Smith & Wesson (think Dirty Harry) Stocks are up 30%

[Kristen Horton]

Is anyone (else) concerned about gun sales rising while the market keeps falling? Or is the rise driven by politics?

Smith & Wesson stocks up 30% since Feb. 19th from WSJ.com

[Stephen Howard]

I am not concerned about the rise in Smith & Wesson stock or rising gun sales. Typically criminals will not buy new guns or have background checks ran as is needed when a new gun is purchased.

It is important to realize the rise in gun sales in majority is by law abiding citizens. I suspect that the reasons vary, but would assume that one of the main reasons would be for home protection. It has been proven as economic times get tough robberies, break ins and theft increases.

I myself in the last 6 months have purchased a new handgun and also got my conceal/carry permit which allows me to carry a handgun with me or in my car.

[Kristen Horton]

Wow, Stephen, how did you get a ccw permit? I'm (fairly) new to Indiana and in Ca. it's like an act of Congress for someone to get one... Also, be careful, I shot myself once because I carried a gun (and dropped it) - it's a long story, but truly, be carefully.

[Cissi Sherlock]

It's funny you should say that. I walked past a cop at Ben Davis lst night when the girls came in. he dropped his gun and scared the Beejeebies out of me. I just imagined it going off.

Ben Davis High School GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM WON THE NATIONAL TITLE AND RECEIVED A FULL POLICE AND FIRE ESCORT HOME. CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT GOING ACROSS THE CITY! IMAGINE THE AERIAL VIEW!

Go Ben Davis Girls!

[Adam Yale]

Definitely politically driven. I went to the gun show at the fairgrounds this past January with my brother-in-law. They said it was the busiest show they've ever had. Shoulder to shoulder people buying up all the guns they could. Why? Well, all you had to do was look around at all the posters of Obama with Hitler's hand on his shoulder to see what motivated our "conservative" friends. Posters everywhere saying Obama is going to take your guns!!! Poor sheeple are lead so easily.

By the way, they aren't going to take your guns. That will never happen. That would probably result in the next American Civil War. No, the way they are going to do it is by taking your ammo. There's legislation in states all over the country to have registration numbers stamped on the back of all bullets. That way they can track who bought which bullet. Also, after the legislation is passed, you have to get rid of all old ammo within one year. It will be illegal to have any ammo that is not stamped & registered. On top of that, there's a per bullet tax increase. Yep, they're raising the price and tracking who buys what. The bill died here in Indiana this past time around, but I have no doubt it will be back.

Lock & load!

[Jeff Zuber]

Historically, when times have become tough in our economy Americans have sought to protect themselves and their families. With the rise in unemployment eventually comes a rise in crime. Couple this with a more than liberal federal goverment and people will panic buy things that they believe will be banned.

What concerns me is not the rise in gun sales but the people who purchase guns without the proper training. When I bought my first handgun many years ago the first thing I did was to take a week long intensive training course. Not only did I learn the proper way to use my new "tool" they spent a lot of time educating the class on the ramnifications of using it. This type of training should be mandatory for someone seeking a carry permit. I know that I have walked away from a lot of situations that I wouldn't have before. And Chris if it makes you feel safer I very rarely carry.

What the Americn public doesn't sometimes understand is that the vast majority of homicides are commited by people who are not using legally obtained, registered firearms. To say we should ban guns should also mean that we ban any other "tool" that might kill someone. so turn in your cars, steak knifes and yes even hammers and don't forget the fireplace poker while your at it. Yes, guns are more efficient at killing but a 3000 lb car is every bit as efficient. Dead is dead no matter what.

With the proper training, shooting sports can be a rewarding hobby. My sons and I have enjoyed hunting and skeet for many years. (and my oldest daughter is pretty good also.) I don't buy "man killer" loads and most of my amunition comes from Wal-Mart. I don't believe that the United Nations is going to take over the world but I do believe that I am granted certain liberties and owning a gun for sport and prtection is one of them.