Gun enthusiasts fearful of new weapon controls and alarmed by rumors of government hoarding are buying bullets practically by the bushel, making it hard for stores to keep shelves stocked and even putting a pinch on some local law enforcement departments.At a 24-hour Walmart in suburban Albany, the ammunition cabinet was three-fourths empty this week; sales clerks said customers must arrive before 9 the morning after a delivery to get what they want.Nearby, a sporting good mega-store puts up a red rope after ammunition deliveries so buyers can line up early to get a number, a

Senate legislators in Connecticut, where a gunman massacred 20 small children and six adults in December, passed the toughest US law on owning military-style rifles Wednesday. The assembly's senate voted 26 to 10 in favor of the law, which was drafted after bipartisan debate, the majority Democrats announced. The lower house was expected also to vote yes shortly after, with Governor Dannel Malloy planning a signing ceremony on Thursday. If made law, as expected, the legislation would be a boost for the country's beleaguered proponents of stricter gun controls.

* A dozen similar rallies to be held across U.S. * Washington marchers motivated by Conn. school massacre By Ian Simpson WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Residents of Newtown, Connecticut, site of a mass school shooting that reignited the U.S. gun violence debate, will take part in a Washington march for gun control on Saturday with activists, politicians and actors.