Via Mike Krieger of Liberty Blitzkrieg blog,

I have maintained for quite some time that the only true “consumer confidence” statistic one should look at is that of gun sales. The bottom line is people do not hoard guns when they are confident about the future of the country, and gun sales have never been better. More evidence emerged as Smith & Wesson just announced record financial results. From the company’s press released announced after the market close:

Net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter were a record$136.6 million, up 48.0% from the second quarter last year. The increase was led by continued strong sales across all of the company’s firearm product lines, including M&P™ branded products, such as pistols, modern sporting rifles, and the recently launched Shield™ pistol designed for concealed carry and personal protection. Not only that, but they think the future is equally confident…for gun sales at least. The company expects net sales from continuing operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to be between$126.0 million and $131.0 million, which would represent year-over-year growth from continuing operations in excess of 30.0%. The company anticipates GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of between$0.19 and $0.21for the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Perhaps this is why Bob Costas and Piers Morgan are running around the mainstream media bashing guns. The White House is totally freaked out about this and I guarantee you there will be a meeting about these results in D.C. shortly.

Full press release here.

[ZH: Cue gratuitous (and infamous) Israeli gun-toting woman in bikini]