HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Texas Gov. Rick Perry is courting Connecticut gun manufacturers, extolling the tax policies and regulatory climate of his state.

Perry spent time Monday shooting at a firing range at Colt Manufacturing Co., touring plants and meeting privately with company owners and other businesses. Some gun makers have threatened to leave Connecticut since the state passed new gun-control laws this year in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

At a news conference, Perry questioned whether Connecticut's regulatory climate allows citizens to enjoy their freedoms or ``are they going to relocate somewhere?''

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy made an unannounced visit to Perry's meeting in Hartford and offered what he called ``Yankee hospitality.''  He says he doesn't think Perry understands the kind of loss caused by Newtown ``and how it's affected people in our state.''

Perry said his visit to Connecticut and New York is not intended to boost his profile for another run at the Republican presidential nomination. He says 2016 will take care of itself.