Shooting Wire

New York, NY - The shooting industry's most respected and opinioned duo, Field & Stream's Gun Nuts name their 24 top picks for today's best rifles and shotguns in the July issue of the magazine, hitting newsstands June 21. Packed with wit, wisdom and shooting tips from The Gun Nuts, Phil Bourjaily and David E. Petzal, the July issue also features a pull-out "I Heart Guns" target that readers can shoot for a chance to win a new Smith & Wesson rifle. For more information, pick up the July issue of Field & Stream or log onto FieldandStream.com

"Phil and Dave are experts in all things guns and ammo," says Anthony Licata, editorial director of Field & Stream. "Each rifle and shotgun they've selected reflects the art and science of modern gun design at its best. Guns today are better then ever with factory firearms that can outshoot custom guns from 20 years ago there's never been a better time to love guns."

The Gun Nuts, culled their 24 top picks from the rifles and shotguns that are available for sale on the market today. Calling on a lifetime of experience to name the selections, Bourjaily and Petzal, split the winning firearms into eight distinct categories. Rifle categories include: Custom Breakthoroughs; Rifles that Broke Mold; Factory Deadeyes; and The Heavy-Barrel Boys. Shotgun categories include: The Precisionists; The Neoclassicists; The Futurists; and The Minimalists.

Field & Stream isn't just reviewing guns, they're looking to give one away to the reader who can most creatively shoot the July issue of the magazine. The issue features a pull-out "I Heart Guns" target that can be shot with any gun. Submit snapshots of the target to FieldandStream.com/targetcontest2011. A new Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 .22 LR (worth $549) will be awarded to the winner.

The Gun Nuts will continue the debate over the top guns and all things related, from gun tests to rants, on their popular Field & Stream blog with the same name. The duo will also return for a second season of their powder-burning TV program, The Gun Nuts, airing on The Outdoor Channel. Each week experts Bourjaily and Petzal will be reviewing new rifles and shotguns, sharing smart shooting tips, and burning lots of powder. Tune in Wednesdays at 5 p.m., 8 p.m., or 11:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 3:30 a.m.; and Sundays at 6:30 a.m. (EST.)

THE GUN NUTS PICKS

Custom Breakthroughs
Jarrett Long Ranger
New Ultra Light Arms Model 24
Les Baer Custom AR .223 Super Varmint

Rifles The Broke The Mold
Weatherby mark V
Blaser R8
Marin Model 1895SBL

Factory Deadeyes
Weatherby Vanguard SUB-MOA
Savage Model 11 Long Range Hunter
Tikka T3 Lite

The Heavy-Barrel Boys
Thompson/Center Icon Warlord
Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision
Remington Model 40-XB Rangemaster

The Precisionists
Browning A-Bolt Shotgun
Savage 220F
Remington 850 Shurshot Super Slug

The Neoclassicists
Westley Richards Droplock
Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Co. A.H. Fox
Famars O/U

The Futurists
1. Benelli Vinci
2. Browning Maxus
3. Beretta A400 XCEL Sporting

The Minimalists
1. CZ-USA Bobwhite
2. Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag
3. Weatherby SA-08

Field & StreamÂ, The World's Leading Outdoor Magazine, is the country's largest enthusiast title and most recognized outdoor publication. Devoted to the complete outdoor experience and lifestyle, Field & Stream (FieldandStream.com) gives its readers the knowledge and inspiration to pursue the sports they love. It celebrates the outdoor experience with great stories, compelling photography and sound advice, while honoring the traditions hunters and fishermen have passed down for generations. Established in 1895, Field & Stream is published 11 times per year by the Bonnier Corporation.

The Bonnier Corporation (bonniercorp.com) is one of the largest consumer-publishing groups in America and the leading media company serving passionate, highly engaged audiences through more than 40 special-interest magazines and related multimedia projects and events.