Jay Stuart Named Vice President of Commercial Sales for Sierra and Barnes

MONA, Utah. – November 4, 2024 –Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets announces Jay Stuart as its new Vice President of Commercial Sales, tasked with leading the sales efforts and securing business opportunities. Stuart joins Sierra and Barnes with an extensive background in the outdoor industry, previously working with leading companies such as Vista Outdoor, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Boy Scouts of America and Remington Outdoor Company. Having invaluable experience in sales leadership, Stuart brings a wealth of knowledge in assessing opportunities and cultivating strong client relationships.

“We are very excited for Jay to join our team,” said Sierra and Barnes VP, Marketing and Business Development Andrew Sparks. “He has a wealth of experience in both sales and the outdoor industry and will be an invaluable asset to our Sierra and Barnes team.”

Stuart's experience and leadership in sales is evident through his success in developing field sales forces, agents and independent representatives throughout the US. He has a proven track record in partner strategy development and client and donor relations. Having most recently served as Director of Sales and National Retail Accounts for Vista Outdoor, Stuart managed and directed sales responsibilities. This entailed developing annual sales plans and securing new product placements for several major retail accounts. His experience is a testament to his ability to create growth and increase consumer brand loyalty.

“Having previously worked with Jay, I am thrilled to have him on board and believe he will play an integral role in propelling our brands forward,” said Jim Bruno, CEO of Sierra and Barnes. “His expertise and passion for this industry makes him the perfect fit for our team.”

In his new role, Stuart oversees domestic and international commercial sales markets, as well as manages and leads the sales teams for Sierra and Barnes. He provides a deeper understanding of market trends and maintains a constant pulse on consumer needs, competition and brand position. Stuart will also play a crucial role in trade show planning and attendance.

“I am looking forward to being part of a great team and iconic American-made ammunition brands. Sierra and Barnes are leaders in the ammunition space, and I see a tremendous amount of pride in the quality and workmanship from the women and men here,” said Stuart. “I am also looking forward to working with Jim again. We have a great relationship and leverage our sets of strengths to support each other. I have a great sense of pride being part of the shooting sports industry, and I’m excited to continue this journey with Sierra and Barnes. 

Jay Stuart can be reached at jays@sierrabarnesbullets.com. More information on the latest new products and offerings from Sierra and Barnes is available at https://www.sierrabullets.com/ and https://www.barnesbullets.com/.

About Sierra Bullets

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Sedalia, Missouri, Sierra Bullets has been dedicated to manufacturing one of the highest-quality, most accurate bullets in the world. From local and international shooting competitions to sport and hunting, Sierra offers best-in-class accuracy and precision that hunting and sport shooting enthusiasts have come to depend on. This performance is born from a proprietary manufacturing process that enables the achievement of the tightest tolerances in the industry. Sierra’s bullets are used for precision target shooting, hunting and defense purposes. In addition to a wide base of retailers, Sierra's customers include distributors, law enforcement and industry OEMs. Sierra's products have cultivated a significant consumer following recognized by its iconic "green box" packaging and include globally recognized brands such as Sierra® MatchKing®, Sierra® GameKing®, and Sierra® BlitzKing®. For more information, visit www.sierrabullets.com.

About Barnes Bullets

Headquartered in Mona, Utah, Barnes Bullets has been an industry leader in bullet technology and innovation since 1932. The company manufactures some of the world’s most technologically advanced lead-free bullets and premium hunting, self-defense and tactical ammunition. Barnes has earned its strong reputation through unrivaled performance and results. This reputation is defined by innovative design, advanced manufacturing techniques and a core focus on the end-user. As a result, Barnes has generated a strong consumer following supported by its globally recognized brands Barnes® TSX®, X Bullet®, Varmint Grenade®, Expander®. With its products being sold through its online store, a variety of retailers and international distributors, Barnes’s customers include hunters, range shooters, military and law enforcement professionals around the world. For additional information, visit www.barnesbullets.com.

Full Discretion: Inside Premier Body Armor and Eberlestock’s FADE Collection Collaboration

GASTONIA, N.C. – November 4, 2024 – Premier Body Armor is proud to announce a custom collaboration with Eberlestock, bringing to market a tailored line of level IIIA ballistic armor inserts crafted precisely for Eberlestock’s new FADE collection. This partnership merges Eberlestock’s expertise in robust, modular bags with Premier Body Armor’s advanced ballistic protection, delivering an everyday carry solution that’s as covert as it is fully equipped. Designed for executive protection professionals, private security, and civilians alike, the FADE collection offers exceptional durability, functionality, and low-profile protection.
The new FADE collection ballistic inserts are meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly within Eberlestock’s bags, ensuring discretion and ease of use. Weighing approximately 1 lb. and only .22 inches thin, these TSA-approved inserts provide portable, effective protection against handgun and shotgun ballistic threats, while maintaining a streamlined profile. Additionally, these ballistic inserts offer custom cutouts for communication wires or hydration systems, allowing users to stay fully connected, protected, and prepared.

