Posted: 7/6/2026 6:04:05 PM EDT
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Idaho Voters to Decide Official State Gun in November 2026 Ballot Measure "Idaho is making history with a bold move that puts the power straight into the hands of its citizens. Come November 2026, voters will weigh in on an advisory ballot measure to name an official state gun, and the options on the table are nothing short of legendary. This isn't just a fun poll—it's a celebration of American ingenuity, frontier spirit, and the enduring right to keep and bear arms that defines the Gem State. The five finalists each carry deep roots in our nation's story. The Winchester Model 1894 and Model 1873 represent the lever-action rifles that tamed the West, tools that pioneers relied on for protection and provision. The Colt Single Action Army, often called the Peacemaker, became synonymous with lawmen and outlaws alike during the expansion era. Then there's the battle-proven M1 Garand, the semi-automatic rifle that helped win World War II, and the Colt M1911, the rugged .45 ACP sidearm trusted by generations of soldiers and civilians alike. Why This Matters for Gun Owners Designating an official state gun sends a clear message: Idaho values its firearms heritage and refuses to let anti-Second Amendment voices dictate the narrative. These aren't just pieces of metal and wood—they're symbols of self-reliance, marksmanship, and the individual liberty that the Constitution protects. By letting the people choose, legislators are reinforcing that gun ownership is a proud part of Idaho's identity, not something to hide or apologize for." https://ballotpedia.org/Idaho_Official_State_Gun_Question_(2026) Hmm. While okay with something more long-term historical than having some recent Idaho-made AR15 or something on the ballot, I'm trying to figure out what the choices have to DO with Idaho. (Like, were any manufactured or invented here?) I'd normally go 1911 because John Freakin' Browning, but... Utah's already got claim on the Mormon Manufacturer. Hmm. Discuss. |
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Originally Posted By Orbital-Burn: AR-15 would have been the best choice. The 5 finalists are all fuddish guns. Maybe there'll be write-in vote ability. :) But really, if someone's going to do a STATE GUN, it seems like there should be something historically relevant to the State it's representing. Does the AR15 have any connections to Idaho, other than the usual bevy of modern brands and shops (that most states have) that slap their name on a lower that was originally designed in Hollywood, CA by Stoner, Sullivan, and Fremont? Utah with Browning, Kentucky and Pennsylvania with their state-named "Long Rifles", Barrett being the pride and joy of Tennessee, those sort of things make sense. Texas (Colt Walker Revolver) strongly associated with the Texas Rangers, but I'd think it would be appropriate to actually have an Idaho-state tie to an Idaho-state gun. Elmer Keith developed the .44 Magnum, so the Smith & Wesson 29 at least has a solid tie from that perspective. Or, cringy, but there's always the Wilkinson Arms "Linda" carbine. :D |
