AOB, formerly known as Smith & Wesson, saw its share price collapse as it reported a $4.7m profit over the quarter compared with $37.6m a year earlier. “Our results for the third quarter reflected a continuation of challenging market conditions in the consumer market for firearms,” said Debney. The so-called “Trump slump” comes after a gun-buying bonanza during the Obama presidency, when buyers feared legislation would curtail their gun-buying activity. Last month, a 19-year-old former student at the high school in Florida used a legally bought Smith & Wesson M&P 15 .223 semi-automatic rifle to kill 17 students and teachers. Major gun retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart have changed their gun sales policies, with Dick’s no longer stocking assault-style rifles and both companies raising the age for buying guns to 21.

Source: The Guardian March 01, 2018 23:08 UTC