Obama Stimulates Handgun Sales

Here's something Obama wasn't planning on stimulating: handgun and military weapon sales -- up dramatically. They are not buying hunting rifles, and this isn't a knee-jerk reaction to gun-control alarmism.

People are arming themselves:

Gun sales shot up almost immediately after Barack Obama won the U.S. presidential elections on November 4 and firearm enthusiasts rushed to stores, fearing he would tighten gun controls despite campaign pledges to the contrary.

After the November spike, gun dealers say, a second motive has helped drive sales: fear of social unrest as the ailing economy pushes the newly destitute deeper into misery.

Ruger handgun sales are up 42%. Smith and Wesson handgun sales are up 46%, driving a rare positive surprise on Wall Street as they beat expectations by 150%. And it isn't hunting rifles people are buying, either: "SWHC's hunting business is being negatively impacted by the economic downturn, but the company continues to selectively invest in the business while focusing on reducing the cost structure."

Mr. Market also has something to say, and it says people are going to continue to buy handguns.

Here is the chart for Smith and Wesson. Ruger's chart is nearly identical.

Now, Obama signed the so-called 'stimulus' bill into law on the 17th of February. Not only has Smith and Wesson doubled since the 17th of February; but also note the extremely heavy volume, about four to six times normal as well.

I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb here -- there is a causal relationship with the street reaction to the porkulus bill -- the street is betting the gun business will be robust. People are going to continue to arm themselves.

Speaking of personal protection, I prefer the FMG9. "Gets nasty? Get down to business."

(H/T to The Yeoman Farmer)