TM,
A cowboy I may be, but get your facts straight before you have a go!
From Boeing FCOM Vol 2 Page 14.10.1
Landing Gear Limit (IAS)
Extend 270-.82M
Retract 235K
Extended 320K-.82M
Cheers,
Con
Edit: TM, on re reading your post I see you make point of saying " recommended speed". I havn't seen where Boeing state one for the gear, only Flap??
Gear out at 260kts is not a daily ocurrance and is below the Limit speed, so where is the problem?