Recreational

Getting into Cowboy Action shooting can be an exercise in frustration, considering only the selection of the handguns needed for that lively game. There are hundreds of them to choose from. So Gun Tests magazine chose three likely six-shooters that promise to do everything needed, and do it well. The three are chambered in .45 Long Colt, which they felt offered a lot more than just an historic viewpoint. The big .45 is a versatile caliber in a good revolver, and was their first choice.

Here's a look at the 2011 new products from Taurus.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has begun an investigation into a central-Texas concealed-carry-instructor who said in a recent radio advertisement that he wouldn’t teach the handgun course to a “socialist liberal,” people who voted for the “current campaigner-in-chief,” or to a “non-Christian Arab or Moslem.”

Gun Tests magazine recently tested the all-American Ruger Red Label engraved model, marketed as a general-purpose model suitable for hunting and casual clays use. In more detail, it was a 3-inch-chamber 12 gauge that would likely be the most expensive shotgun 95% of us might own. The Ruger Red Label Engraved No. KRL-1227-BRE 3-Inch 12 gauge lists at $2180.

We're not endorsing Gov. Rick Perry for president, but it is certainly refreshing to see an executive choosing a different kind of recreation besides golf. GunReports.com advertiser LaRue Tactical hosted Perry recently for a little sniper-rifle shooting.

The 22 autoloading rifle is an American icon. Many a youngster had one for his first rifle, and while they may not be ideal for that service, they are unquestionably handy rifles for any serious outdoorsman. They can also be excellent training pieces for just about anyone interested in serious shooting. So Gun Tests Magazine found a Remington 597 SS with stainless barrel and synthetic stock ($283) at a local gun shop.

The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire (2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute), employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source. FPS Russia shoots one in the video here.

(GunReports.com) -- Chiappa Firearms is introducing two new .45-70 lever action carbines for 2011. These new carbines can safely fire full-power modern era ammunition or traditional era correct .45-70 loads.

There's something about shotguns that brings out the worst in otherwise knowledgeable people. A vast majority of shooters don't even know how to get and keep barrels clean and shiny. Even fewer have any idea about shotgun sights and their use. Still, solving these and other problems are intimidating to the novice, yet there is nothing to most of the jobs after overcoming the initial mystique of these jobs. The easiest are removing slight surface rust from barrels and polishing shotgun bores. Installing sights that will really help the shooter also fall into the easy job category. We will cover these here in enough depth for you to take on any of these jobs comfortably.

If you’re interested in long distance rifle shooting, or in hunting with a rifle, I highly recommend that you check out the Spirit Ridge Rifle Golf facility, in Utah. The “golf” part of the name is really just part of the rules for how your shots are scored. Other than that, it’s all rifle and no golf, and it’s one of the best opportunities I’ve ever seen to test one’s rifle skills.

The 50th Anniversary Citori shotgun is a collaboration between manufacturer Browning and retailer Cabela's.

I. Passengers are prohibited from carrying firearms, firearm parts and ammunition Federal regulations administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibit the carriage of firearms and guns, as well as parts of firearms and guns (such as magazines or clips, bolts, firing pins, and other components), in the traveler's possession or in carry-on luggage on commercial aircraft. …