Working in the Firearms Industry

doose69203 · January 4, 2014, 03:44 PM

I am currently trying to break into the firearms industry and am looking for advice and/or personal experiences from those that have experience in the industry.

I have a BSBA with a concentration in Managment from Appalachian State University and currently work as Online Order Fulfillment and Customer Service for a General Store.

Given my background I have been exploring jobs that dealt with the sales/ business side of the industry rather than the manufacturing. I have been in touch with Chattanooga Shooting Supplies for a sales position and also have a application in at Remington for a Field Service Specialist position.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

doose69203 · January 20, 2014, 05:48 PM

Nobody on this forum has ever actually worked for any sector of the firearms industry? I find that hard to believe.... Oh well.

CWKahrFan · January 20, 2014, 06:04 PM

Have you seen this link to Ruger employment?... Might want to check similar with other companies...

http://ruger.com/corporate/employment.html

doose69203 · January 20, 2014, 08:04 PM

I check multiple manufacturer websites as well as Outdoor Industry Jobs and the NSSF website for new postings. I guess I was more wanting to get opinions about working for the various manufacturers or maybe even making contacts with those that are currently employed by those companies. I'm heading to the Great American Outdoor Show next week so maybe I can make some inroads then.

ClydeFrog · January 20, 2014, 11:10 PM

I'd learn all you can about the shooting sports industry & the milspec/LE sales business.
I saw that Ruger is expanding. They are growing.
SIG Sauer had a huge hiring push about 2 years ago. They are in NH.
See the main websites & see if they have openings. You may need to start small or entry level then move up.

Clyde

Hiker 1 · January 20, 2014, 11:48 PM

You might even consider a 2nd or part-time job at a sizable gun store. That would be a great way to meet gun reps from different companies and further build your network.

The corporate positions are probably in high demand by other firearm enthusiasts, so you need to work your way in through a referral.

If you want to go the sales route, you might need additional field sales experience in another industry first, one that is willing to hire and/or train new reps.

ClydeFrog · January 21, 2014, 12:52 AM

Ruger.com employment listings show a entry level phone clerk opening in Mayodan North Carolina.
It's for clothing & accessories but it's a start. Plus it's in the Ruger location in NC.

January 4, 2014, 03:44 PM	#1
doose69203 Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 16	Working in the Firearms Industry I am currently trying to break into the firearms industry and am looking for advice and/or personal experiences from those that have experience in the industry. I have a BSBA with a concentration in Managment from Appalachian State University and currently work as Online Order Fulfillment and Customer Service for a General Store. Given my background I have been exploring jobs that dealt with the sales/ business side of the industry rather than the manufacturing. I have been in touch with Chattanooga Shooting Supplies for a sales position and also have a application in at Remington for a Field Service Specialist position. Any help is greatly appreciated.

January 20, 2014, 05:48 PM	#2
doose69203 Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 16	No one? Nobody on this forum has ever actually worked for any sector of the firearms industry? I find that hard to believe.... Oh well.

January 20, 2014, 06:04 PM	#3
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Have you seen this link to Ruger employment?... Might want to check similar with other companies... http://ruger.com/corporate/employment.html __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

January 20, 2014, 11:10 PM	#5
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Ruger.... I'd learn all you can about the shooting sports industry & the milspec/LE sales business. I saw that Ruger is expanding. They are growing. SIG Sauer had a huge hiring push about 2 years ago. They are in NH. See the main websites & see if they have openings. You may need to start small or entry level then move up. Clyde

January 20, 2014, 11:48 PM	#6
Hiker 1 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 596	You might even consider a 2nd or part-time job at a sizable gun store. That would be a great way to meet gun reps from different companies and further build your network. The corporate positions are probably in high demand by other firearm enthusiasts, so you need to work your way in through a referral. If you want to go the sales route, you might need additional field sales experience in another industry first, one that is willing to hire and/or train new reps. Last edited by Hiker 1; January 20, 2014 at 11:53 PM.

January 20, 2014, 08:04 PM	#4
doose69203 Member Join Date: October 16, 2009 Location: Boone, North Carolina Posts: 16	I check multiple manufacturer websites as well as Outdoor Industry Jobs and the NSSF website for new postings. I guess I was more wanting to get opinions about working for the various manufacturers or maybe even making contacts with those that are currently employed by those companies. I'm heading to the Great American Outdoor Show next week so maybe I can make some inroads then.

January 21, 2014, 12:52 AM	#7
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Mayodan NC.... Ruger.com employment listings show a entry level phone clerk opening in Mayodan North Carolina. It's for clothing & accessories but it's a start. Plus it's in the Ruger location in NC.