CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Even as the broader markets continue to suffer, the re-election of President Barack Obama has helped spark an ongoing rally for shares of two major firearms companies. Smith & Wesson Holdings SWHC was up 3% while Sturm Ruger & Co. RGR, +0.34% gained 5% Thursday, following strong gains on the previosu session. The jumps mirror a similar surge in 2008 and 2009 when fears --- later proven to be unfounded -- of new regulations on gun ownership generated brisk sales.