For the past 20 years, Chris Killoy has been a part of Ruger.
Eight years ago, Killoy transitioned to the CEO’s spot, replacing then-CEO Mike Fifer. It was, by all accounts, a seamless transition.
Killoy and Fifer worked hand-in-glove to continue Ruger’s transformative journey from what many regarded as a stodgy company to one that has become one of the industry’s most successful at introducing new products.
On March 1, 2025, Ruger and Killoy will enter another new phase as FeraDyne Outdoors’ current CEO, Todd Seyfert, assumes Ruger’s top slot and Killoy transitions into the retirement first announced more than a year ago.
Saying Killoy tenure has been successful might be shortchanging him. He has maintained the solid base and high standards of the core products for which the company has long been known. But today’s Ruger isn’t just identified by their ubiquitous 10/22 rimfire rifle or heavy caliber revolvers. They’re accompanied by considerably newer products that range from the Ruger Precision Rifle and Ruger American Rifle (Gen II) to their newest pistol, the RXM.
Killoy has also guided the company through the acquisition and reinvigoration of Marlin Firearms and the nationwide disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Killoy will remain on the Ruger Board of Directors and serve as Special Advisor to Seyfert, reprising the role Fifer filled for him. As Ruger Board Chairman John Consentino said when announcing the selection of Seyfert, Killoy has been a “mentor, a visionary, and a steadfast leader whose impact on our Company and our culture will be felt for years to come.”
Yesterday, prior to SHOT Show 2025, I had the opportunity to sit down with Killoy and speak with him about what he sees as his notable achievements, his most vivid memories in the industry, and what’s ahead.
We started with the obvious question: “what’s going through your mind as you attend what is your ‘last’ SHOT Show as CEO of Ruger?”
“I joined the industry in 1989 at Smith & Wesson,” he said, “now, 35, 36 years later, the thing with SHOT Show is that it’s more than just a trade show. It’s the gathering place where you see friends you haven’t seen in a long time, associates, customers.I’ve always tried to keep focused on our customers. But it’s a lot of important things, including the primary source of funding for the NSSF.”
That doesn’t mean the former-CEO won’t still be in Las Vegas next January. “I’m still on the NSSF Board,” he reminded me, “and the Ruger board, so I’m not going to disappear, but I know it will be different.”
On March 1, Killoy will be in another new role, transitioning his replacement into the job he filled under the tutelage of Mike Fifer. And, Killoy says, that Fifer tutelage will form the outline for the help he’ll offer Seyfert.
“Mike was one of the best bosses I ever had in my career,” Killoy said, “even though we were at odds during every Army/Navy football game (Killoy attended West Point, Fifer’s a Naval Academy grad).”
“When Mike came in in ‘06, I had left Ruger for a time,,” Killoy reminisced, “I was asked if I wanted to come back and I did. I had three years with him before I transitioned into the CEO role, so I had a lot of time. “
So has he gotten ready to change roles? “It’s tough. One of the things I’ve shared with you over the years is that I read the Wires every morning to stay plugged into what’s happening in the industry,” he reminisced, “my wife asked if I was still going to do that every day, and I told her ‘probably’ -at least for a while.”
“I still want to stay plugged into who’s doing what in the industry,” but I won’t be getting the CEO emails, “I will miss being part of the factory, being part of the team. I’ll still be going back as a board member, but it will be different.”
So what’s the advice for people who aren’t as far along in their careers? “Make certain you’re always learning,” he said, “there are people around you who are more experienced than you. You have to embrace the knowledge of your people, admit what you don’t know.”
In other words, he says, learn from the people who know. Even if you’re their leader. “Be humble enough to know what you don’t know. Have the ability to learn from them. Learn something every day.”
“I always say the best ideas come from the shop floor,” he said, “If you’re waiting for good ideas to come from the top floor, you’re going to be waiting a while. Listen to the people who have the knowledge and experience. They’ll make you successful.”
“It humbles and inspires me when I walk the factory floors,” he concluded, “when I finish up, I hope I will have been known for taking care of customers, the Ruger shareholders, and our associates.”
I’m thinking he will.
As always, we’ll keep you posted.
—Jim Shepherd
Editor’s Note: The entire interview with Killoy will be available to read in the Friday, January 24 edition of QA Outdoors.