More than forty years ago, Ronnie Barrett built something no one thought possible – a shoulder-fired .50 caliber rifle so innovative, the Army itself would sing its praises. From sketching his designs at the dining room table to working with a local tool and die maker to create parts that didn’t yet exist, every millimeter of the Model 82 was a direct result of Ronnie’s passion for the ultimate firearm.
That obsession still fuels our company today.
Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Barrett is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. In 2023, the company became part of the NIOA Group – a family-owned global munitions company based in Australia.
Our products are used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 80 State Department approved countries across the world. The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and to provide training for those systems.
No matter how successful we become, however, our story keeps evolving. Because, at Barrett, we don’t believe in resting on our laurels. In fact, we take great pride in thinking outside the box and exploring ways to continue to improve. After all, if there’s one thing our success has taught us, it’s this: You’re only as good as your last accomplishment.
It’s one thing to manufacture guns, and another to live and breathe them. Whether we’re carefully assembling our latest rifle, engineering scope rings that are stronger than ever or increasing the velocity and precision of the ammunition itself – we’re always working with one goal in mind: “There’s always a better way.”
COMPANY TIMELINE
2023
Barrett becomes part of the NIOA Group – a fellow family-owned company based in Australia – while Sam Shallenberger is promoted to the position of CEO and Bryan James is named President.
2022
Barrett celebrates Four Decades of Iconic Firearms.
2019
After serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since joining in 2014, Sam Shallenberger is named President of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
2019
The Barrett MRAD was adopted by USSOCOM as the Mark 22 Mod 0 in support of the ASR Contract.
2016
Barrett introduces a new line of lightweight hunting rifles, the Fieldcraft.
2016
Barrett receives ISO 9001:2015 certification.
2016
The Model 82 is named the Official State Rifle by the Tennessee Legislature.
2015
After 14 years as Lead Designer, Chris Barrett is named President of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
2012
Barrett celebrates ``Three Decades Down Range`` by entering their thirtieth year of innovation.
Yet again, a Barrett product receives the honor of a Golden Bullseye Award, this time for the MRAD, for Rifle of the Year from the NRA Publication, Shooting Illustrated. The Golden Bullseye award is a symbol of excellence and innovation in firearms, accessories and related equipment.
Ronnie was re-elected to the NRA Board of Directors with 84% of all the votes cast by the organization's approximately 5 million members.
2011
Barrett introduces the MRAD™ and M107A1™.
2010
Barrett Model 98B® is named the Golden Bullseye winner for Rifle of the Year by NRA publication American Rifleman. The Golden Bullseye award is a symbol of excellence and innovation in firearms, accessories and related equipment.
Ronnie was presented the Pioneer Award given by NRA Publications recognizing the exemplary achievement and cumulative body of work of an individual responsible for the development and introduction of shooting equipment that has made a profound, positive and enduring impact on the way Americans shoot and hunt.
2009
Ronnie Barrett is elected to the NRA Board of Directors
2007
Inc. Magazine named Barrett Firearms Manufacturing as one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in America.
2006
The Nashville Business Journal cited Barrett Firearms Manufacturing as ``Exporter of the Year``.
Ronnie Barrett was honored as “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young.
2005
The United States Army recognized the Barrett .50-caliber M107® rifle as one of the ``Top Ten Greatest Inventions`` for the soldiers in performing their mission. Chosen by the soldiers, this was the first time in history a small arm received this honor.
2004
Ronnie was awarded ``The Colonel George Chinn Award`` for excellence in research, development, engineering, manufacturing and management in production of small arms weaponry systems.
2003
Ronnie was honored by the National Defense Industry Association for outstanding contributions to the preparedness of the United States Armed Forces.
2002
The Barrett Model 82A1 was adopted by the US Army as the M107®.
2002
Fred Ticer named as President of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
1999
Barrett introduces the Model 99™, the first firearm designed by Ronnie Barrett’s son Chris.
1995
Barrett introduces the Model 95™, which has now been adopted by governments worldwide.
1990
The battlefield was forever changed when the U.S. Armed Forces purchased a significant number of Model 82A1® rifles for use in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
1989
Barrett enters the military realm when the Swedish Army orders 100 Model 82A1® rifle systems.
1982
The legacy begins with Ronnie Barrett's invention of the first shoulder-fired .50 cal rifle.