Gun stocks jump on Wednesday's shootings

American gun manufacturers watched their shares climb on Wednesday, in the wake of mass shootings in both Virginia and San Francisco.

Why it happens: Firearms aficionados often purchase new product after high-profile gun crimes, out of fear that the publicity will result in stricter regulations. Traders today still expect this trend to persist, despite an NRA-friendly White House and no federal firearms laws being passed in the wake of Sandy Hook, San Bernadino, the Pulse Nightclub, etc.

What's missing: America's largest firearms manufacturer, Remington Outdoor Co. (f.k.a. Freedom Group), does not have public stock, as it is owned by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.