has pioneered projectile technologies built around terminal performance, accuracy and reliability. From its renowned all-copper hunting bullets to factory-loaded ammunition for hunting, defense, suppressed shooting and precision applications, Barnes continues to develop products for shooters who demand performance when it matters most.
Barnes Bullets products are manufactured in Mona, Utah.