Americans are still stocking up on guns, says Smith & Wesson.
The iconic gun maker posted quarterly sales of $143 million, up 32% from last year.
Gun sales have been hot for several years. There is no official tally of how many guns are sold in the United States, but the FBI is on track this year to process a record number of background checks, which are a close proxy for sales.
Smith & Wesson’s sales don’t include the period after last week’s terror attacks in San Bernardino, which left 14 dead. Gun sales often rise after high-profile shootings, especially if they’re accompanied by calls for tighter restrictions on guns.
Shares of Smith & Wesson have surged 116% this year, while Sturm, Ruger’s stock has climbed 66% this year.
