Better buy a Barrett now.

Mk-211

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If you have ever wanted a Barrett anything, you might think about it very soon.

Australian defense contractor NIOA has expanded its global reach with the 100 percent acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms.

In announcing the deal, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.

“NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades,” Mr. Nioa said.

“It’s been a story of hard work, perseverance, and purpose culminating in the delivery of critical capability for the men and women of the US military and its allies around the world as well as exceptional products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.

“Together we share the same mission - combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.’’

Mr. Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be further expanded.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mr. Nioa also announced two key leadership appointments – current Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President.

Ronnie Barrett and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.

Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focused on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”

The Barrett acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for NIOA as the company’s entry to the US market where it has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.
 
Hopefully that is NOT the same Australian company that conned Graf's Reloading into going into a joint venture to manufacture bimetal bullets here in the USA. I know the guy from Australia that came here to partner with Graf's is now wanted here and in other countries for fraud and other financial crimes.
 
So why would this be bad for Barrett? Name and manufacturing will live on with more cash infusions for expansion and possibly lower priced guns.

Or, the new group will cut corners and make .50 cals as cheap as possible?!?!
 
Thank you Speedo66, that's the very issue people need to think about.

For people that don't know, Serbu makes a semi auto .50. Go check out the BFG-50A1. Been on the market for years.

Barrett also makes 2 other .50's, the M95 and M99. They also have their smaller caliber rifles.
 
The problem you have to worry about is if they get enough flak from Australian authorities to stop selling to civilians.

Australia does not have a great track record with citizen gun rights.
That maybe why they are keeping the entire company based in Tennessee. I don't think civilians can buy 50bmg in Oz as it is..so unless the new owners bow to pressure (something they have not done..as I've read, up to this point)in Oz to stop selling them in the USA...I don't think we have anything to worry about.
 
It sounds like NIOA sees the acquisition as a chance to get their foot in the American gun market door. They are keeping the entire Barrett management team so if there are changes I don't foresee anything drastic in the immediate future.

I never heard of NIOA. Do they make any interesting firearms that might get put on the American market?
 
From Wiki, the Nioa family owns the business. The owner is a son in law of a Federal politician in Australia and shockingly enough, has gotten gov’t contracts there for guns, ammo, and missiles. Same with NZ.

A former Federal politician there is also on their board. Sounds like SOP for gov’t defense contracts.
 
From Wiki, the Nioa family owns the business. The owner is a son in law of a Federal politician in Australia and shockingly enough, has gotten gov’t contracts there for guns, ammo, and missiles. Same with NZ.

A former Federal politician there is also on their board. Sounds like SOP for gov’t defense contracts.
bet they offered them $$$$billions$$$$ on top of Billions!

hope AU is not pressured by the CCP to sell them American Barrett’s!
 
I truly believe that's one of the MAJOR problems within the USA Firearms industry ;
TOO MANY FEET IN THE DOOR ,AS IN FOREIGN FEET :(
100% —- and Americans are too trusting, we need to go back to back in the days were you earn respect bot demand it
 
If anyone owns a Barrett .50 and needs a spare parts list, let me know and I'll post one that covers them all.
 
The problem you have to worry about is if they get enough flak from Australian authorities to stop selling to civilians.

Australia does not have a great track record with citizen gun rights.


That's what bothers me a bit. As far as I can tell, Australia is as awash with anti firearms sentiment and propaganda as our California and New York City. If you're immersed in it, it's hard to not let it soak in one way or another. And it's the little bit-by-bit abridgements that sum up to a total ban.

Paranoia? Remember, what is often called paranoia is actually just bitter experience.

Terry, 230RN
 
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Given how backed up Barret has been lately with orders I would welcome the infusion of capital if it could help boost production figures and clear the backlog.

However...it is absolutely unacceptable for any American arms manufacturer to be owned by foreign nationals. If our government was more interested in securing the national interest than doing its usual host of moral debauchery then this type of transaction would simply be impossible.

But like everything else industrial policy related Washington has been selling us out for decades so not really news.
 
So why would this be bad for Barrett? Name and manufacturing will live on with more cash infusions for expansion and possibly lower priced guns.

The US military has a big problem with critical weapon systems being made by other countries. To the point Beretta was strongly incentivized to build US plants to handle the M9 contract. Sig was to expand their manufacturing. If the DOD drops Barrett from making anti-military weapons, they will go under.
 
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