Sales of arms and ammunition in the United States are increasing. An amendment in the American Constitution makes the US a paradise for the purchase, sale, trafficking, and possession of firearms. The US is faced today with an estimated arsenal of 280 million handguns, shotguns, and rifles in the possession of its citizens. There is a fear among some sectors that the Obama administration will impose tighter regulations.

During recent months, trade in firearms and ammunition has multiplied throughout the country. Doubled and tripled in some areas. During the first three months of 2009 according to FBI data, there were four million applications for gun permits, an increase of 27% as compared to the same period last year.

Traditionally, sales of weapons in the United States tend to rise during times of economic crisis or in situations of uncertainty as what happened after 9/11 and the debacle of Hurricane Katrina. This time, however, the rise in arms acquisition is also linked to fears that the Obama administration, backed by the Democratic Party which is a majority in both Houses of Congress, will decide to impose tighter regulations.

The legendary Smith & Wesson company saw its stock price rising 70% thus far this year. The price of a Kalashnikov rifle has risen from $350 last September to over $700 in late 2008.

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Via The Seattle Times