By By Ken Hanly Dec 27, 2012 in Business Springfield - While many state lawmakers call for stricter gun controls, at the same time many states subsidize the gun industry. Smith and Wesson receives a large tax credit from the state of Massachusetts. The credit is said to have brought a maximum of 225 jobs to the state at a cost of roughly 27,000 dollars per job. The credit works out to a little less than a dollar per person in Massachusetts. While accepting tax credits to the state, Smith and Wesson has given over a million dollars to the National Rifle Association. In return it would seem, the NRA recommends more guns to promote safety from gun violence. Smith and Weston investor documents note that one factor in growth of gun sales is spending by law enforcement. The NRA position on arming school guards would increase sales in this area. However another prime factor is media-stoked fear. ”speculation surrounding increased gun control and heightened fears of terrorism and crime can affect consumer demand for our products.” News reports about increased gun controls generates strong demand for guns. Gun makers thought that Bill Clinton was a great sales person for guns and no doubt a similar effect will now be felt with Obama's decision to ask for recommendations on gun controls. Concerns about new legislation is Obama's stimulus spending has been “Police departments are using some of the stimulus money to arm up, helping to make Obama ‘gun salesman of the century.” In 2009 consumer sales went up by 28% due to fear but law enforcement spending jumped even more by 32%. Smith and Wesson has headquarters in Springfield, MA. According to its own 2012 investment report to the SEC, it received a large multi-million dollar tax credit from the state. The tax credit of $6 million started in 2010 and will continue to 2017.The credit is said to have brought a maximum of 225 jobs to the state at a cost of roughly 27,000 dollars per job. The credit works out to a little less than a dollar per person in Massachusetts. While accepting tax credits to the state, Smith and Wesson has given over a million dollars to the National Rifle Association. In return it would seem, the NRA recommends more guns to promote safety from gun violence.Smith and Weston investor documents note that one factor in growth of gun sales is spending by law enforcement. The NRA position on arming school guards would increase sales in this area. However another prime factor is media-stoked fear. The company notes:News reports about increased gun controls generates strong demand for guns. Gun makers thought that Bill Clinton was a great sales person for guns and no doubt a similar effect will now be felt with Obama's decision to ask for recommendations on gun controls. Concerns about new legislation is fueling gun and ammo sales in a way that CEO of Smith and Wesson calls "pretty exciting".Obama's stimulus spending has been another boon for the gun industry. Journalist Patrik Jonsson wrote:In 2009 consumer sales went up by 28% due to fear but law enforcement spending jumped even more by 32%. This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com More about Smith and Wesson, Massachusetts, Tax credits More news from Smith and Wesson Massachusetts Tax credits