“Partnering with Eberlestock on the FADE collection showcases how performance, protection, and purpose work in tandem,” said Alex Stewart, President of Premier Body Armor. “Together, we’ve crafted a solution that lets people carry essential defense with confidence, whether in the professional field or navigating daily life, ultimately aligning with our commitment to equipping and safeguarding individuals in all their endeavors.”
Each ballistic insert of the FADE collection is made in the USA and crafted from the same premium material found in Premier Body Armor’s soft body armor vests, trusted by law enforcement nationwide. Rigorously tested to meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IIIA standards, these inserts withstand threats up to .44 magnum and 12 gauge shotgun, while retaining the flexibility needed for practical, everyday use.

The Premier Body Armor x Eberlestock FADE ballistic inserts are available at premierbodyarmor.com, offering a new standard in covert protection for those who prioritize readiness and discretion. Visit Premier Body Armor to explore the complete collection and learn more about this innovative collaboration.

For inquiries, media coverage, or more information, please refer to the media contact provided below for assistance.

Media contact:  Emily Stuchell

E-Mail: premierbodyarmorpr@murrayroadagency.com

About Premier Body Armor

Premier Body Armor was founded in 2013 with the goal of protecting and empowering Law Enforcement and law-abiding citizens with innovative armor solutions, Made in the USA. Built on the backbone of over 20 years of armoring experience for customers such as the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the United States Marine Corps (USMC), PBA is innovating and changing the way body armor is both perceived and utilized. Bulletproof backpack inserts, ultra-discreet vests, and more have made body armor more practical for daily use than ever before. With partnerships across industries, powerful community engagement, and top-notch customer service, Premier Body Armor is one of the top body armor manufacturers in the USA.

This Season, More Hunters Than Ever to Use AR-Platform Rifles for Hunting

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – November 1, 2024 – The Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC) shares the latest research on the growing popularity of AR-platform rifles, also known as Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) in the article, “Use of AR-platform Firearms for Hunting Shows Significant Increase.” The research used in this article comes from the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and surveys conducted on its behalf.

The article from OICC shares the notable increase in the use of ARs for hunting from 25 to 41 percent in the past decade. As shown in this article, hunters have recognized the broad capabilities of ARs, with more hunters taking interest in them as time passes. Respondents suggest that interest in ARs for hunting will continue to grow, making an impact on the outdoor industry.

The survey, conducted by Responsive Management, included more than 500 hunters across diverse demographics and geographic locations to provide a comprehensive look at current hunting practices and perceptions. Some questions included favorite firearm for hunting, preferred type of game to hunt and how likely respondents are to hunt with ARs.

“The growing use of ARs for hunting is on the rise, which does not surprise me,” said OSCF executive director Jim Curcuruto. “The survey showed that over half of hunters who do not currently use ARs have expressed interest in using them in the future. This statistic is encouraging, and shows great market potential.”

This article highlights current firearm trends within the outdoor industry while also opening up space to discuss the future of hunting practices. This piece provides excellent research that can be helpful when forecasting upcoming trends in the industry.

Sign up to become a member of the Outdoor Industry Communication Council and receive free content at https://www.outdoorstewards.org/outdoor-industry-communication-council-oicc/.

To access the article and for more information about OICC and OSCF visit www.OutdoorStewards.orgInstagramFacebook or YouTube.

About OSCF:

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of gun ownership, hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of conservation in America. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Come With!”, “Donate a Deer”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, jim@stewardsofconservation.org.

About the Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC):

Formed around the commitment to educate all Americans about the origins of conservation funding in America, the Outdoor Industry Communication Council (OICC) is managed by Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and Wildlife Management Institute (WMI). OICC works with outdoor writers to develop informative content that is available to all outdoor organizations and media at no cost. A primary goal of the OICC is to better inform and promote the positive contributions that wildlife agencies, industry manufacturers, NGO’s and end users such as hunters, anglers, trappers and target shooters make to conservation. Outdoor organizations interested in conservation are welcome to use any OICC content to expand the reach of messages created by the OICC. To become a member of the Outdoor Industry Communication Council, contact Jim Curcuruto of OSCF (203) 450-7202  jim@stewardsofconservation.org or Jon Gassett of WMI at (502) 330-9025 
jgassett@wildlifemgt.org. There are no costs involved to become a member of the OICC. Members may utilize OICC materials as they see fit with no restrictions. For additional information visit https://www.outdoorstewards.org/outdoor-industry-communication-council-oicc/.