US gunmakers are aiming for record quarterly sales as first-time buyers, including a growing number of women and pensioners, rush to buy weapons before anticipated gun-control laws come into force.
President Barack Obama’s proposals to curb gun viol- ence, including enhanced background checks and a ban on military-style assault weapons, have increased political and investor scrutiny on gun companies.
Smith Wesson and Sturm Ruger, which will soon report quarterly results, brushed off negative sentiment after the Connecticut school shootings on December 14th. Shares recovered and sales never stopped. – (Reuters)