Market Reaction - Shares of gun manufacturers experienced a significant spike following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a trend commonly observed after high-profile shootings as consumers tend to purchase firearms out of fear of potential restrictions on gun sales [1][4]. - Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. saw its shares rise by 6.7% on Wednesday afternoon, with an additional increase of 2.6% during premarket trading on Thursday before declining by approximately 2% after the market opened [1]. - Sturm Ruger & Company closed up more than 3% on Wednesday and surged an additional 3% during after-hours trading, while American Outdoor Brands rose by 5.3% on the same day [2]. Historical Context - Historical data indicates that gun stocks typically surge after mass shooting incidents. For instance, following the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, Smith & Wesson shares increased by 11% and Sturm Ruger & Company by 5% [5]. - After the Uvalde elementary school shooting in 2022, Smith & Wesson stocks surged by 7% and Sturm Ruger & Company jumped by 4% [5]. Industry Insights - Experts have noted that the gun industry operates under "perverse incentives," where sales and stock prices tend to rise in the aftermath of violent events [3]. - Research indicates that high-profile shootings lead to increased gun purchases as individuals seek to protect themselves and hedge against potential firearm bans [4].