Ronnie Barrett

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Ronnie Barrett is the founder of the Barrett Firearms Company, best known for the M82A1 and M107 sniper rifles.

Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1954, Ronnie Barrett started his business career in 1972 as a professional photographer. While also owning and managing his photography studio, he decided in 1982 to manufacture and sell a unique .50-caliber rifle to sport shooters and collectors.

Although he had no prior experience in manufacturing, Barrett became a self-taught engineer, hand-drew the original design and built the prototype in his gravel-floor garage for what was to become the Barrett .50-Caliber.

Barrett rifles are now synonymous with civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and over 30 foreign countries considered American allies.

The rifles have appeared in motion pictures, sports magazines, military publications and even novels; also the topic of many national radio and television shows.

That success has also placed Barrett in the spotlight by some who support anti-gun legislation. He is often quoted and seen as a spokesman for Second Amendment Rights.

The United States Army recognized the Barrett .50-Caliber Rifle in 2004 as one of the Top Ten Greatest Inventions. In the last 100 years, only four individuals have invented firearms adopted by the United States military. Three had their designs turned over to another industry or the government for development and production. Ronnie Barrett is the only one to create, manufacture, market and mass produce his firearm for the United States government.