Gun Stocks Surge; Smith & Wesson Shares Peek Into Record Territory

Shares of gun makers rallied in morning trade Friday, as the recent spate of shootings helped fuel expectations of increased gun-control rhetoric. Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.'s stock climbed 2.8%, but had been up as much as 5.2% at the intraday high of $29.75, which was above the March 17, 2016 record close of $29.37. The gains follow recent shootings in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas. Analysts have said regulatory fears are among the biggest drivers of consumer demand. Shares of Sturm Ruger & Co. ran up 4.2% and of Vista Outdoor Inc. rose 1.8%. Year to date, shares of Smith & Wesson have surged 32%, Sturm Ruger gained 13% and Vista Outdoor rose 12%, while the S&P 500 has advanced 3.6%.