There are official state seals, birds and flowers—and over the last four years, six states have also adopted state firearms. Utah was the first, naming the Browning M1911 semi-automatic pistol the official firearm in 2011. Arizona followed suit, adopting the Colt Single Action Army revolver later that year.
Soon after, more state guns were recognized. Indiana adopted the Grouseland Rifle in 2012, and in 2013, West Virginia named the Hall Flintlock Model 1819 as the official firearm. In 2014, two more states followed suit, with Pennsylvania choosing the Long Rifle and Alaska selecting the Winchester pre-1964 Model 70.
Opponents like Pennsylvania state Rep. Mark B. Cohen toe the typical gun-control line, saying that a state gun would be offensive to many Pennsylvanians. However, if historical connection is the usual reasoning for state symbol status, why should that not apply to firearms as well?
