Recreational

FFL dealers should advise their customers of two manufacturer recalls from Ruger and Smith & Wesson:

Eight years ago (February 2000), we tested the Raging Bull model, which was designed to take the pounding of the newest grenade on the block, the .454 Casull. At the time, the Bull was built on a new larger frame that was fit with a heavy 8 3/8-inch barrel. The barrel featured a deep full-length underlug and porting. The cylinder was braced with a second latch on the crane. The grip was also a new design with a shock-absorbing insert along the backstrap.

Each of these features were carried over to subsequent chamberings, which today include .454 Casull, .41 Magnum, 500 Magnum and of course the subject of this test, .44 Magnum.

The winner of that test was the $625 Taurus Raging Bull Model 444B8, the only one of three .44 Magnums that the Gun Tests staff thought was ready for the field straight out of the box. It earned an ‘A’-grade from the magazine.

As a Federal firearms licensee (FFL), it is your duty and obligation to account for the acquisition and disposition of firearms, and it is essential to ensure that firearms are not diverted to the criminal element whether by theft or pilferage. ATF is dedicated to your success in fulfilling your duties and preventing the unlawful diversion of firearms. The following guidance on required and recommended security measures is intended to assist you in accomplishing these goals.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Shooting is pleased to announce that the long-awaited air pistols from Air Arms are available to all USAS members and are ready to ship.

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2008 World Skeet Shooting Championships held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, TX, October 3-11.

SOUTHPORT, CT - Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. has introduced a special, limited-production New Vaquero for the Cowboy Fast Draw Association (CFDA).

EXETER, NH - The recently introduced Sig Sauer Stoplite is designed to operate as a standalone flashlight or can be attached to an accessory rail, doubling as a vertical grip.

NORTH HAVEN, CT - Mossberg International has introduced the new SA-20 Semi-Automatic 20 Gauge Shotgun. This gas-operated shotgun is available in two models to fit all size shooters. The SA-20 is fitted with a standard 14-inch length of pull (LOP) synthetic stock and forearm while the SA-20 Bantam features a shortened 13-inch LOP. The gas system on this reliable wingshooter vents excess gases to aid in recoil reduction and helps in eliminating stress on the operating components.

BEIJING, China —The U.S. Olympic Team for Shooting turned out an outstanding performance at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China earning six medals to double the medal count from Athens four years ago. Arguably, the most successful showing for the U.S. in the history of the Olympic shooting competition, the U.S. Shooting team brought home two gold, two silver and two bronze medals and set a total of five new Olympic records.

Gun Tests magazine recognized this in the January 2007 issue, when the magazine staff wrote that the 45 ACP was a Best Buy. “Ten rounds of big bullet with a full-size grip highlight this low-priced street fighter. A thumb safety and Heinie sights are plusses in our book.” A recent check of www.Gunbroker.com showed a couple of choices for the gun, both of which were substantially below the MSRP quoted in that issue—$421.

New for 2008, Winchester offers a rimfire load designed to feed and function in single-shot rifles chambered for the vintage .22 Long (L) and .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridges.

The low-noise Winchester SUPER-X CB-match with a lightweight 29-grain conical lead bullet is suited for practice and discreet outdoor pest control.

The low-noise Winchester SUPER-X CB-match with a lightweight 29-grain conical lead bullet is suited for practice and discreet outdoor pest control.