What does it take to build a firearms brand that lasts 80+ years?
Few companies in the firearms industry carry the legacy of Brownells. Founded in 1939 as Bob’s Gun Mart, the company has grown from a small gunsmithing supply business into one of the most respected infrastructure brands in the shooting world.
On a recent episode of the Gun Trade World Podcast, Brownells CEO Pete Brownell joined host David Guest and Topple CEO Brian Aitken to discuss how the industry has evolved, what it takes to grow a third-generation company, and why Pete ultimately decided to invest in Topple, the digital advertising platform built for industries restricted by mainstream ad networks.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Delivering build-to-bang experiences with Pete Brownell
From a Stapled Catalog to a Global Brand
Brownells traces its origins to Pete’s grandfather, Bob Brownell, who built a reputation as a gunsmith and technical writer.
Bob spent years corresponding with gunsmiths across the country, trading ideas, solving problems, and sourcing parts that were often difficult to obtain. Eventually, someone suggested compiling those parts and instructions into a catalog.
Bob stapled together the first version and mailed it to gunsmiths across the United States.
That simple catalog became Bob’s Gun Mart, the foundation of what would later become Brownells.
From the beginning, the company wasn’t just selling parts. It was sharing knowledge.
Over time, that reputation helped Brownells grow from a mail-order catalog into a global supplier of parts, tools, accessories, and educational content that supports the broader firearms ecosystem.
The through line has never changed: help the builder succeed.
What You’ll Hear on the Podcast
The conversation explores how legacy brands survive technological disruption, what leadership looks like inside a multi-generation company, and how the firearms industry is adapting to an increasingly fragmented digital ecosystem.
In this episode, Pete shares:
- Why requiring outside experience before joining the family business strengthened Brownells’ leadership
- How the early internet, including a website quietly built by Pete’s wife, positioned Brownells ahead of the curve
- Why Pete believes Brownells’ real product isn’t parts but confidence, what he calls delivering a “build-to-bang experience”
- How mainstream advertising restrictions have reshaped growth strategies across the firearms industry
Why Pete saw the need for a parallel advertising infrastructure and ultimately chose to invest in Topple
Whether you’re deeply embedded in the firearms world or simply interested in how enduring brands adapt to changing markets, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has led through multiple industry cycles.
Want More Conversations Like This?
We’ve curated a Spotify playlist featuring this episode plus discussions with leaders across firearms, hunting, and outdoor brands — including Magpul, LandTrust, Spartan Precision, Gallyon Guns, and more.
Listen to the Full Playlist: Topple’s Spotify Podcast Playlist
