The harder the Obama administration fights to ban guns, the more Americans want to buy them.
Despite the threat of increased gun control nationwide, and the passage of gun control laws in several states, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson reported record sales earlier this week. The company brought in $588 million this past fiscal year – a whopping 43 percent increase from the previous year. Their shares have also tripled from 40 cents to $1.22 a share in the past year.
Smith & Wesson is not the only gun manufacturer to see increase sales this past year. Other companies across the country have seen their sales increase while Congress debated legislation that would potentially expand background checks and ban assault weapons.
The senate’s original legislation was killed in the chamber back in April, however the White House plans on recharging its push for gun control with an event next week. Several states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland and New York, have also passed gun reform laws in recent months.
Smith & Wesson is still playing their part in the gun control debate asking customers to “preserve America’s rights” and “send a message to your representatives,” however.
“We are a strong and proud supporter of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, particularly the Second Amendment and the rights that it affords U.S. citizens, ” the company’s website reads. “We support a comprehensive approach to preventing violence in our communities and a thorough evaluation of the challenges we face. However, like you, we do not support an erosion of fundamental rights in the process.”
The company’s website also notes that the company currently employs 1,600 people and that additional gun restrictions would only put these jobs in danger.
