Idaho to choose a state gun in midterm polls

Idaho, a mostly rural state without a requirement for a gun license, is set to decide on an official state firearm during its upcoming US midterm elections. Voters will be presented with a non-binding ballot measure, allowing them to choose their preferred firearm from a list of six contenders that could potentially become the state's emblematic weapon.

The options include four rifles, such as two Winchester models, a single-action revolver (.45 Colt, currently the state firearm of Arizona), and an automatic pistol (.45 Colt, already the state firearm of Utah).

The idea was proposed by Idaho's House Majority leader Jason Monks, a Republican, who introduced the measure in March. He argued that while many states have state birds, flowers, and even a state pie flavor, the United States is lacking a state gun. Monks suggested that Idaho should follow suit and officially recognize a firearm as its state gun.

If the measure secures the popular vote, it will be brought back to the legislature for final approval. Should the legislature pass the bill, the chosen firearm would then become Idaho's official state gun. According to the National Rifle Association (NRA), currently, 10 states have already designated a state gun, seven of which are rifles and three handguns.

The prevalence of guns in Idaho, a state with a strong gun culture, is well-documented. The NRA reports that guns are common in the largely rural state, and no license is required for their possession or carrying. A Pew Research poll conducted in 2024 indicates that around a third of the US population owns at least one firearm. Although the precise number of guns in the US is challenging to determine, federal law prohibits the creation of a national registry. However, estimates suggest that there are significantly more firearms than people in the country.